Ferret Species Overview

As intelligent and social animals, ferrets can make great familypets. With time and patience, pet parents can teach their ferrets to roll over,fetch, and perform other simple tricks!

Pet ferrets need daily handling, playtime,and exercise outside their enclosed habitat. Ferrets must always beclosely supervised when outside of their habitats. Pet parents should onlyallow their ferrets to access “ferret-proofed” spaces that are free from wires,cables, and other objects they can chew. Ferrets also have an instinctive needto dig and forage. You should keep houseplants out of their ferret’s reach andensure that no plants kept in the house are toxic.

Ferrets are not rodents— they are membersof the mustelid family, along with weasels, badgers, and otters. Ferretsare usually nocturnal or crepuscular (most active around sunrise andsunset). Although ferrets are known to be highly active while awake, theyalso need a lot of rest. Most ferrets will sleep for at least 14 to 16 hours aday.

Most domesticated ferrets are “de-scented”shortly after birth, meaning their anal glands are removed surgically to reducetheir odor. De-scented ferrets will retain a natural, musky scent thatbathing will never remove. Pet parents should only bathe their ferrets once amonth.

It’s illegal to keep ferrets as pets insome areas of the United States. Be sure to check your local laws regardingferret ownership.

Ferret Characteristics

Ferret Supply Checklist

To keep a ferret happy and healthy, pet parents should havethese basic supplies on hand:

·       Appropriately sized habitat

·       High-quality ferret food

·       High-protein/low carbohydrate ferret treats

·       Bedding

·       Untippable food bowl/water bottle

·       Hideaway place

·       Ferret-safe toys

·       Hammock

·       Litter pan/litter

·       Indoor playpen

·       Harness and leash

·       Soft brush/comb

·       Nail clippers

·       Ferret-safe shampoo

Ferret Habitat

Choosing the Right Enclosure

A single adult ferret should be housed in awire-based enclosure that’s at least 24” L x 24” W x 36” H. The spaces betweenthe cage’s bars should be 1 inch apart or smaller to prevent the ferret fromescaping or getting stuck. Look for a habitat with ramps, shelves, and multiplelevels to climb and perch on. Always provide the largest habitatpossible.

Habitats should be well-ventilated,escape-proof, and lined with solid flooring to prevent pressure sores fromforming on the ferret’s feet. Glass and plastic habitats are not recommended,as their solid walls block air circulation.

Recommended Products:

·       MidWest Ferret Nation Deluxe Ferret Cage, Double Story

·       Frisco Small Animal Cage, Single Story

·       Frisco Small Animal Cage, Double Story

Ferrets also need a spacious, escape-proofpen for daily playtime outside of their usual enclosure. Pet parents shouldonly allow their ferret to access ferret-proofed spaces that are free fromloose objects, wires, cables, and other objects they can chew. Ferrets mustalways be supervised when outside of their enclosed habitat.

Recommended Products:

·       Kaytee Pet-N-Playpen Small Animal Pen

·       Frisco Wire Small Pet Playpen with Door, 29-in

Ferrets are comfortable in averagehousehold temperatures, no greater than 80 F. Ferrets are sensitive to extremetemperature changes, so habitats should be kept in a draft-free area that’s notclose to an air conditioner or in direct sunlight. Make sure the habitat iskept off the floor and is not accessible to other animals, like curious catsand dogs.

Habitat Mates

Ferrets are highly social creatures thatcan be kept in pairs or small groups if they are raised together or introducedto each other gradually. Ferrets that have not been spayed or neutered shouldnot be housed together, as they will breed.  

If more than one ferret is to be housed inthe same habitat, they must be introduced to each other properly. Introductionsshould be done slowly, in neutral territory, and under close supervision toensure the ferrets are compatible. If two ferrets fight, separate them. Neverkeep different species of animals in the same habitat.

Bedding

1–2 inches of high-quality, paper-basedbedding should be placed in the habitat; bedding can be made of either anabsorbent shredded or pelleted paper material.

