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Ferrets require more care and attention than a pocket pet like a hamster, but they need less indoor and outdoor space than a dog. Their diet and habitat requirements are pretty specific, and they have that distinctive musky aroma that is just part of who they are! Basically, ferrets are not for every family. But if you’re ready to welcome a spunky, curious, social, and intelligent critter into your home, read on to learn more about the basics of ferret care.

A Safe and Cozy Habitat

Because their bursts of energy are high, ferrets do tend to sleep quite a bit between play and socialization time. In fact, they may snooze for the vast majority of each day! That means they need cozy bedding and the ability to stretch out those lanky bodies. You can find tube or hammock style beds, as well as traditional pillow-type beds, at most pet supply stores.

While they may use the space for mostly eating and sleeping, ferrets need relatively large enclosed cages with easy access to multiple levels to keep their food, bedding, and bathroom areas separated. When you shop for a ferret habitat, look for one that is “a minimum size of 24” x 24” x 18” for up to two ferrets.” Multiple doors can help you clean and switch out toys and bedding easily, but be sure that they latch securely to prevent escapes and falls.

Once you identify where your ferret most often relieves itself within the habitat, you can place a low-sided ferret litter box in that area. Be patient as your pet learns to associate the box with its bathroom area. Avoid clay litter that can be dusty and cause respiratory irritation; pellet-style litter is often the best choice for ferrets.

Feeding Your Ferret

Ferrets are carnivores who have their own particular nutritional needs. Like dogs and cats, they can eat dry and/or canned food, but dog and cat food are not appropriate for ferrets. They have differing protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber requirements and should be fed diets that are specifically formulated for them.

Commercially-available ferret treats are great to use for training rewards and positive-association bonding, but they should only make up a small percentage of what your pet eats each day.

Typically, ferrets will graze on dry food throughout the day and can have small canned food meals a couple of times daily. Follow the instructions on the food packaging, but watch for weight gain or weight loss and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your specific pet’s diet.

Ferret Vaccinations

Though they shouldn’t be fed the same foods as dogs, ferrets do require some vaccines that are similar to canine vaccines. Ferrets may be susceptible to rabies (like all mammals) and to canine distemper. The vaccination series can begin after a ferret is 8 weeks old, and vaccines may be administered every 1 to 3 years. During your ferret’s regular wellness visits, you can discuss immunizations with your veterinary team.

Common Illnesses

Because ferrets are naturally curious—and often very, very quick—it is important to supervise play time so that they don’t chew, choke on, or ingest anything that they shouldn’t. They may also experience parasitic, bacterial, or fungal infections. Be on the lookout for diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, itching, hair loss, and other out of the ordinary signs of illness. If you notice these, get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as you can; much like other small animals, ferrets will do their best to hide symptoms until an illness or injury is quite serious.

Adrenal disease is relatively common among adult ferrets, involving overproduction of hormones or even cancer of the adrenal glands. This can lead to itching, hair loss, increased odor, aggression, straining to urinate, and other issues. Your veterinarian may opt for medication, surgery, or a combination of the two to treat adrenal disease in ferrets.

Ferrets seem to find fun and adventure in each day! At Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital, we’re happy to help you keep that energy going; give us a call at (210) 696-1700 if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.