Hi again Fellow Ferret Fanciers! So many people (a lot of them, new posters) have been posting requesting help on litterbox training that I thought I'd post again about Oliver & the "box." He's always been very good. A 99% hit rate. Even when he first adopted me and did his first little poopie on the floor, I picked up the poopie and put it into his litter box. He sniffed if and looked at me as if to say, "Poop in litter box - I've got it" and he did! He's a free-roam ferret and I let HIM CHOOSE the spot for his litterboxes. In other words, when he pooped in that first corner, that's where the box went. We have two boxes - one in the hall and one in the bedroom (he sleeps on the bed - with or without me! *grin*). If there's ever a problem; if we relocate furniture or when we visit my mother for the weekend, I just clean the accident site well and put his basket, car carrier or a food dish on the site. He'd NEVER go pottie where he eats or sleeps! Works like a charm. ON FAKING IT: Oliver fakes pottie, too! (Of course, it's not to get out of a cage, since he's never in one.) I always praised and cuddled him for going to the litterbox when he was little - and I find I still do quite often(a little positive reinforcement can't hurt!). I notice him hopping into the box and looking right at me. I know he's faking because he's in and out too quickly to do anything but I always priase him anyway. Then he runs over for a bit of play or a cuddle. Just attention seeking, I guess. Gotta' love'em! ON COAT GROWTH: I've noticed Oliver is a little itchier than usual these past couple of weeks. The last time that happened, I checked his fur and noticed these tiny little hairs sprouting. I guess the growth was making him itchy. This time, I suspected his fall coat was coming in - and sure enough! Anyone else notice this extra-itchiness at coat-growth time? Healing thoughts to sick fuzzies and parents. Dooks to All, Andrea Maunder Kisses & Nosenibbles from Oliver: "I've been waiting by the bathroom door all morning, Mom. I'm kinda' itchy and I want my shower. Come on!" [Posted in FML issue 1734]