Message Number: YG11737 | New FHL Archives Search
From: fhbythesea@aol.com
Date: 2002-03-07 13:50:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Behavior question: Pillowcase-sucking weasel

In a message dated 3/7/02 6:02:18 PM Eastern Standard Time,
dmuldoon@c... writes:

> One of my neutered young boy fuzzies, Oscar, has a peculiar habit. He goes
> to his favorite sleeping spot in my bedroom closet and he'll clamp his
mouth
> shut on a pillowcase, the rest of the cloth bunched up underneath him while
> he's "hugging" with all four legs. I observe nothing sexual in his
behavior.
> He'll spend quite a while like this, with a "dreamy" look on his face.

Dan

While I have never seen this behavior before in ferrets, I have seen it in
cats. In cats, its a nursing behavior that continues into adulthood. IIRC, it
is due to weaning too soon. Its a comfort behavior, typically. Other than the
fact that hes leaving wet spots behind< i don't think there will be further
complications - and its almost impossible habit to break.

I had a kitten that I rescued - she was about 4-6 weeks old. Tabitha did this
her whole life, especially during periods of stress.

Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org