Ferrets not for everyone

Ferrets have become increasingly popular as pets over the past 30 years. “You can’t have a bad day when you have a ferret,” says Paula Johnson, director of Ferret Haven, a ferret rescue organization based in Spokane. “The way they play, they’re clowns, and they can really lighten your mood.”

Unfortunately, Johnson sees a lot of ferrets surrendered to her shelter because people bought them without knowing enough about the animals or being prepared to care for them. In some cases owners move away and abandon the responsibility of caring for their ferret, or the ferret was purchased for a child who has lost interest in it. Sometimes, it is because people didn’t understand the ferret’s temperament and thought the animal would cuddle like a cat.

Ferrets have been domesticated for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. They were used for hunting (“ferreting”) rabbits and rodents by crawling down into their underground tunnels and driving them out. Ferrets are carnivores, in the same family as weasels and otters. They are very active animals, and when awake they are in constant motion, playing and exploring. They are naturally very curious, which can sometimes lead to trouble. Ferrets can crawl into very small spaces and may get into trouble by chewing on electrical cords or by being crushed in reclining chairs. They like to chew on soft toys or shiny objects and can occasionally get an intestinal blockage due to the materials. For this reason Ferrets must be kept in a good-sized cage or a “ferret-proof” room when not attended.

Ferrets are extremely social animals and need a few hours of exercise and play each day. They love to play with their owners (chase, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek), but it is ideal to keep two or more ferrets as pets so they can also play with one another.

Ferrets can be trained to a litter box, but since they love to dig in their litter, they cannot have clay or clumping cat litter. Compressed paper litter or wood pellets are better choices. Although many people still feed ferrets cat food, it is not the ideal food. The animals should receive a high quality ferret ration with plenty of protein and fat. Although they like fruit and sweet treats, ferrets are carnivores, not rodents, so they should get chicken jerky or similar meat-based treats.

Almost all ferrets purchased in pet stores have already been spayed or neutered. This is extremely important, as unsprayed females can develop a fatal anemia if they go through heat cycles without breeding. Newly purchased baby ferrets (kits) have also been “descented,” meaning the paired scent glands on either side of the anus have been removed. Ferrets still can have a musky odor from their skin, but it is not unpleasant and actually is better if they are not frequently bathed.

Usually, kits have also had their first vaccination against canine distemper, a disease to which they are very susceptible. There is a special distemper vaccine for ferrets. The distemper vaccine designed for dogs could actually cause the illness if administered to a ferret. Johnson says people often go home from the pet store not realizing that their ferret needs to see a vet to have boosters over the following few weeks as well as a rabies vaccination. Then, they need annual physical exams and revaccination. Just like dogs and cats, as they get older, ferrets can develop health problems that may require chronic treatment.

Ferrets are one of the most entertaining and social pets, but they are not for everyone. Johnson urges people to find out as much as they can about ferrets before acquiring one and to think about how changes in lifestyle will allow you to care for your ferret in the future. The average lifespan of the ferret is from 6 to 10 years. For the right owner, that translates into a lot of good days for the owner as well as for the ferret.