Paper-based bedding should be used insteadof wood bedding, like cedar shavings, because paper is digestible and will notobstruct a ferret’s gastrointestinal tract if ingested. Cedar bedding productsalso contain oils that can irritate a ferret’s respiratory tract and causeillness.

Recommended Products:

·       Frisco Small Animal Bedding, Natural  

·       Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding

·       Frisco Small Pet Paper Bedding, 56-L

Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box,but the litter material must be different than the ferret’s usual bedding. Aferret-safe, paper-based or pelleted litter product for small animals isrecommended.

Avoid scented and clumping litter. Donot use sand or silica-based cat litter. Ferrets love digging their noses intotheir litter box, and both materials can cause trauma to their sensitive nasalpassages and respiratory systems.

Recommended Products:  

·       Carefresh Rabbit & Ferret Litter

·       Marshall Fresh & Clean Ferret Litter

·       Marshall Ferret Litter Pan, High Back

·       Kaytee Hi-Corner Small Animal Litter Pan, Large

Décor & Accessories

Hammock: Adding ahammock to a ferret’s enclosure will create a comfortable and cool place forthem to hangout and rest.

Recommended Products:

·       Marshall Hanging Nap Sack Ferret Hammock

·       Kaytee Sleep-E-Tent Convertible Small Pet Hideout

·       Frisco Forest Small Pet Bunk Bed  

Hideoutbox: Pet parents should provide each ferret in a habitat with atleast one hideout box for privacy. Ideally, hideout boxes should be madefrom hard-to chew yet easy-to clean materials, such as hard plastic.

Plastic hideouts should be removed from aferret’s enclosure if the animal begins to chew on it. The broken plasticpieces can obstruct a ferret’s gastrointestinal tract if ingested and causeserious injuries.

Recommended Products:

·       Kaytee Small Animal Igloo Hideout, Color Varies

·       Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way Small Pet Hideout, X-Large

·       Kaytee Simple Sleeper Small Animal Play Tunnel

Toys: Ferretslove to play! Pet parents should give their ferret an assortment of enrichmenttoys to reduce boredom and encourage physical exercise. Ferretsparticularly enjoy tubes and tunnels to run though.

Toys should not have small pieces or rubberparts that a ferret can chew on and ingest.

Recommended Products:

·       Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Garden Dig Box Small AnimalToy

·       MidWest Ferret Nation & Critter Nation Busybody BlankieFerret Hideout & Toy

·       Kaytee Crinkle Tunnel Oversized Crackling Tube Small Animal Toy,23-in

·       SunGrow Ferret Cotton Giraffe Chew Toy  

Ferret Cleaning & Maintenance

Pet parents should spot-clean their ferret’s bedding daily,removing any soiled material and uneaten food. The entire habitat and itscontents should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week (or more often ifmultiple ferrets are housed in the same enclosure).

Toclean a ferret’s habitat, take these steps:

1.   Move the ferret to a pet-safe temporary enclosure and remove anyold bedding or litter from the habitat.

2.   Use a small animal habitat cleaner or 3% bleach solution to washthe habitat and any accessories. The bleach solution should stay on the habitatfor at least 10 minutes to ensure that the surfaces are properly disinfected.If using a commercial habitat cleaner, follow the manufacturer'sinstructions.

3.   Rinse the habitat and accessories thoroughly with water, makingsure to remove any trace amounts or residual smells of the cleaning agent orbleach solution.

4.   Allow the habitat and its contents to dry completely beforeplacing new bedding and clean accessories into the enclosure.

5.   Return the ferret to the clean habitat.

Ferret Diet & Nutrition

Like cats, ferrets are obligate carnivores that need a diet highin animal protein. Pet parents should feed their ferrets a high-qualitypelleted diet designed for ferrets and small amounts of lean, cooked meat.High-protein, low-carb treats can be offered on occasion.   

Anutritious and well-balanced diet for a ferret consists of:

Ahigh-quality pelleted food formulated for ferrets; pelletsshould be high-protein, moderate-fat, and low-carbohydrate.  

