I knew from reading the FML that ferrets are fond of soap. I was still caught off guard this weekend when my 7 1/2 mos. old male found his first bar of soap. I put Brae on top of the washer/dryer while I was doing laundry. He was checking out the items on top of the dryer and discovered the bar of Fels-Naptha (a bar soap for removing laundry stains). I quickly reached to remove the soap from his reach, but Brae was faster. Before I knew it, he had latched onto the bar of soap, hissing and breathing heavily. When I tried to pull the bar away, he hissed even louder, trying to pull it away from me. I touched him to scruff him, and he hissed and breathed even worse! For the first time I was afraid he might bite me. I did manage to scruff him, tentatively reached into his mouth and separated his jaws. That bar of soap now has four deep gashes in it!! Brae often "yawns" when I'm holding him or trying to cuddle him. I'm sure it's a sign of irritation or impatience, but am not sure. Can anyone explain this? Brae is an only ferret; we've had him for 5 1/2 mos. and he hasn't been around any other ferrets in that time. I suspect he may be lonely, because it seems like he spends an awful lot of time sleeping. He often sleeps under (actually, inside) the couch, and will sleep for hours in there, sometimes coming out only to relieve himself and go back to sleep. We spend time with him every day, but I'm sure many days we have not spent the time with him we should. Do single ferrets get lonely? He is in his cage during the day while we are at work/school, and let him out until bedtime. Occasionally, I leave him out of his cage at night, too. Should we get another ferret to keep him company, or is that necessary? Maybe if he had more toys Sorry this has gotten a little long-winded -- appreciate any responses. You can respond directly to the FML - I read it every day; it's my "daily vitamin"!!! : - ) Deb PS: Someone had a suggestion that ferret stories be made into a book and called "Duck Soup for the Ferret Lovers' Soul" and proceeds go to shelters - I think it's an excellent idea! [Posted in FML issue 2321]