Ferrets are very active, lively interactive pets.  They belong to the same family as weasels, badgers, and skunks.  They are carnivores and were initially domesticated to hunt rabbits and rodents.  Their nature is very investigative and they love to get into everything, so before considering a ferret make sure you ferret proof your house.

            Ferrets can weigh from 1-4 pounds and live on average 5-8 years.  They come in several color types and molt twice a year.  Practically all ferrets sold in pet stores have already been spayed or neutered and descented.  However ferrets do still retain a unique body oder that is displeasing to some.

Housing:

            Ferrets can be maintained in wire cages such as are sold for rabbits.  Glass cages are not suitable as they do not provide enough ventilation.  Ferrets can be kept in or outdoors, but do not tolerate extreme temps e.g. >90F or <30F.  Caging should include some type of sleeping enclosure.  Ferrets like to crawl into things, so items such as hats, old tee shirts etc. make good sleeping/hiding areas.  Various hammocks, shelves etc are also commercially available.

            Bedding can be any flat surface just make sure urine and feces are regularly cleaned.

            Ferrets love toys, any paper bags, cloth toys, and mailing or PVC tubes make good toys.  Ferrets have sharp teeth and can destroy typical rubber cat and dog toys.

            It is recommended that ferrets not be out of their cages unsupervised as they easily crawl up under couches, in vents and into numerous areas you never knew existed.

            Ferrets can be trained to use litter boxes but have a very short gastrointestinal transit time, so if allowed to roam, several boxes should be provided.

Feeding:

            As mentioned before, ferrets are carnivores but do like sweet foods.  One needs to avoid feeding then too many carbohydrates as they will not obtain the caloric intake they need for their high metabolic rates.

            A commercial ferret diet is best or a high quality kitten food can be fed is unable to obtain a ferret diet.  A small amount of vegetable or fruit items can be offered daily, about 1tablespoon per day.  Many owners also give their ferrets a small amount of hairball laxative 1-2 times a weeks.

            Fresh water should be available at all times, ferrets can use sippers or water bowls.

Diseases:

            Ferrets are prone to multiple disease process, most of which require veterinary attention.  Some of the more common ones are listed below:

Dental disease - drooling, bad breath, not eating etc.

Diarrhea - persistent loose stools, often green and mucoid.

Adrenal disease - hair loss, swollen vulva, inability of male ferrets to urinate etc.

Insulinoma  -  A ferret that is frequently weak, drooling, or even seizuring.

Respiratory disease - an occasional sneeze is normal, frequent sneezing with nasal discharge and an ill acting ferret requires attention.

Parasites - fleas and mites - there are several commercial cat preparation that may be effective but please check with your veterinarian before applying any pesticide to your ferret.

Vaccinations - in general we vaccinate ferrets for Canine Distemper and Rabies.  Before obtaining a ferret check with your municipality to see if it is legal.  Ferret ownership is illegal in several areas.  While rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for the protection of your pet, it has no legal bearing in the event your ferret bites someone.

Reference - Hillyer and Quesenberry, 1997. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents. 1-131. 

 Please contact our veterinarians at Animal Medical Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Florida (FL) at 727-896-7127 for more information.