Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Ferret For a Pet
Contents
- 1. They Are Different
- 2. They Get Along Well With Other Pets
- 3. Ferrets Are Easy To Care For
- 4. Ferrets Can Help You De-stress
- 5. Ferrets Do Not Make Noise
- 6. Ferrets Are Relatively Inexpensive
- 7. Ferrets Are Long Lived
- 8. Ferrets Can Be Taught Tricks
- 9. Ferrets Can Be Left Alone
- 10. It's Easy To Get Medical Care For Ferrets
- Sources
Ferrets are playful, curious and entertaining. They spend a lot of time sleeping, but when they're awake they love to explore and play with their people.
Thinking of bringing a ferret home? Here are ten reasons ferrets make good pets, plus a few things to know first.
Before you buy, check your local laws. Ferrets are banned or restricted in some places, including California and Hawaii.
1. They Are Different
Ferrets aren't as common as dogs or cats, but they make fun, playful pets. They're very curious, and watching them play is entertaining.
A cardboard box, paper bag or tunnel can keep a ferret busy for a long time. Many ferrets also love squeaky toys.
Choose toys carefully. Ferrets chew, and swallowed pieces of rubber, foam or plastic can block their intestines.
2. They Get Along Well With Other Pets
Many ferrets get along with cats and dogs if they're introduced slowly. Supervise every interaction at first. Some dogs, especially hunting breeds, may see a ferret as prey.
Ferrets are predators themselves. Keep them away from rodents, rabbits, birds and reptiles.
If you keep more than one ferret, watch how they interact for a few days before leaving them alone together. Give each one enough space, food and toys.
3. Ferrets Are Easy To Care For
Ferrets need a secure cage, daily time out to play, and daily care. Plan to ferret-proof the room where they play.
Ferrets love to dig, burrow and chew, especially when young. Swallowed rubber, foam and small objects are a serious health risk.
Supervise your ferret whenever it's out of its cage. Keep electrical cords, socks, rubber items and small objects out of reach. Block gaps behind appliances and under furniture.
4. Ferrets Can Help You De-stress
Playing with a ferret is fun and can be a nice way to unwind. Ferrets run, hop and slide around the floor when they're excited, and many enjoy being held.
Ferrets can nip, especially when young or untrained. They aren't ideal for very young children, and any time kids are around ferrets, an adult should supervise. Keep your ferret's vaccinated status current, too.
Ferrets will hunt mice, hamsters and other small animals, so keep them apart.
5. Ferrets Do Not Make Noise
Ferrets are fairly quiet pets. They don't bark or howl, so they suit apartment living.
They do make some sounds, including a soft clucking "dook" when excited and hissing when upset. Most neighbors will never hear them.
Every ferret has its own personality, and they respond well to training with rewards.
6. Ferrets Are Relatively Inexpensive
Ferrets are smaller than cats and dogs, so food and supplies cost less than for a big dog. Budget for a good cage, quality food, bedding, litter and vet care.
Ferrets are carnivores. The Merck Veterinary Manual says they need a diet of about 35 to 40% protein, low in carbohydrates and fiber, such as a high-quality ferret food.
Ferrets are happy with simple toys like cardboard boxes, paper bags and tunnels. Choose toys that can't be chewed into small pieces. Read more here.
7. Ferrets Are Long Lived
Pet ferrets often live several years, and many reach 6 years or more. That gives you plenty of time to bond.
They don't need a huge home, but they do need a roomy cage and daily time to run and explore.
8. Ferrets Can Be Taught Tricks
Ferrets are smart. With treats and patience, you can teach them to come when called, sit or roll over.
Ferrets can also be trained to use a litter box. Place it in a corner of the cage away from food and bedding. They can learn to drink from a water bottle or bowl.
9. Ferrets Can Be Left Alone
You can leave a healthy ferret alone during your workday, as long as it has food, water, a clean litter box and a secure cage.
For longer trips, have someone check on your ferret at least once a day.
10. It's Easy To Get Medical Care For Ferrets
Ferrets need regular vet care, including vaccines for canine distemper (which is fatal in ferrets) and rabies. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends a yearly exam and vaccinations for pet ferrets.
Not every vet treats ferrets. Find one with ferret experience before you bring your pet home.
The bottom line is that ferrets make great pets if you want a playful, energetic companion and can give them daily time, a safe space and proper vet care.
Sources
- Routine Health Care for Ferrets, Merck Veterinary Manual
- Management of Ferrets, Merck Veterinary Manual
