I too have a little gut who is terrifired of the vac. My other 13 couldn;t care less about it and some even attack it. Max however is beside himself in his fear. When I first got him if I used the vac he would run to the top of his cage and shiver uncontrolably and stare glassy eyed for 10 - 15 minutes. I always took him form his cage when I was done and loved him until he came around then we had a treat. Now that I am able to have him in with some of my other kids he is better. Sometimes he snuggles in close with the others ans once in a while he runs to the top of the cage but he no longer shivers or gets glassy eyed. I make sure he is awake and aware that I have the vacuum so I don't startle him. today he was out and I ran the vac and he hid under the dresser but he came out when I was done. I always Hold him, talk to him and offer a treat afterwards. He is gettign much better. I feel he is trusting me not to let him be hurt. He was kept solitary when I got him and he is still learning how to be a ferret. It is wonderful to see the changes. Terry & the Fab 14 [Posted in FML issue 1707]