Dear Heloise: I just bought my first two ferrets, and while they are adorable little scamps, I don’t know how to potty train them. The lady at the pet store said they can easily be litter-trained. My question is, how? — Noah K., Albuquerque, New Mexico

Noah, I used to own a couple of ferrets, and they are entertaining and fun to have around. They are indeed lovable little cuties, and potty training them isn’t really difficult. Since ferrets are smart, they’ll learn quickly.

Ferrets like to back into corners to do their business, so be sure to use a litter box with square corners. Fill their potty pan with unscented litter. Any type of litter that has a strong scent or lots of dust can harm a ferret’s lungs. Do not use wood-chip, clay or corn-cob litter. Pellets and those small pearl-types of litter are best for ferrets.

A ferret can find their pan by scent, but you might want to place your ferret inside of its potty pan after each meal. At first, you might want to place pieces of ferret fecal matter in their litter box to encourage them to remember where they are supposed to go.

Above all else, be patient and loving. It’s true that ferrets are smart, but you’re smarter! So know that they will learn, but it does take time. — Heloise

SUSPICIOUS NOISES

Dear Heloise: I live alone, and although I always check my house locks on the doors and sometimes the windows, I will occasionally hear strange noises from outside. Now I keep my car keys on my nightstand, and if I hear a noise that I shouldn’t be hearing in my yard, I press the alarm button on my key fob.

This trick worked when two young boys tried to steal my car a couple of years ago. I set off the alarm and dialed 911. The police caught the boys, who were both 14 years old! — Doris L., Dayton, Ohio

HOUSEWARMING IDEA

Dear Heloise: My nephew and his wife moved into their first home, but after living in an apartment for the last six years, they had very little to help them with setting up their housekeeping. So, I got them a hand cart to move heavy items, and they have thanked me several times since. It’s an item that is often overlooked, but moving boxes and new furniture can be hard on a person’s back. — Lynette A.,  Barnard, Vermont

Lynette, a hand cart is one of my favorite housewarming gifts to give. It comes in handy on so many more occasions than you’d imagine! You only get one spine, so why pick up things that are just too heavy? You might be young and feel invincible, but it only takes one mistake to injure your back. — Heloise

MAKEUP BRUSHES

Dear Heloise: If your readers are using makeup brushes, please advise them to wash those brushes at least once a week. The same goes for makeup sponges.

Here at the dermatologist’s office, we see so many skin infections that were caused by dirty makeup brushes, sponges and women who sleep in their makeup. All three of these are no-nos! — Karen D., Pompano Beach, Florida

KEEPING SURGERY WOUNDS DRY

Dear Heloise: After having shoulder surgery, I had to go several days without getting my bandages wet. To take a shower, I had my wife put a press-and-seal wrap over the bandage to keep it dry. It worked great. — H.K., in Illinois

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.