Recommended Products:

·       Mazuri Ferret Food

·       Higgins inTune Complete & Balanced Diet Grain-Free FerretFood

·       Wysong Epigen 90 Digestive Support Dry Ferret Food

·       ZuPreem Premium Corn-Free Daily Diet Ferret Food   

Smallpieces of lean cooked animal protein, such as chicken breastor cooked eggs are recomended. Domesticated ferrets should not be offeredraw diets. A ferret’s gastrointestinal tract is not designed to handle thebacteria in raw meat (such as salmonella), so raw foods can lead to life-threateninginfections that can possibly transmit to humans.  

High-protein,low-carbohydrate treats, offered in limited quantities (no morethan 10% of the ferret’s daily diet).

Recommended Products:

·       Marshall Bandits Freeze-Dried Rabbit Flavor Ferret Treats

·       Wysong Dream Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Dog, Cat & FerretTreats

·       N-Bone Chicken Flavor Grain-Free Soft Ferret Treats

Fresh,clean water should be changed daily and offered in a shallow bowl orchew-resistant water bottle. Pet parents should regularly clean and thoroughlyrinse their ferret’s water bowl or bottle to prevent bacteria fromforming.

Water bottles should be checked regularlyfor clogs or leaks. Make sure that bowls are tip-resistant and sturdyenough to not be knocked over by an excited ferret.

Recommended Products:

·       Kaytee Chew-Proof Small Animal Water Bottle

·       Living World Lock & Crock Dish Small Animal Bowl  

Ferret Feeding Guidelines

Healthy adult ferrets should be fed twice aday. Ferrets with constant access to food and little physical/mentalstimulation will eat all day out of boredom, which can lead to unwanted weightgain.

Pet parents should moisten all food givento ferrets under 16 weeks of age to ensure they stay hydrated and easilyconsume their meals. Food no longer needs to be moistened once a ferret has grown allits adult teeth, provided that the animal is drinking enough water. Adultferret teeth erupt between 7 to 11 weeks of age on average.

Donot allow ferrets to consume chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol, as they are alltoxic and can cause death or serious illness. Sugar and high-fattreats (including raisins and other dried fruits, nuts, and seeds) should alsobe avoided because they can cause digestive upset.

Ensure you feed your ferret aferret-specific diet. Typically, pelleted food specifically formulated fortheir species to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Ferret Grooming & Care

Adult ferrets should be seen by a veterinarian at least once ayear for a routine checkup and vaccinations. Depending on the pet parent’slocation, younger ferrets will need distemper vaccinations at 8, 11, and 14weeks of age and rabies vaccinations between 12 and 16 weeks old.  

Young ferrets may be carriers of epizooticcatarrhal enteritis (ECE or “green slime diarrhea”), a viral disease that canbe deadly without proper treatment. Pet parents should practice caution whenintroducing new ferrets to their home, as the animal may not show any signs ofillness but still spread it to other ferrets in the household. Affected ferretscan become sick within 3 days to 2 weeks after exposure. Pet parentsmust seek immediate veterinary attention if they suspect their ferret hasECE.

Middle-aged and older ferrets are prone todeveloping pancreatic tumors, called insulinomas, which cause the pancreas toproduce too much insulin and lower the ferret’s blood sugar. Insulinomas mustbe diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

Ferrets shed fur twice a year, in thespring and the fall. During shedding cycles, ferrets are more likely to develophairballs, which can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction ifleft untreated. To minimize hairballs, pet parents should brush their ferret’sfur daily using a fine-toothed comb or soft-bristled brush. A hairballlaxative, such as the Marshall Lax for the Prevention of Hairballs inFerrets, can be used along with daily brushing to keep hairballs fromforming.

Recommended Products:

·       Ware Groom-N-Kit for Small Animals

·       Oxbow Enriched Life Wood Small Animal Brush & Comb  

Ferrets groom themselves and will only needto be bathed once a month. Pet parents can bathe their pet ferret using waterand ferret-safe shampoo. Do not bathe a ferret more often than monthly, asfrequent baths can cause skin dryness and irritation. Bathing will notremove a ferret’s natural, musky smell.

Recommended Products:

·       Marshall No Tears Formula with Aloe Vera Shampoo for Ferrets

·       Professional Pet Products Ferret Shampoo  

EarCare: Pet parents should use a cotton ball and ferret-safe earcleaning solution to remove waxy debris from a ferret’s outer ears.

