How To Care For Ferrets

Ferrets are incredibly social, loving, and silly pets, and having a ferret in your family will undoubtedly bring years of entertainment. However, ferrets are often re-homed due to the fact that many people simply do not realize the commitment and amount of care ferrets need to stay happy and healthy. This article will give you a brief overview of how to care for ferrets. 

Veterinary Care

Ferrets, like any other pet, need to regularly visit your local ferret friendly vet for yearly wellness checks as well as vaccinations. Ferrets need to be vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper as recommended by your vet regardless if they spend any time outdoors or with other animals, as both of these diseases are always fatal and do not have any known cure. Regular vet checks can head off any potential long term health problems before they become too advanced to treat.

Exercise And Play

Ferrets are sleepy animals and spend between 18 and 20 hours a day sleeping. However, when ferrets are awake, they are playing hard. Ferrets should be allowed at least 4 hours out of their cage each day, with at least 2 of those hours featuring human interaction. 

It should also be noted that ferrets can find ways to be mischievous, and as they lack depth perception, can get themselves in dangerous situations without realizing it. It is important to keep a close eye on your ferret and fully ferret proof your home to ensure you keep them safe. 

Quality Food

Ferrets are obligatory carnivores, which means that they should only consume animal products. Unfortunately, all ferret food is not created equal, and it is important to find one that is high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates. Check out more information about our recommendations for ferret food here

Adequate Housing And Toys

As discussed above, ferrets spend a good chunk of their time sleeping, but it is also important to provide them with a quality cage for when you are unable to be at home with them. A cage should include plenty of room for toys to keep them occupied, at least one bed or hammock, a litter box, and a food and water bowl. Ferret cages can be spendy, but it is important to invest in a quality cage that keeps your ferret comfortable, as it will be worth the investment. 

Training

Ferrets love to please their owners- when they feel like it. Due to this, it can often feel like ferret owners are actually trained by their ferrets. However, it is important to work with your ferret to get them litter box trained to keep your home and their cage clean and easy to keep clean. 

Ferrets do best with praise, rewards, and repetition, so it is important to praise and give them their favorite snack when they do use the litter box correctly. It is also going to be important to remind them that they need to go in the litter box, so setting them in their litter box immediately when they wake up from a nap is a great way to keep them on track. 

Of course, like cats, ferrets can be particular about their litter, and if they don’t like their litter, chances are they will find a random corner to use a bathroom instead. Check out our articles on ferret litter boxes and litter to help you figure out what is best for you and your ferret. 

Ferrets are sleepy, funny, and curious creatures, but just because they are small, doesn’t mean that they don’t take a significant amount of time and effort to care for. Prior to bringing a ferret into your home, make sure you are prepared to commit to your ferret for life.