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Few animal lovers can resist the sight of a ferret kit when they pass one by in a pet store. These energetic, mischievous animals can't help but warm hearts with their antics and cuddly appearances.
For the right household, a ferret makes a wonderful pet. They are interactive, highly entertaining, and great companionship providers. However, many new ferret owners do not realize what they're getting into when they bring home their new friend. Because ferrets are smaller creatures, people often assume that integrating them into a household will be easy, and this isn't always the case.
Those thinking about adding a ferret to their household should ask themselves several questions before bringing home a new family member.
1. ) How much time will you have to spend with your ferret?
Ferrets are highly social creatures. They sleep quite a bit, often up to 14 hours a day. But when they are awake, they want to interact with humans or other ferrets. A ferret owner should be able to spend a few hours a day playing with their pet. Life expectation for ferrets is 7-9 years, so an owner must be ready to make a long-term committment.
There are numerous ways to entertain a ferret, from a game of "chase the weasel" to tug of war with an old sock. But you must be willing and able to devote time to interacting with your pet on a daily basis. Ferrets generally also enjoy interacting with other ferrets. If you have more than one ferret, you'll often find them bouncing around a room in the middle of a game of catch, play-wrestling beneath your sofa or bed, or curled together in a hammock sleeping. It doesn't take many new ferret owners long to determine that they need a companion for their pet.
2. )Are you willing to ferret-proof your home?
Ferrets are mischievous and curious creatures. Although they live and sleep in cages, an owner should be prepared to allow their ferret several hours of "out of cage time" daily. Most owners will choose one or two rooms in their home to make "ferret friendly," and find a way to make the remainder of the house inaccessible to the ferret. This is for the safety of both the ferret and the owner's belongings! Rooms where ferrets are allowed to play should be free of electrical appliances, as they often chew cords. Surfaces should be clear of breakables, as ferrets will find a way to climb onto most furniture. House plants are not safe around ferrets, and if you leave your car keys, credits cards or sunglasses in a ferret-accessible room you may find them stuffed in a cushion or in the back of a closet!
3. Do you have the time to devote to your ferret's hygiene?
Ferrets instinctually seek out corners to urinate and defecate, so they are litter box trainable. However, when they are playing and become "overexcited," the litter box may seem too far away and they'll head for another location. Their little boxes should be cleaned daily. Ferrets also need their claws trimmed every few weeks. Failure to do this can be a danger to your ferret, as longer claws can get caught in carpeting or bedding and cause injury when the ferret tries to break free.
Ferrets naturally have a musky odor. Almost all ferrets sold in pet stores or available in ferret shelters are spayed/neutered and descented. Still, they will retain some of their "ferrety" odor. Periodic bathing is necessary.
4. ) Do you have access to a veterinarian who is familiar with ferret health and anatomy? Veterinarians who are able to care for ferrets are more difficult to find than those who see dogs and cats. Before purchasing a ferret, you should locate a veterinarian who has worked with ferrets. Your ferret will require annual visits to the vet. As ferrets age, they are prone to many health conditions, some of which require costly medication or surgery. A ferret owner should be prepared to provide financially for their pet's health needs.
5. ) Do you have children or pets who will need to learn to live with your ferret? Ferrets are amusing companions for children and can often get along with other household pets. However, they should not be left unsupervised with small children or other animals. They will instinctually consider rodents prey. Their playful habits of bouncing and "sneaking up on" other creatures may make a normally passive dog defensive. They have tough skin and their play with other ferrets often involves nipping, and they do not always realize that humans have more sensitive skin. Children must be taught to handle ferrets with care, to avoid injury to either party.
6. ) How will you handle an aggressive ferret?
Not all ferrets are aggressive. But even the gentlest of ferrets will often feel frisky and playful. Ferret play often involves a lot of leaping, stalking and even nipping. Many ferrets like to chase their human's feet and nip at ankles. Some ferrets will also nip at hands or faces. A nipping ferret can be broken of the habit if an owner is patient, persistent and kind. But as with all bad habits, curing a ferret of nipping will take some work.
7. ) How will you handle travel arrangements?
Ferret owners often find that locating a competent pet-sitter is a bit more difficult than finding someone to care for a dog or cat. If you travel often for work or pleasure, this should be a strong consideration. Ideally, another ferret owner will volunteer to sit with your pet while you are away. If not, make sure you have identified someone who will be willing to learn about your ferrets and their needs before you travel.
All of these factors are important to consider before deciding to bring home a ferret. If you are seeking a high-energy, entertaining, affectionate pet and are willing to put forth the time needed to make your home a safe and happy place for such an animal, a ferret may be the perfect pet for you and your family.
Before bringing home a ferret, do all necessary ferret-proofing to your home. Have a cage ready for your new family member. A ferret's cage should include a litter box area, room to romp and play, and a large hammock or two. A large water bottle and a heavy food dish are also musts. Ferrets will often tip over light, easily moved food dishes. Have plenty of ferret food and treats. Ferrets will often eat cat food, but it does not provide for the special nutritional needs of a ferret.
When your ferret arrives home, turn off the TV. You'll find yourself in for hours of much more interactive and enjoyable entertainment!
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