Dear Dr. Robin: I am thinking about getting a ferret. I work full time, but I understand ferrets sleep most of the time, so I don’t think my work schedule will be a problem. There are no children in the household, and no other pets. I’m just looking for some general advice.
– M.H.
A: Ferrets are curious and great at escape, so they need to be housed in an enclosed space that can be securely latched. They will generally learn quickly how to use a litter pan for elimination.
Place litter pans in the corners of rooms where ferrets will play under your supervision. In order to make their time outside the cage a little less stressful, ferrets can be conditioned to go to the bathroom in the litter pan before being allowed out.
Ferret habitats have become quite sophisticated, and now they even come with three levels. If you choose to make a ferret habitat, the only limit is imagination. Blankets or towels can be used for bedding. Be observant and promptly remove frayed material. Pant legs (removed from the rest of the pants) make great bedding because ferrets like to burrow.
They need food and water in their habitat. Heavy ceramic crock pet bowls work best to prevent spilling. Be aware that ferrets are very sensitive to heat stroke. Be sure their environmental temperature is at or below 80 degrees, and be sure their “house” is well-ventilated.
Ferrets generally do well eating cat food or ferret food. The advantage of feeding cat food is the variety that is available, including the choice of wet, dry, or semi-moist foods. Ferrets “are what they eat,” so try to feed a premium product. If your ferret has special needs, ask your veterinarian to make a specific recommendation.
Because ferrets can develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), they should eat throughout each day. Most ferret owners accomplish this by leaving food available for them 24 hours a day. If your ferret is eating a high-quality premium diet, extra vitamins are not needed.
Check with your veterinarian about what treats he or she might recommend. While obesity is not usually a problem with ferrets, they certainly can become overweight if they get too many high-calorie treats.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian before you feed your ferret any people food, but do not offer chips, cookies or candy as treats. This can cause problems such as an upset stomach, pancreatitis and obesity. Chocolate can be fatal!
Ferrets are generally easy to take care of and fun to have around.
Dr. Robin Downing will respond to your questions in her weekly column, but cannot answer individually. Send questions to: Robin Downing, DVM, P.O. Box 460, Windsor, CO 80550 or drrobin@windsorvet.com.
