Is a Ferret The Right
Pet For You?
It is estimated that in the United States there are eight
to ten million ferrets being kept as pets. Because of their
small size and quiet habits (except when they are getting
into mischief) ferrets are very suitable pets for people with
small homes or apartments. Some say that ferrets are hypoallergenic
(I do not believe this is true) but in many cases people that
are allergic to dogs and cats are not allergic to the ferret.
Ferrets are a very unique animal always playful, inquisitive,
and loving. They demand interaction with a human and if they
do not get it and are kept caged without having the out of
cage time and the human interaction that they need they can
turn nippy. I feel strongly that ferrets should be kept caged
or in a ferret-proofed room of their own when their human
is not around to supervise them. When the ferret is caged
it is important that they receive 4 but no less that 2 hours
of "out of cage time" a day.
No matter how many ferrets you have you will quickly learn
that each ferret has its own distinctly different personality.
They are natural latrine type animals and can be litter boxed
trained and will usually use a "special" corner,
they also make excellent traveling companions. A pet carrier
can easily be outfitted with a hammock, a litter box, a blanket,
food and water dishes—this makes for all the comforts
of home while traveling.
Ferrets are not for everyone! They have special needs, they
have special traits and because of their never ending need
for adventure they can get hurt requiring medical treatment.
This can be expensive. They require time and attention; in
today’s busy lifestyles do you have the time it will
require? There is daily cage and litter box cleaning, weekly
grooming and ferret laundry to do. Not to mention daily meds
and force feeding if the ferret is sick. Do you have the time
it will require? Do you have the needed funds to meet unexpected
medical expense not to mention the yearly shots required,
these are not "low maintenance" pets. Annual veterinary
care can cost $130-$150 per ferret, an adrenal surgery can
cost $250-$500 in some areas of the country even more. Are
you willing to show a total commitment to the animal for its’
lifespan of 5 to 8 years? If you have answered "YES"
to all of these questions, then possibly, just possibly a
ferret might be for you. Read on—a cage cost on the
average is $100-$150, the cost of the ferret itself—average
price in a pet store is $100-$150, from a shelter it is far
less and you have the benefit of current shot status. Are
you still willing to accept all the responsibility that goes
into ferret ownership? Read on.
Do you own other pets, ie: cats and/or dogs. Ferrets make
wonderful playmates but need a supervised introduction. Are
you willing to give the time that is needed for the first
few introductions between these pets to assure that neither
gets hurt? Ferrets do not get along well with reptiles, birds,
or rodents—do you have any of these pets? Would it be
fair to them to bring a ferret into their home? Think about
it. Do you truly feel that any of these other species could
co-exist happily with a ferret in the family?
Ferrets can become frightened and nip when manhandled by
children. If there are children in the household are they
old enough to understand the handling of the ferret. Ferrets
are delicate and because of their body structure can easily
receive spinal injuries if not handled properly. Then are
their babies in the family? No pet should be allowed around
a baby without supervision. It is up to the parent to decide
at what age their child is responsible enough to handle owning
a pet but I would suggest this be given very serious consideration
when it come to the ownership of a ferret. Ferrets require
responsible ownership, if that is provided then everyone—human
and ferret alike will be happy.
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