im worried about my daughter going staying with her dad when he has a pole cat and ferrets as pets, can she get diseases from them? are they likely to bite?any info would be great...
2006-11-19 08:19:55 · 15 answers · asked by ladysal 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
First, any pet has the potential to bite. This is especially true if they are being hurt or get overly excited. You don't say how old your daughter is but these pets are not very good (or I should say children aren't very good) around these pets until they are around 8 or 9 years of age. The biggest thing is for her to take her time and let the animals get used to her.
Healthwise, the biggest problem with skunks is worms. They need to be dewormed every 4 - 6 months. Skunk can carry rabies, but they can also be vacinated against it just like dogs can. If he is in a state where they are illegal (and they are in virtually all states), he probably hasn't had that done. www.skunkhaven.net/StatesForm.htm) Fortunately, likelyhood of contracting rabies is close to nil if it is strictly an indoor pet.
Ferrets, as a general rule don't carry disease that is contagious to humans. They do have front claws that grow fast. Easiest thing to do is have her wear long sleeve shirt or hoodie.
If you are really stressing about this, if her dad has an extra room in the house - maybe he can keep them in there. It would terribly unfair for the criiters to be kept penned up the entire time she was visiting.
And bottom line.... These type of pets can be very sweet. It would be a shame if she couldn't appreciate them first hand. And, tThis is his daughter we are talking about. We know men are Generally idiots, but don't you think he would do his best to keep her safe. Good luck and hugs for you and your girl.
2006-11-19 12:02:35 · answer #1 · answered by zoointheburbs 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Although I'm not a big fan on ferrets as pets (some can be hard to housetrain and bitey), I've heard that polecats (aka skunks) are very nice creatures if gotten at an early age and taken proper care of (ie descented, spayed/neutered, proper vet care). There isn't much that they can give people that you can't get from any other cat or dog. Depending on where you live, some cities probably have regulations against have skunks as pets as they are still considered wild animals, not domesticated.
2006-11-19 08:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by vala_nyx 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
these animals need to have rabies vaccinations. Ferrets can be handled without getting bitten if socialized properly, pole cats (skunks) are wild animals and if kept as a "pet" should at least be in a cage and not running around the house, though I have heeard of people keeping racoons in the house if raised from a pup.
2006-11-19 09:47:53 · answer #3 · answered by realh2h 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, she should be fine as long as her dad is responsible and supervises playtime(I'm assuming your girl is young) In Europe a polecat is essentially a wild ferret. In the US a polecat is a wild type of ferret(rare btw and protected) or a skunk. Skunks as pets can be just as nice as a kitten or ferret. Most pet skunks and ferrets have their scent glands removed for obvious reasons. They do play rough and can be quite hyper, but no worries as long as things are supervised. There is a chance she may get scratched or nipped in play, but no real danger exists. Yay for Ferrets XD
2006-11-19 08:52:25 · answer #4 · answered by Free A 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just Like any other pet, If you are good to it, it will be good to you. I would check and see if there is an actual breeder rather than finding one in the wild, if that is what he's doing. One that has been bred will be a bit calmer do to his gene pool being bred and handled. I wouldn't worry too much. Lots of critters that have a bad name make wonderful pets as long as the situation is right. And have it de-scented!
2006-11-19 08:31:41 · answer #5 · answered by Tsage 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Polecats As Pets
2016-10-31 07:45:08 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the definition of polecat depends on whether we are in Britain or America. Here in Britain we don't have skunks so our polecat is a member of the weasel family; it's a pretty fierce hunter of smaller animals, quick to bite anything, almost impossible to domesticate and has a pungent smell that only its mother could love. My advice - let it stay in the wild.
2006-11-19 09:37:55 · answer #7 · answered by graphics 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have known of only one other case of a "skunk" as a pet, and it was "de-scented". I would say the danger is extremely low, but if your child is younger than 5 she needs to be kept away from "biting" pets, if she's old enough to be told and shown how to respect the animals, she's probably OK. I hope these animals are kept away from people who don't know how to handle them and that your "ex" (I assume) has some common sense about it. Does he? you need to use some judgment too.
2006-11-19 08:33:29 · answer #8 · answered by skybear97 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A Pole Cat is just a countryfied way of saying SKUNK. Don't think you want one of those for a pet, but maybe if you got them descented so that they couldnt spray you, they would probably still smell a little, its up to you, skunk kinda smells like puppybreath, but stronger and not as nice. I've had Ferrets, they are very, very cool and sweet and smarter than Dogs, they are very curious and they are little theives, they will steal anything shinny, but I don't think they would pose any threat to your child. I dont think the skunk would either, as long as it was descented. I am sure your ex husband doesnt want anything to happen to your child either. I would go and see them for yourself, if they are sweet to you then you can put your mind at ease. Good luck with that :O)
Christchild
2006-11-19 08:22:40 · answer #9 · answered by Christchild2006 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well, skunks need shots like dogs and cats. Ask if he has gotten them their shots and I would not want my child around all that mess; it could not be clean and I think she could catch something from the critters but also if he does not take care of the critters then what is he going to do with his child?
2006-11-19 09:01:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