Response from Dr Patricia Simonet:

Because not all the forum participants are as familiar with ferrets (as with dogs and cats), I would like to add some background information. Ferrets are in the mustelid family (the same family as the skunk and weasel). They have very strong jaws and are omnivorous. They are smart and very inquisitive. Ferrets can see reasonably well, but they have excellent hearing and olfaction (sense of smell).

Ferrets have very thick skin and enjoy rough-and-tumble play with each other, which includes nipping. They are especially playful as juveniles. Young at play will wrestle, arch their backs and hop backward with their mouths wide open--the "ferret dance". Does your ferret do the dance with your cat? Check her out to see her comfort level.

Now for vocalizations, communication, and play (my specialties): ferrets can be very vocal. A loud chatter is used as an alarm call. A hiss is used to show agitation, conflict, or fear. Whimpering is used by females to encourage young to follow. Male ferrets often "chortle" to females during breeding. The "dook" you mentioned is a low-pitched clucking sound that may be accompanied by "heeh heeh's". The dook is the most common ferret vocalization. Nearly any activity can initiate the dook - such as any action that provides excitement or joy, like wrestling with another ferret.

Other vocalizations include screeching (pain induced), and barking (frightened/excited). As I stated above, hissing denotes agitation, conflict, or fear. The hiss is a blend between a "heeh-heeh" and chattering. The situation dictates the duration of vocalization.

So why does your ferret hiss when playing with your cat? I suspect that when the play starts to get a little too rough your ferret is conflicted and constantly reassessing the situation. The hiss is a warning for the cat to play a little less roughly. I know that ferrets are not dogs, but dogs wag their tails to indicate conflict. Many dog people don't even know this. Dogs are happy to see us, but should they approach? It is silly, I know, because I am very happy to see my fur babies each and every time I greet them.

Your little ferret does not want the game to end, but does want reassurances that the game will not go too far. She may be diffusing her own conflict.

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Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Oct.13, 2005