Are Ferrets Good as Pets?
What you will learn about ferrets:
- Basic need
- Forever
- Behavior
- The de-scenting debate
- Why is ferret care expensive?
- Children and other pets
- Legal issue
Pause Before You Buy
Ferrets are unique pets. For this reason, the facts, the animal’s needs and the law must be carefully considered. There are a few requirements to keep you and your ferret happy. Leave one or two out, and things can go south very quickly. Responsible ownership brings joy, but an impulse buy (as opposed to an informed decision) often leaves first-time ferret parents with an animal that is a chore rather than a companion.
Basic need
- Ferrets are related to weasels, badgers and wolverines. Like their wild cousins, they are intelligent and active. Your ferret needs physical exercise and activities that are also mentally stimulating—and they need a lot of it.
- They love companionship and will not do well when left alone for hours. Boredom and stress lead to health issues.
- They need a stimulating, safe environment.
- They also require a balanced diet, including high-quality meat.
- Ferrets need their nails trimmed every 7 to 10 days.
A Short Life
Even if you’re ready to meet all those requirements, there’s still the issue of longevity. The sad truth is that their lives are short. As pet owners and animal lovers, this is a devastating reality. Most people know the trauma of bonding with a pet and then having to say goodbye.
A golden age for ferrets is 10. However, reaching that age is exceptional and uncommon. Their average lifespan is 6 to 8 years—if they receive good nutrition, exercise and minimal stress. An animal that lives in a stressful home or eats poorly will have a significantly reduced lifespan.
Their Age Chart
- 1 year old—the ferret is an adult
- 3 to 4 years old—this is furry middle age
- 5 to 6 years old—age
They Love Life (And Sleep)
This is the motto of ferrets everywhere: Love life, explore, steal. Yes, that’s right. Some ferrets view anything that isn’t nailed as theirs. Since they require interaction, consider using two instead of just one. That way, they can entertain each other when you don’t really have time. A pair of ferrets is quite entertaining to watch once they get into a game.
Did you know that an undisturbed ferret can sleep most of the day? They play loudly and snore. However, these critters are known to adapt to their owner’s sleep schedules. As a rule, one’s pet should not succumb to a sleepy lifestyle. About 15 hours is enough, and they should be encouraged to stay active.
De-scenting Debate
When excited or scared, the animal emits a bad smell. Some owners prefer to deodorize their pets, and some are sold as “de-scented.” However, this method removes the anal glands without any medical benefit to the animal. At the end of the day, surgery won’t solve the smelly issue. Ferrets have oil glands in their skin that cause a musky smell. A strong odor remains as long as they remain unsterilized. The debate continues. Some commercial farms perfume their ferrets before releasing them into the pet trade, but many European countries have banned the practice on ethical grounds.
Odor Control
Even the best groomed ferret has a musky aura. Here are some tips to reduce the smell.
- Change the litter box and bedding often.
- Bathe your pet only a few times a year, otherwise, the oil glands will become excessively damaged and the smell will worsen.
- Discuss sterilization with your veterinarian.
Ferret Care is expensive
Cute faces don’t come cheap. Consider the following checklist about the financial implications of ferret ownership.
- Basic items include bedding, food and water, toys and food, cages and litter boxes.
- High quality ferret food
- Sterilization
- Annual veterinary examination and vaccination
- Ongoing treatment for geriatric-related diseases and conditions
- Pet insurance
- Spend time and money to ferret-proof your home
Ferrets and Children
It doesn’t matter what type of animal you choose as a pet. When children are involved, supervision is necessary. When your kids ask for a ferret, make sure they’re not just fascinated by its novelty. They must handle the creature (safely and humanely) and insist on responsibilities. Ferrets smell, can bite and scratch, and have a lot of work to do. This may not be the companion your child fantasizes about. Be very honest about your child’s commitment before purchasing this type of pet.
Do Ferrets Get Along With Other Pets?
Interactions between different species are complex and often dangerous. With ferrets, keep in mind that they are small animals—the very thing that many dogs are bred to kill. This hardwired canine instinct can be activated at the sight of a new ferret, or even a familiar ferret acting like prey. It would be irresponsible to claim, in general, that ferrets are harmful to other pets. One must assess on a case-to-case basis. In other words, know the limits of your ferret, cat and dog. Don’t fall into the trap of believing animals think like humans all the time. Provide constant supervision and allow the ferret a safe place to spend time on its own away from other pets.
Legal Issues
Before you get your first ferret, knuckle down and do some homework. Find out if the law allows pet ferrets in your area. Many owners have experienced the terrible agony of coming into contact with a ferret and then being forced to remove that animal due to local restrictions. In places where they are allowed, they often require a license. It is best to jump through all the hoops before purchasing your ferret.
Ferrets Are Special Pets
More to the point, they are not for everyone. A “ferret person” must be qualified in several ways. You must have the time and finances and the willingness to adapt to the ferret’s wonderful yet energetic ways. One must be prepared to endure difficult times which include short life span and sick old age. All in all, the ferret makes an incredibly enjoyable pet. These clever clowns love to entertain their owners and are guilty of turning many people into hopeless ferret addicts!
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2019 Jana Louise Smith
Comments
Jana Louise Smit (author) from South Africa on February 29, 2020:
They really are!
Aubree on February 24, 2020:
Ferrets are adorable.
