Is The Domestic Ferret the Right Pet For You?

Is the domestic ferret the right pet for you?

Every animal that God put on this earth is unique. If you love
animals and have had them as pets, you are aware that each
one has qualities and needs that you as a pet owner assume
the responsibility of when you take them in your home. Your
home now becomes their home. Their habits, activities, needs,
desires, and companionship become a part of your world. A
domestic ferret has these needs as much as any animal or even
you have. They have to eat a proper diet. They must have an
acceptable means of depositing their waste. They must have
an ample supply of clean water. They must have time to play
and to sleep. They like to live in a relatively clean environment.
And very importantly, they need your companionship, love,
and attention. Ferrets also need to have a good doctor to care
for their health issues. If you are willing and able to provide
these basic life sustaining conditions, then read on...

Some things you should know

1. Ferrets are high spirited. They love to inspect, explore,
play, jump, and wrestle. They likely will try your patience
at times as they get into things you would rather they did
not. In their play mode, they may want to wrestle with you.
In the process, you can expect to get scratched or nipped.

2. Ferrets are clean animals. They like to live in a clean
environment. However, like all living creatures (including
people), they have their own distinct odor. Some people
find this odor offensive or have experienced allergic
reactions. It is best to make sure you can tolerate it
before you adopt.

3. Ferrets require daily play time and interaction with
their human counterparts. If you are not able or willing
to spend time with your ferret every day, then you are
better off without one. Ferrets will become lonely and
withdrawn without your attention, and could very well
die. Please consider this carefully before you adopt.

4. As mentioned earlier, ferrets like a clean environment.
However, they do require cleanup. Remember that whatever
goes into a ferret will come out the other end. Ferrets can
be litter trained and this makes cleanup simpler, but
attention to this should be given daily. Because they are
high spirited, ferrets sometimes like to kick the litter
out of the holding container or they may tear up their
bedding or flooring. Be prepared to spend time on
occasional cage and bedding repairs.

5. Ferrets require a cool environment. They do not survive well
when temperatures rise above 80 degrees. You must make
sure they have plenty of water and turn on the air conditioner
when the weather gets warm. Ferrets cannot survive outside.
If your intention is to put them in a cage in the backyard like
a rabbit, DO NOT ADOPT!

6. A ferret's diet requires a high quality food that can cost
from $1 to $5 per pound. Common cat food does not provide
adequate nutrition for the domestic ferret.

7. Many veterenarians are not familiar with complex ferret
health issues. Make sure you are comfortable with their
level of expertise before you adopt. The last thing you
want is to have to find a good vet while your pet is fighting
for their life.

If you still want a ferret...

Here's the good stuff!

Ferrets are fun. They will never stop surprising you with
new ways to play. They are not moody and are always
ready to spend quality time with their human.

Ferrets are quiet pets. They do not bark, howl, meow,
or scream. Only an occasional "dook, dook, dook"
(when they're happy) or a warning "hiss" (when they're afraid)
will you ever hear from them.

Ferrets are loving pets. Most love to cuddle with you (when
they're done playing) and will even give you kisses to
let you know you are special.

Ferrets are devoted to their primary humans. In fact, when you
leave them, they get sad and lonely without you.

Sketch courtesy of Kasey Mack

Ferrets are very intelligent. They will respond to their name. They will learn to know and depend on their human. They normally will come when they are called. They will surprise you with their intuitiveness. And best of all, they can be taught to do what you expect of them.

Ferrets are beautiful. They come in a variety of color patterns. From all white to speckled with mitts to all black. Sables have a dark mask like a racoon or a badger. Siamese are very light in the body and very dark in the legs and tail. Ferrets have bright eyes and bushy tails. Their body is usually long and narrow with a round ribcage and muscular hind quarters.