Unusual Pets — Going Beyond Cats and Dogs

Many people find ferrets nice to have and as easy to keep, if not easier, than other typical pets like dogs and cats. While they may not be a common choice for pets, ferrets have been domesticated by humans since as early as 4 BC. Should you choose to welcome one of these four-footed clowns into your home, here are some basic tips to help you care for your ferret:

MAKING A HOME FOR YOUR FERRET

Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages with good climbing toys such as ramps and stairs. Make sure the cage has good ventilation. For that reason, wire or sturdy mesh cages should be used instead of aquariums. The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than bare wire floors. Keep the temperature in the cage between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean it regularly with hot soapy water.

FERRET FEEDING TIPS

Ferrets are carnivores. They eat meat and their diet requires at least 22 percent fat and 34 percent protein from animal sources. Commercial cat food or dog food is not a good idea. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause a condition known as hemolytic anemia — a disorder which destroys red blood cells faster than the bone marrow can produce them.

FERRET POTTY TRAINING AND HYGIENE

A small 3- to 5-inch-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.

As far as hygiene: Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling too strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo. It isn’t advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser available from pet shops.

ACTIVE, HAPPY FERRETS ARE FUN

Ferrets are very energetic animals. Keep them entertained with toys that aren’t easy to break to maintain their safety. Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.