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Taking the Best Care of Your Ferret

When adding a new pet to your family, it is important to know not only the inherent characteristics of the animal, but also what their care needs will be. Ferrets are a lively, perky part of the family. Because of their perceived stamina and energy, many may overlook the true importance of proper ferret care.

Ferrets need care just as any other pet you would bring into your home. First off, let’s start with the time requirement of owning a ferret. Because they are such social animals, it is important that you spend plenty of time actively playing with your ferret. 20 or 30 minutes a day doesn’t really even touch the surface of really giving a ferret what he needs. Remember; lots of energy and a truckload of curiosity fill each little ferret’s body. Your ferret may require up to 4 hours a day of playtime in order to keep him from getting into trouble. If after a few minutes of play, your ferret is jumping around at your feet and pulling at your pant leg, you know he needs more play time.

Ferrets love to wrestle and “fight”. Many times they will do this with another ferret or other family pet, but they will also play with you anytime you get involved in their games. Ferrets love to explore new places, so try building an “obstacle course” for your pet to explore, and give him a treat when he completes the course. This is easily done with anything from tubes to an old pair of pants! Ferrets also love noise, so you could make them a toy that will become their favorite out of a small cardboard box filled with crumpled up cellophane paper.

When it comes to water, your ferret will likely jump right in. Give them extra fun and nurture their need for play with a tub or small kiddie pool filled with a small amount of water; 3 or 4 inches will do. For hours of fun, add small whiffle balls or ping pong balls to the water and watch them play! Provide your pet an easy to use ladder so he can climb in and out of the tub as he likes.

Another fun pastime for ferrets is digging. To make your ferret happy and keep him from digging in his litter box, you may want to consider actually making him a sand/soil box where he is free to dig. Offer it to him in an area that will be easy for you to clean up, such as the bathroom or kitchen floor. Chances are he will make a mess!

Grooming regularly is another way to take the best possible care of your ferret. Ferrets need to be bathed, but not very often. Washing your ferret too much can cause the musky smell to become stronger. Many ferret owners bathe their pets only a few times a year unless they get particularly dirty. Keeping ferrets litter box cleaned daily will cut down on undesirable odors and keep your ferret using his box instead of the corner of the living room.