Housing and Home Setup
Ferrets are extremely curious and mischievous. They love to chew and are very good at it. Ferrets should be kept in an appropriate cage when they cannot be supervised.
An appropriate ferret cage is large, has multiple levels, and has narrow cage bars to prevent escape. The cage should have a sturdy top and a secure latching system on the doors. The Midwest Ferret Nation cage is a good option.
A litter box should be provided in the enclosure and in rooms that ferrets will spend time. Since ferrets prefer to eliminate in corners, litter boxes should be placed in the corners of rooms they can access. Acceptable substrates include paper products such as recycled paper pellets. Clumping and clay litters may stick to the ferret's nose and cause respiratory distress. Cedar and pine shavings should not be used due to resins that may irritate the respiratory tract.
There are many toys suitable for ferrets made of cloth, hard rubber, or plastic. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed. Ferrets will play with, and attempt to ingest, many unsafe objects. Keep items such as earplugs, pencil erasers, rubber bands, foam pieces, and small children's toys out of reach.
Rooms where ferrets are allowed to roam must be ferret-proofed. Hide electrical cords, block access to upholstered furniture if chewing is a concern, and confirm there are no escape routes such as broken screens or poorly closing doors. Reclining chairs should not be used when ferrets are present, as ferrets may climb into the mechanism and be seriously injured.
Nutrition and Feeding
Ferrets have a very high metabolic rate and should have food and fresh water available at all times, as they require multiple meals throughout the day. Water bottles or water bowls secured to the cage can be used. As ferrets age, bowls are often preferred because they are easier to drink from and help maintain hydration.
Ferrets are true carnivores and require a diet high in animal-based protein and fat with minimal carbohydrates. Grains and starches should be avoided, as high-carbohydrate diets are associated with increased disease risk.
An ideal diet for a ferret is whole prey, such as a mouse, but many owners are uncomfortable with this option. High-quality raw or freeze-dried raw diets such as Primal Raw or Primal Dehydrated cat food are good alternatives. Meat-based varieties are preferred over fish-based formulas.
For owners who do not wish to feed whole prey diets, there are grain-free kibble diets formulated for ferrets. We highly recommend Wysong ferret diets, which are freeze-dried and grain-free. Freeze drying preserves many nutritional qualities of raw diets. Alternative options include Pretty Pet's Natural Gold.
High-quality grain-free wet cat foods are also acceptable options. Examples include Nature's Variety Instinct, Wellness Core, Blue Wilderness, and Petcurean NOW. These diets are typically high in animal protein and moisture, which may be beneficial for hydration.
The next best option is a high-quality grain-free dry cat or kitten food. Some higher-protein brands include Petcurean NOW and Nature's Variety Instinct. There has been some controversy regarding diets that include pea flour and duck meat and their potential role in bladder stone formation. It is believed that some ferrets may be genetically predisposed to issues with cysteine metabolism, and in those individuals, high-cysteine diets should be avoided.
Diet changes must be made gradually. New foods should be introduced over one to two weeks by slowly increasing the proportion of the new diet each day. If your ferret develops diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of gastrointestinal upset, please contact the hospital.
Treats should be strictly meat-based, such as dehydrated chicken, beef, venison, or rabbit. Always read ingredient labels to ensure treats contain no grains, sugars, or fillers. Small amounts of cooked plain chicken or turkey are also acceptable.
Bathing
Ferrets can be bathed and may tolerate bathing well if introduced early. Use a mild, soap-free pet shampoo. Avoid getting shampoo or water in the eyes and ears. Bathe in a shallow sink with warm water, rinse thoroughly, and prevent chilling. Towel drying is usually sufficient, and many ferrets will complete drying themselves.
Vaccines
Ferrets should be vaccinated for canine distemper. Canine distemper is a virus that can cause serious, even deadly disease in ferrets. A vaccine manufactured specifically for ferrets must be used.
