Message Number: YG13578 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Diane C. Wall
Date: 2002-06-05 05:58:00 UTC
Subject: Ferret Proofing Dishwasher Response

I never had a dishwasher until this year and generally keep my six out
of the kitchen. My cat seems to have taught one of my ferrets to lie on
his back and open the kitchen cabinet (next to the new dishwasher) with
his feet. Since then he seems to have taught three of the others how to
do the same. I moved the pet food to another cabinet away from the
dishwasher, installed baby locks. This still did not deter them. After
the next instance of finding them in the cabinet & in the insulation, I
was panicky that they had fibers on their fur which they might lick or
in their eyes causing unknown health problems.
Hence quick baths in the kitchen sink for all of them. I then took
wide duct tape and taped the bottom of the dishwasher. Bought a cheap
sheet of poster board (at Home Depot, Loews or your local hardware
store, like the kind guys hook up their tools on without the holes) and
cut it to size. This way they can't dig thru it, it's paintable (if you
care how it looks near the floor or inside of the cabinet), and it's a
cheap fix for peace of mind. Good luck with your guys on the never
ending quest of ferret proofing!

[If there is anything hot like a motor, or anything that needs ventilation call the maker of the appliance -- of any type -- and also your local fire marshall if there is a possible hazard to find the safest materials to use to handle such repairs. -- Sukie]