Posted by cathyjp7 on April 14, 2003 at 08:31:59:
In Reply to: Serious Questions posted by distortionz on April 11, 2003 at 21:08:17:
No, ferrets are not a feline, they are a mustelid (or something similar to that spelling). They are related to the polecat, mongoose, etc. When it comes to shots, they usually get the canine rabies vaccination, so they are actually closer to dogs than cats. They can contract distemper, but I am not very familiar if that would be the canine variety or the feline variety, or some other variation. They can contract colds and the flu from humans.
I hope it was not your vet or the pet store that told you they are feline, but it appears that a copy of the book Ferrets for Dummies is in order. This can be found at most large pet stores and is a very good source of information from training to health issues. Also, try surfing on www.ferretcentral.org, they have links to a multitude of good info regarding ferrets.
I don't think there's much problem among ferrets and cats, my ferrets think the cats are great toys, and my cats are terrified of the ferrets, but my cats are big sissies. Until they get comfortable with each other, don't leave them unsupervised, especially if the ferret is not full grown.
