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Post by Amanda on Aug 30, 2015 9:34:18 GMT -5
Our Cat had babies a little under a week ago and we put baby gates up so the ferrets could not get to them and have been keeping a close eye on them when they are loose in the house. This morning, our ferret that has gotten along with our cat the entire time we have had him attacked one of the kittens and tried to kill it. I called the vet and they cannot see us until tomorrow...is there any advice on how to care for the kitten until tomorrow when te vet opens? Also, anybody know of any places to take ferrets to so they can be rehomed? Thanks in advance
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Post by FerretsnFalcons on Aug 30, 2015 10:26:38 GMT -5
Hi Amanda, I'm so sorry about the kitten. However, ferrets are predators and cannot be around smaller animals. Your ferret probably thought the kitten was prey and this brought out his instincts as a hunter. I know you're probably incredibly angry at your ferret right now and are horrified that he would do such a thing, but I don't think rehoming the ferrets is the best option. You were committed to them before you were committed to the kittens, and it's not really the ferret's fault, so I don't think it's fair to give them away. There have been members here and on other forums who have had pets injure/kill other pets, but they kept them because they knew it wasn't the animal's fault, and that they could prevent this from happening in the future. I know that if you rehomed the ferrets you would regret doing so as time passed. Is there a room you can keep the cat and kittens in, with a door that could be shut instead of just a baby gate? Is there anyone (friends, family, etc.) who might be able to take the cats to their house and care for them until the kittens are old enough to find new homes? You could still visit them, and they'd be safe from the ferrets. I think these are both good options, you don't have to rehome the ferrets. As far as the injured kitten go, is it bleeding? If he is, I would definitely disinfect the wound and bandage it up to prevent infection before the vet's visit. If the injuries are more serious, I would get to an emergency vet immediately. I hope that the kitten is okay and that this situation can be resolved without you rehoming your ferrets. They depended on you to love and care for them their whole lives, not just until they did something bad. Also, I'm sure you already know this and I don't want to sound preachy, but this whole situation probably could have been avoided in the first place if your cat had been spayed. Please do so after the kittens are grown up.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 30, 2015 11:10:24 GMT -5
Not knowing the depth of the injuries for the kitten there is nothing we can say beyond leave him with mum. She will keep him warm and feeding will keep his strength up.
As for rehoming the ferrets, why? That is what ferrets will often do which is why it is strongly recommended to never allow them with a kitten younger than 4 months, or any prey animal.
Now you know the issue you can work around it.
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Post by FireAngel on Aug 30, 2015 12:15:46 GMT -5
I have to say I am in total agreement with Sherry and FerretsnFalcons. You knew this could happen and that is why you were watchful and attempted to keep them separate. It is a terribly unfair situation for everyone involved. I can only hope you rethink giving up one of your fur-babies and come up with a better separation solution. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 12:26:03 GMT -5
I am very sorry about the kitten.
It truly is not your ferret's fault. Ferrets can climb and a baby gate is not a challenge.
The ferret was following their natural instinct.
Even another cat might have tried to hurt someone's else's kitten.
It's nature and it's hard to understand.
This happens all too often and the ferret is the one to pay the price.
Is this your only ferret? I suspect you will rehome him and if he has a bonded friend, please don't separate them.
Your ferret will grieve over the loss of his home and losing a bonded friend would be too much for him.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 12:37:06 GMT -5
I am so sorry. Hope little one makes it ok . Do keep us informed. Maybe you can lock up kitties in your bedroom.
Again, hope the little one makes it. I think Sherry has the best idea as letting it stay warm with mom and get plenty of nourishment
I know we luv ferrets here, but can't we grieve a little for kitty and forget the--- I told u so.
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Post by Heather on Aug 30, 2015 13:37:23 GMT -5
It's not an "I told you so", Abbeytheferret6....it's the fact that a ferret looses it's home because of something it does naturally. I hope the wee kitty makes it, tuck the lot away with a door between your ferrets and the kitties. That should keep them safe. A gate will never stop a ferret. Punishing a ferret, rehoming it for doing something that it does naturally is not a good method of dealing with one's guilt. Ferrets are natural born hunters. Even the most tame Marshals hunts. I truly hope kitty makes it and the damage is not serious but punishing the ferrets isn't the answer either
ciao
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 13:49:03 GMT -5
I'm so sorry for your kitty, I hope everything goes well ! I agree with everyone else, punishing the ferret is not the answer... i can relate to your experience, one of my ferrets nearly killed my mom's cat, and my cat managed to fit and killed my fish from the fishtank... but it's not their fault.. of course i was upset, but I didn't punish either of them, but rather worked hard to make sure they don't meet again. I remember someone here went through something really traumatic with a wolfdog that killed their baby bunny, and as I remember, she/he still kept the dog, and made sure they never meet again. I know how angry it made you, but we have no control over their instics, and neither do they...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 13:57:15 GMT -5
You already know how the majority feel about rehoming your ferret so I won't bore you with more of the same. As far as caring for the kitten goes keep it with its mother but make sure it stays warm, if needs be get a syringe, a glass of water(preferably cimicat kitten formula but water works in emergencies) and some sugar. Put a couple of teaspoons of sugar into the water/cimicat formula and feed 1 small syringe worth of sugar solution every two hours.
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Post by Samantha :) on Aug 30, 2015 15:22:37 GMT -5
I agree about not punishing or rehoming your ferret. My friend was watching her friends husky mix and the dog killed one of her bunnies after her daughter didn't latch the cage door correctly. My friend understood it was not the dogs fault, it was an unfortunate accident.
If you do choose to re home your ferret, if he has a cage mate/mates please re home them together. Don't break up bonded ferrets.
Not trying to sound preachy but please have your cat spayed and make sure the homes the kitties go to have them spayed or neutered. Too many unwanted cats are killed in shelters, no need to add more to the population.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 15:35:27 GMT -5
Samantha, I can't pm you. Would you like me to start you another thread to discuss your Adrenal issues?
One that is drama free?
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Post by Samantha :) on Aug 30, 2015 15:54:41 GMT -5
Yes please!  |
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Post by Sherry on Aug 30, 2015 16:08:32 GMT -5
Samantha- sign up for the forum here! Fill out the registration and you won't be limited to the guest board |
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Post by Samantha :) on Aug 30, 2015 16:21:52 GMT -5
Just did. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 16:23:23 GMT -5
I'll build a thread and title Samantha's Adrenal Questions.
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