Recommended Products:

·       Marshall Ear Cleaner for Ferrets

·       Professional Pet Products Ferret Ear Cleaner

NailCare: Most ferrets need a nail trim every 2 to 3 weeks. To preventinjury, nails should be trimmed by a veterinarian or someone trained to trim aferret’s nails. If bleeding occurs, use a styptic powder to stop thebleeding quickly.

Recommended Products:  

·       Hertzko Angled Blade Dog, Cat, & Small Pet Nail Scissors  

·       Professional Pet Products Nail-Safe Dog, Cat & FerretStyptic Powder  

DentalCare: Pet parents should teach their ferrets to accept dailyteeth-brushing at a young age by using a small finger toothbrush andmeat-flavored toothpaste formulated for ferrets or cats.

Recommended Products:

·       SunGrow Dog & Cat Stick & Finger Toothbrush Kit

·       Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste + TartarControl Seafood Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste

Ferret Veterinary Care

Annual Care

Ferrets should be examined by aveterinarian once annually when young and twice annually as seniors (afterabout five years of age). They can be transported in a cat carrier, just besure to bring pictures of their enclosure, food, and bedding packaging. It isalso best to bring a fresh fecal sample with you to the annual appointment.

Signs of a Healthy Ferret

·       Clean, clear, bright eyes

·       Clean ears

·       Clean nostrils

·       Intact, long, relaxed whiskers

·       Trimmed, intact nails

·       Lean, flexible body with a smooth, shiny, intact hair coat

·       Clean urogenital region

·       Bright, inquisitive personality

·       Good appetite

·       Clean, intact teeth

When to Call a Vet

·       Eyes that are cloudy or have discharge

·       Debris or discharge in ears

·       Nasal discharge

·       Excessively broken whiskers or whiskers held constantly closeand bunched to the cheeks

·       Broken nails

·       Hair loss

·       Urine or fecal staining or diarrhea

·       Lethargy

·       Inappetence

·       Broken teeth

Common Illnesses in Ferrets

·       GI (gastrointestinal) foreign body

·       Adrenal disease

·       Insulinoma

·       Congestive heart failure

·       Inflammatory bowel disease

·       Lymphoma

·       Splenomegaly

·       Coccidiosis

·       Trauma

Ferret FAQs

What should you not do with a ferret?

Do not feed your ferret an inappropriate diet designed foranother species (such as cats) or keep them in an inappropriate enclosure. Besure their housing isn’t one they can get out of, and do not let them roam aroom that isn’t secure. Do not leave a ferret with other pets or small childrenunsupervised. Do not skip annual examinations and vaccinations for your ferret.

Do ferrets cuddle with humans?

Ferrets tend to struggle with keeping still, especially whenyoung or if they’re female. That being said, ferrets love to interact withpeople and crawl over them and depending on personality, sex, and age, willalmost certainly love cuddles at the right times.

Are ferrets high maintenance?

Ferrets can be high maintenance. They need a lot of physical andmental stimulation, a special diet, and regular cage cleaning to control smell.Veterinary care can also be tricky since you’ll need to establish yourself witha veterinarian in the area that treats exotic pets like ferrets and be preparedfor specialized medicine level veterinary bills. Many pet insurances onlyinsure pet cats and dogs and not exotic species.

What is toxic to ferrets?

Grapes and raisins, onions and garlic,chocolate, avocado, and xylitol are all toxic to ferrets.

Why do ferrets smell bad?

Ferrets have scent glands that are removed at the time of theirsterilization, before they’re adopted, in the U.S. The reason they continue tosmell is because their sebaceous hair glands, whose job is to help grow healthyhair, also produce their signature musky smell. Occasional baths, and moreimportantly regularly cleaned bedding, can help limit this smell on the ferretand in the home.

Is ferret pee toxic?

Ferret pee itself isn’t toxic but ferrets can spread salmonellathrough their fecal matter. The recommendation from the CDC is to be carefulhandling and cleaning excrement from ferrets.