Breed Profile: Ferret

Ok, so there is only one kind of pet ferret. Deal with it.

Ferrets are a type of weasel, obviously. The domestic ferret can weigh anywhere from 1 and a half pounds to 4 or 5 pounds, and are usually 20 inches long. They have a narrow head, small ears, and a moderately long tail, as well as a long lanky body and short legs. This body shape allows them to squeeze into amazingly small and cramped spaces, so it's rather difficult to ferret proof a home. The shape also gives them the odd "ferret-hop" gate.

No one is really certain about the history of ferret domestication. They are very closely related to polecats, and one theory is that they are just decedents from tamed polecats that were caught and trained for rabbit hunting. Ferrets are actually still used for hunting rabbits, but don't ask me how you hunt with a ferret.

Ferrets make great pets, as long as you are willing to take the time to handle your pet, and don't mind picking up (or finding things they stole) after them. They are very social, so it is usually recommend that if you are planning on getting a ferret, you should get 2 so they have company. You should also handle and play with your ferret every day, more so if you only have one. This can be done by letting them romp in a special play area, or allowing them to roam free.

If you allow them to roam, be sure that there is nothing dangerous anywhere on the floor, or furniture the ferret could conceivably get up onto. Or anywhere for that matter. Ferrets are by nature very inquisitive, and tend to take things they like, be it a hairbrush, keys, remote control, or dog biscuits, and horde them, so you want to keep those out of reach as well, or learn where your ferret keeps its hoards and retrieve them after you've put the ferret away. Doing so while the ferret is out won't do any good, they'll just take them again.

It should be said that it is futile to scold a ferret. It's also very hard to stay mad at them. Training is trial and error, with rewards being the most successful way to handle things. When it comes to litter training, they'll mostly train themselves, as ferrets are neat about waste, and tend to pick one corner anyway. Though, naturally, you can't expect perfection from even the best trained ferret, particularly if it's mad at you.

Ferrets do have an oder as they are a muskilid (weasels, skunks, ext), but most of the pets you see on the market have been "desented", or had their sent glands removed. This is usually done when the animal is spayed or neutered. There is a lot of debate on whether this is wise, some siting that desenting causes health problems if it is done too young, but no official study has been done. Desenting does not completely get rid of the oder, though regular bathing helps.

Most pet ferrets you see in stores come from "Marsals Ferret" a commercial breeder. The company also makes ferret food, toys and equipment. You can also go to a small ferret breeder. I will not say which is better or worse, but I will say always make sure your ferret is socialized before getting it, since they can bite hard. Ferrets play with their mouths so they do play-nip, but it should never be painful, and never ever break skin. Females should be spayed for health reasons unless you are breeding, which I wouldn't recommend.

A word of warning, Ferrets have become really popular in recent years, and yet many find their way into shelters, or just end up neglected. Just because they are a small animal does not mean they require minimum care, they are active, social, loving little buggers, and want to be a part of the family. Raised correctly, a pet ferret will romp with other pets, such as cats and dogs, in supervised play. Even though they are a lot of work, the ferret's antics have made them a favorite with many.

Ferret playing with Lion cub

I know that's not much in the way of pictures, but... It's late, and I am sleepy. Check out Youtube for fun ferret videos however.

~Sprig

Computer

I've got my new computer and man, am I loving it. Gotta say, Windows 7 is much more user friendly then the older versions. Much more customizable as well. So far, I'm happy. (I

d've gotten Lin-ix but I'm poor, lol)

So... look forward to more frequent updates!

~Sprig

Breed Profile Maine Coon

Maine Coons are considered the oldest breed of cats in North America. They're considered a "Natural breed" since people had little or not involvement in the creation of this lovable giant. As the name implies, this cat originated in the state of Maine. There are all sorts of stories about where they actually came from, the most popular being that the Coon cat sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. Another popular myth, though totally debunked at this time is that Maine Coon cats resulted from the mating between fereal cats and raccoons. This theory was made popular by the Maine Coon's long, fabulous tail, which is barred in most casses.

Maine Coons are among the largest of the cat breeds. Excluding the newer breeds that resulted in crossing domestic cats with wild cats, Maine Coons are the largest. The biggest cat in the Guinnes book of world records was a Maine Coon cat, who weighed 35lbs and was 48 inches long. Most male Coons weigh in at about 13-20lbs, and females generally weigh less. Un-altered males and females do grow larger then altered cats. Because these cats are so large, they are also slow to mature, reaching full growth at 4-5 years old. They also can delelop hip problems, but a good diet, and plently of exersize helps prevent this.

Since the breed came from Maine, these cats are built for cold weather. They have a double coat, and both their ears and feet are well furred. The thing most people think about when they think about Coons is the magifisant "mane", or ruff on these cats, or perhapse the tufts on the ears. Another thing that sets these cats apart is their tail. These tails are very long, usually at least the length of the body, if not longer. They are also well furred, and tapper off at the end.

