Reply #8: regarding ferrrets....

[mike_c]

I've had several ferrets over the years, and lots of cats too. I like ferrets-- they're great animals, but I think you probably made the right decision. Ferrets are much higher maintenance pets than cats, typically-- mostly because of the lengths you need to go to in order to protect them and your stuff.

You've never really gotten in touch with your living space until you've ferret-proofed it. Found every hole, crack, and crevice under your baseboards, appliances, and furniture. Ferret proofing appliances like stoves and refrigerators, washers and dryers, is especially fun. While my ferrets were alive I replaced all of my upholstered furniture, like my couch, and chairs, with futon style NON-UPHOLSTERED furniture that the weasels couldn't burrow into and nest inside. I once spent the better part of an hour shaking a living room chair upside down to dislodge my car keys from somewhere inside and get them to fall out. The carpet sharks had lifted those keys from inside my pants pocket after I'd negligently left them on the floor. NEVER EVER leave anything on the floor if you have ferrets, LOL-- we used to put our shoes on top of the dresser at night because the ferrets would steal the insoles if we didn't.

I loved my ferrets, but I don't think I'll have any more.