Ferrets: Owning

What do I need to know about ferrets?

The common ferret, Mustela putorius furo, is a domesticated relative of the European polecat. Kept for more than 2,000 years, ferrets were originally used for hunting and pest control. They belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae), which also includes otters, mink, weasels, and badgers.

Ferrets come in many coat colors and patterns. The fitch, or sable, ferret is the most common. Fitch ferrets have a buff-colored coat with black markings on the face, feet, and tail. Albino ferrets are white with pink eyes. Some have a buff coat with lighter markings. Other color variations include silver mitt, Siamese, cinnamon, panda, black-eyed white, blaze, and butterscotch. The angora form has a long, fluffy coat. 

A female ferret is called a jill, a male is called a hob, and young ferrets are called kits. Like puppies and kittens, kits are born deaf and with their eyes closed. They begin walking at about three weeks of age, which is also when their eyes and ears open. At about six weeks of age, they can be weaned onto ferret food. Ferrets generally live about 6 to 10 years.

Do ferrets make good pets?

Ferrets are generally good-natured, inquisitive, playful animals that enjoy the company of humans. They can make great pets and can learn to use a litter box. They need regular, supervised time outside their cage to play and explore. Gentle handling and socialization are important; a frightened or poorly socialized ferret may bite. If you have young children, speak with a veterinarian before getting a ferret and supervise their interactions.

What daily care does a ferret need?

Food: Ferrets are true carnivores, and the best diet for a pet is a high-quality commercial ferret food. Ask your veterinarian before feeding a homemade or whole-prey diet. Provide fresh water at all times.

Housing: Ferrets are highly susceptible to heatstroke. Keep their enclosure out of direct sunlight and avoid hot rooms or outdoor temperatures. Ferrets do best in a cool environment, generally around 65° to 75°F (18° to 24°C), and their environmental temperature must be kept below 90ºF (32ºC). Keeping ferrets outdoors during the summer months may expose them to dangerously high temperatures, and also mosquitoes that may transmit heartworms.

Grooming: Ferrets should have their sharp claws trimmed regularly. Your veterinarian can teach you how to do this safely. Ferrets should never be declawed. Ask your veterinarian whether your ferret needs bathing. Bathing on a fixed schedule will not eliminate their natural musky odor.

How can I keep my ferret safe?

Due to their curious nature, ferrets are great escape artists. 

• Block all openings (holes) that lead to areas you cannot reach. Ferrets can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.  
• Ferrets can burrow into the foam inside couches, chairs, and mattresses. They may also climb into the backs of speakers, closets, and drawers. Block access to these areas with thin plywood or hardware cloth.
• Keep foam, plastic, and rubber objects out of your ferret’s reach. These include shoe inserts, earplugs, erasers, rubber bands, balloons, and foam from speakers or headphones. Swallowing these items can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage. Contact a veterinarian promptly if you think your ferret has swallowed something.

Supervise your ferret whenever they are outside their cage. Some people have their ferret wear a collar with a bell so that the ferret can be easily found if out of sight. If you use a collar, ask your veterinarian about a safe fit and make sure the ferret cannot swallow the bell if it comes loose.

What is de-scenting?

De-scenting is the surgical removal of a ferret’s anal scent glands. These glands release a foul-smelling, musky liquid, but removing them does not eliminate a ferret’s usual musky odor, which comes mainly from glands in the skin. Ask your veterinarian whether bathing is needed and how often to bathe your ferret.

How do I choose a pet ferret?

Check whether ferret ownership is permitted where you live. If ferret ownership is legal in your area, you may be able to adopt one from a shelter or rescue organization or obtain one from a breeder or pet store. 

• Choose one that is alert and curious, with clear eyes and nose, free of any discharge that might indicate illness. 
• The ferret should not be thin or emaciated.
• Check for wetness around the anus, which might indicate diarrhea.
• Check for external parasites, such as fleas. 
• If possible, examine the ferret’s mouth for broken teeth, discolored gums (which should be light pink), or obvious sores.
• Ask whether the ferret has been spayed or neutered and de-scented, and request their vaccination and health records.

Should pet ferrets be spayed or neutered?

Ferrets are often spayed or neutered before you purchase them. Unless you want to breed your pet, surgical sterilization is highly recommended. Intact (unneutered) male ferrets have a strong musky odor, and they can be more aggressive. An intact female can remain in heat unless she mates or receives veterinary treatment. Prolonged heat can suppress her bone marrow and become life-threatening. If this condition is not treated early and aggressively, it can be fatal.

What veterinary care does my ferret need?

Arrange an examination with a veterinarian experienced with ferrets soon after purchase or adoption. This is often required by the seller, or the guarantee is voided. Your veterinarian can discuss proper diet, housing, enrichment, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Your veterinarian may check your ferret’s ears for ear mites and recommend a fecal test for intestinal parasites. Ask about heartworm prevention even if your ferret lives indoors, because mosquitoes can enter homes.

Just like dogs and cats, ferrets require a series of vaccinations as youngsters. They need protection against canine distemper and rabies. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your ferret’s age, the vaccines available, and local requirements. 

At least once per year, your ferret should have a veterinary examination. Your veterinarian can advise you about fecal testing, booster vaccinations, and any additional tests your ferret needs. As ferrets age, examinations and testing can help detect problems such as cardiomyopathy, low blood sugar caused by insulinoma, adrenal gland disease, and cancer. Ferrets are very susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so they are only fasted for a few hours (rather than overnight) before surgery or blood sampling.