Ready for a Ferret! But I have a few more concerns?

Question

I've been researching on Ferrets for over 4 weeks now, and am itching to get one REALLY soon. But ive just read something thats crossed my mind. Ferrets are prone to catching things like the human flu, and etc correct? That concerns me, because my daughter is an elementary student, and brings home cold after cold. (so it seems that way) I wouldn't want to risk a ferrets health, because of this. Should I just wait to purchase a ferret until my daughters immune system has adjusted better? Anyone ever get a ferret from Carolina Ferrets? I was going to settle with a store bought or shelter ferret, but I've really come to find that the Carolina Ferret kits are excellent. Also, im a little concerned about litter trainning, because I do have 4 cats and they of course have their odors! Is this going to clash with litter training my ferret(s) ?

I am not worried about smell at all, as i have had my share of smelly critters! It's always something, and at least the smell can me managable. If they were that smelly, they wouldn't be so popular!

Answer 1

I would be more concerned about your daughters age. Is she going to be handling the critter much and will she be able to deal with the lively buggers and the play biting and the mock attacks?
Ferrets can catch the flu just like we do, and they act a lot like us. Runny/stuffy noses, sneezing, lack of energy, but just like us they can be treated. Some human OTC's are actually usable on ferrets, but ask your vet about which ones and the dosage thereof, but usually they get over it in a few days with a little TLC.
And common sense dictates that you use care and wash your hands frequently when you or your family members have colds. Don't sneeze on your fuzzy, don't let it sneeze on you and no kissing for a few days.
Most ferrets get over the flu without further problems, unless they've had underlying health issues to begin with. That's when it gets tricky.
As far as the litter training goes, chances are that the ferret and the cats are going to be attempting to use each others litter boxes. I don't know your cats' temperament, so I cannot predict how they will tolerate that. I would advice against letting the cats and the ferret interact unsupervised for a good while. Though I believe that a grown ferret can stand their ground against an ordinary house cat, you are dealing with four of them and that's just not fair. Someone might get hurt. Do you have an area that you can dedicate to the ferret, one that the cats won't have access to unless you want them to? A ferret proofed room like that would probably be a good idea. You could have litter boxes in that room and in the ferts cage and eliminate another worry. Think about it, and good luck to you and your "zoo". Gotta love them critters, eh?
Me too!!

Answer 2

i would call up your local vets office and ask to speak with a vet. ask the vet your question. i can't imagine that it would be so bad that he/she would tell you not to get one...

they used a ferret in the movie kindergarden cop...

i'm sure that ferrets are around children and viruses and do okay...you just need to learn the best way to prevent the spread of illness...keep hand sanitizer close by and teach your daughter to always use it before handling the ferret...especially during flu seasons...

Answer 3

My sister had one when we lived together a few years back. A few things I noticed.... They are impossible to de-stink completly. No matter what they tell you they have a strong odor no matter how much you clean thier space and them. And they are less likely to be as sweet as a typical houshold pet. buy from a good home thats a well known breader in your area if you want a proper temperment.

Answer 4

My brother in law had 2 of them. He had to bathe them daily. They do produce a strong oder. Alot of trips to the vet come with them.