Juvenile ferrets should receive a series of two distemper vaccinations three to four weeks apart. Adult ferrets should receive annual boosters thereafter.
Even ferrets that never go outside should be vaccinated. Distemper can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or other items after contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
Ferrets should also be vaccinated annually for rabies. Rabies is a fatal disease in all mammals. Vaccination protects your ferret in the event of exposure and helps prevent mandatory quarantine if a bite occurs. Rabies vaccination is required by law in many regions.
Some ferrets may have allergic reactions to vaccines. We recommend close monitoring for thirty minutes after vaccination. If your ferret has experienced a severe reaction, we will discuss appropriate options for future vaccination protocols.
Elective Surgeries
Most ferrets from pet stores are de-scented and spayed or neutered at a very young age. While these procedures can reduce odor, they do not completely eliminate the natural musky scent.
If a ferret has not been surgically altered, it is strongly recommended to do so. Neutered males are typically less aggressive. Unspayed females may remain in heat for prolonged periods and can develop life-threatening anemia due to estrogen toxicity.
Early spay and neuter has been associated with increased risk of adrenal disease later in life. When possible and under veterinary guidance, some owners choose to delay surgery until after puberty, around six to nine months of age.
Common Medical Problems
Ferrets are prone to several medical problems owners need to be aware of.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes. Although ferrets are less commonly infected than dogs, infection can occur and may be serious. Monthly heartworm prevention is recommended. Revolution is a topical option that also helps control fleas, mites, and certain intestinal parasites. If Revolution is not tolerated, a chewable heartworm prevention labeled for cats may be used, provided your ferret will reliably eat it.
Dental Disease
Ferrets benefit from dental care similar to dogs and cats. Human toothpaste is not safe. Use an enzymatic pet toothpaste such as CET. Introduce gradually as a treat, then progress to wiping the teeth and eventually brushing. Many ferrets require professional dental cleanings over time.
Hairballs
Hairballs can be serious and potentially life-threatening in ferrets. Daily brushing, especially during shedding seasons, and proper nutrition help reduce risk.
Human Colds and Flu
Ferrets are susceptible to human respiratory viruses. Avoid close contact when ill. Monitor for sneezing, runny eyes or nose, diarrhea, lethargy, or decreased appetite and schedule an appointment if signs develop.
Insulinoma
Insulinoma is a common pancreatic tumor that causes low blood sugar due to excess insulin production. High-carbohydrate diets increase risk. Feeding a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet helps reduce incidence. Weakness, collapse, or hind-end difficulty warrant immediate evaluation.
Adrenal Disease
Adrenal disease is common in middle-aged ferrets. Signs include increased thirst and urination, symmetric hair loss, itchy skin, enlarged vulva in females, and straining to urinate in males. Treatment options include medical and surgical management.
Signs of Disease
Contact the hospital if you observe:
- Sneezing or runny eyes or nose
- Decreased appetite or activity
- Labored breathing
- Bloody or black stools
- Decreased stool production
- Straining to urinate or defecate
- Fever
- Poor coordination
- Itchy skin or ears
Additional warning signs include hair loss, lethargy, collapse, swollen vulva in females, or difficulty urinating in males. Early evaluation improves treatment success.
Preventive Care
Ferrets are prone to several medical conditions, making routine veterinary care essential. A yearly physical exam is recommended for all ferrets. Once ferrets reach three years of age, radiographs and blood work should be performed every six to twelve months to detect early disease.
Fecal exams are especially important in young ferrets and those with exposure to other ferrets. Stool testing screens for intestinal parasites that may be contagious.
Preventing Adrenal Disease With Annual January Exams
Recent research indicates that annual treatments can significantly reduce the risk of adrenal disease. We strongly recommend yearly examinations every January to administer prophylactic treatments and assess overall health.
Deslorelin or Lupron implants reduce hormone stimulation of the adrenal glands. These implants are typically administered every nine to eighteen months depending on the ferret's clinical signs and response. This is a brief procedure that requires sedation.