The coat on a Coon is in three different lengths. The have long fur from their haunches (Called Britches) and as well as thier ruffs and tails. Their shoulders actually have short fur, almost like a saddle. The rest of the body is covered in fur that is just a tad bit shorter then that on the haunches. Despite this massive amount of fur, Maine Coons require only the average amount of brushing. A good brushing once or twice a week is usually enough. Most Coons love to be brushed, so it's really not that difficult. They also don't shed more then a short hair cat, save for durring spring and fall. The fact that they are so large, and the length of the fur does make it seem like they shed a lot, however. It's also recomended that Coons get bathed every now and then, since their thick coat can cause skin irritation sometimes. Giving a Maine Coon cat a bath is actually really easy for a cat, despite their size. Coons absolutely love water, and many will end up soaked if you leave a faucet dripping.

This love of water may be because, or the reason behind the historical use of, Maine Coon cats as ship-cats. They're so water-friendly, their feet are partially webbed.

As a working cat, they're fantastic mousers. Maine Coons are also amasingly gentle for their size, earning the title "Gentle Giants". Most Coons are not lap cats, though they all love to be with their person. Coons tend to be a one-person cat, but that does not mean that they are stand-offish to others. They do well with other animals, including dogs and small animals. It's probibly not a good idea to let a pet mouse or rat out around a coon, however, since they are known as effeciant mousers.

Here are some Maine Coon pics. The cats in these pictures are mine, and none of them are full grown. Two are mix-breeds from local shelters, and the other two are purebred show cats.

Dolly, a coon mix, showing off her tail and fluffy-ness.

Mukki (Moo-key) grooming a puppy

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Mukki failing to fit into a dog bed. He's a little over a year and already over 20lbs. You can see the different length fur in this picture really easily.

Oliver (the creame) and Belle (rescue cat) Showing Coon-atude while I cleaned. and yes, we buy litter in bulk.

Coons are some of the sweetest cats, many being dog-like, loving a good game of fetch, or willing to be trained. But, since they are so large, you should put some thought into it before you get one. Let me put it this way... a coon can stand on the floor and reach the counter in the kitchen to steal without climbing up. Big cats, BIG STRONG cats. Yes, the breed is usually very gentle, but much like large dogs, they don't always realize that they're just too big for things....like sleeping on your pillow (head).

There are a lot of Maine Coon mixes in shelters, as the breed was really popular a while back, so if you want to know more about the breed, or are looking into getting one, check with your local shelter to see if they have more information. Breeders are also a good source, but beware breeders avertizing their cats based on size; Coons should take a long time to mature, and are not bred for size, so a breeder saying "My cats are huge" is likely not breeding properly. They are an expensive breed!

Any questions? Feel free to ask. I'll see if I can answer, or get you in touch with someone who can.

~Sprig

update

Life has been really hectic. I've got my new Puppy, and She's a handful. The job hunt is not going well, so I'm still at the Deli. I've ordered a new computer as well, since mine has died.....I'm hoping to get back to updating on this soon. I'm going to blame the dead computer for now.

I was thinking of posting a weekly Breed info.

For example, each week doing a post about a particular breed of dog (or cat, or whatever) with pictures, facts, and information about that breed. What do you think? Should I do it? and should I do just dogs, dogs/cats, or any other suggestions? I'm very knowledgeable about many different breeds and species...so suggestions on how to do this are welcome.

~

Sprig

Blah

The last few months have totally sucked for me. My car was broken into, and I lost quite a few things (it was parked in my driveway!!! Locked and armed!), my keyboard got toasted, and the new one is glitchy, and worst of all, Copper, my toy poodle, passed away. So, I'm not feeling too much like posting right now.

I am getting a puppy in a few weeks, it was unplanned, but I fell in love, and it doesn't mean I miss Copper any less. Copper was a great dog, who was a joy to be with, he was a friend to everyone, and he will be missed greatly.

....

When I'm feeling more like me, I'll start posting to this blog more regularly.

~Sprig

Life

I know it's been quite a while since I posted, but I wanted to let you all know that I have not vansished. I've been busy with 2 jobs. Also, We've been working with Mukki in order to get him ready for the next cat show. We have one coming up in a few weeks, and we're hoping to get points. He actually has made Champion in the time I haven't been posted. Now we're working towards grand.

In other news, I am hoping to post more often. I'm going to set up cell-phone posting. that'll help, since one of my jobs is outside...and I can use my cellphone.

I'm out for now, long day.

~Sprig.

working.

So, here I am, back again, and so soon. Right now I'm at work. Doing security. The place I'm at is really exciting, as in totally mind numbingly boring. On the plus, I finally found a way past some of the filters so I can actually do some blogging and reading.

I've been here since 7am, and I get off in an hour. I was there the same amount of time yesterday, and I'll be back again tomorrow for more of the same. Happy 4th of July, everyone, by the way.

I've so far read about a book and 3/4ths, watched over 10 hours of movies.. and played quite a few games. I've also taken a nice walk around the area I'm guarding and found raccoon tracks as well as this kind of neat wild flower. Ok, it's a weed, but to me it's beautiful, so I pulled one up and I'm going to try and get it to grow. I'll post pictures later. Oh, I've also looked up all sorts of stuff. nothing illicit, mind you. just weird things. Like uses for stale beer.

I'd still rather be here then at the deli.

I'm searching for a job in my field, with not a lot of luck, but next week, I'm sending out a bunch of Resumes. Here's hoping one of them lands me a good job. Think of it as a birthday wish (my birthday is Thursday).

That's all for now. I donno, I may ramble on tomorrow while here.

~Sprig