To give Tammy C. an answer to her question concerning her pregnant friend: I read that ferrets can spread RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) to young children. Plus ferrets can carry bacteria such as Salmonella like every other pet can. Before she freaks out and gets rid of her ferret, please tell her to consult a veterinarian that is familiar with ferrets. I don't believe that giving her ferret away is necessary. I believe that cats carry RSV also, and I have known people to automatically boot their cats out when they have a child. I am just a vet student, so I strongly suggest she consult a knowledgable veterinarian. Plus, I am new to this mailing list, but I have a question for anyone. My ferret is 4 years old and used to have a bad problem with scratching. SHe has destroyed numerous doors and carpeting. Eventually she calmed down and stopped doing it for which I was grateful. Little did I know that she stopped doing it because of insulinoma. She just didn't have enough energy to scratch. Now that she is on medication her energy levels are high again and she keeps me up at night---scratching on the carpet beside my bed. Has anyone been successful in stopping this unwanted behavior? Does anyone have advice? **************** Shelley Straight VMRCVM [log in to unmask] **************** [Posted in FML issue 1859]