How to care for a ferret

By Maleah H.

According to a 2018 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 326,000 U.S. households own at least one ferret. However, my anecdotal experience leads me to consider them one of the lesser-known pets—ones that many people may be curious to learn more about.

Are you thinking about getting a ferret, or do you already have one but aren’t sure how to take care of it? Whether you're a first-time owner or already have some experience, this guide can help you learn more about these fun and curious pets. I babysat a ferret for a few days over the summer, so I’ve learned a lot about what they need and how to keep them happy.

Know the Facts

The average lifespan of a ferret is about eight years. The name “ferret” is derived from the Latin word furittus, meaning “little thief.” This comes from their habit of taking things and hiding them. Ferrets are most active at dawn and dusk. All kits are born with white fur and get their approximate adult color at about three weeks of age, according to FDA.gov Animal Health.

Save Your Money

One important thing to remember is that ferrets can be expensive pets. Don’t get one just because they’re cute—you need to be prepared for the cost of food, toys, and medical care. This guide will teach you about the food, treatment, and environment needed to keep your little ferret healthy and playful.

Clean Home

When getting a ferret, you first have to make sure they have a clean and safe environment. Ferrets can get sick from bacteria and parasites. Also, a little side note—try to get a ferret that's already potty trained so it won’t use the bathroom everywhere, and you won’t have to wash blankets every day.

When feeding your ferret, make sure their diet is high in protein and fat. You can get special live critters for them to eat at the pet store or buy meat treats and ferret kibble. Remember to avoid fruits and vegetables because they don't digest them well and these can cause serious health issues.

Entertainment & Exercise

The next step is keeping your ferret entertained and exercised. Ferrets are definitely some of the most energetic creatures you can get. They also like to get along with other ferrets and small animals. Some things they can play with include tunnels to crawl through, balls, and soft toys they can carry around. They also love going outside, so make sure you have a grassy area where they can’t escape—or you can even get a leash for them.

Dwelling

One of the most important parts of ferret care is setting up their home. You should get a large cage or even dedicate a small room or space for your ferret. Make sure it has multiple levels and hammocks, and get a litter box. Keep everything clean and try to keep their space away from direct sunlight.

Health & Grooming

Last but not least is caring for their health and grooming. Ferrets need regular checkups to make sure nothing is wrong with them. They should be vaccinated and checked for fleas and ear mites regularly. Make sure to get the right brush for their fur and trim their nails when they get too long.

In conclusion, taking care of a ferret can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. These playful animals have big personalities and can bring tons of joy when cared for properly. As long as you give your ferret a clean home, healthy food, regular checkups, and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have a happy little companion who will keep you entertained for years to come.