i've been looking at getting a ferret as a pet, but some things are making me change my mind. apparently they are really stinky, if i get one that is de-scented will it smell less? and i have three cats, and one is insanely bossy, will the ferret get attacked by my cat? do they bite? and i've herd that you can litter train them, is that true?
2007-07-16 11:49:04 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Next time you see one, ask it.
2007-07-16 11:53:10 · answer #1 · answered by .:Riku's homegirl:. 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have 2 ferrets, both a male and a female and 2 dogs.
A few things you should keep in mind
-Ferrets don't actually smell, it's usually the feces in the litter, if the smell is really overwhelming it can be rectified by trying a different type of food, and scooping the litter daily. Most ferrets you get will come descented..even though it's not necessary
-Ferrets are amazing, insane little things, and have an average life span of 5-7 years. They get into anything and everything and cause all kinds of Craziness where ever they go :)
- In terms of ferrets being "diseased"
I have 2 of them and the were kind of "disease" they have ever had has been a simple cold..Ferrets can catch and pass on the cold to and from humans
In terms of the interaction between your cat and any potential ferrets, keep it limited at first. It's impossible whether or not to tell you if they will get along..it depends on each animals personality. For the most part they get along with other animals.
Ferrets are just like puppies when it comes to biting.
You need to nip train them using positive re-inforcement (treats!!!) I don't have any bite issues with either of my ferrets :)
For more info google "ferret central"
2007-07-16 12:29:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ferrets make wonderful pets for the right person! Yes they smell, even if descented they will still have a "ferrety" musky odor. They like to poop in corners, so using a corner litter box made for ferrets helps, though some won't use them. They can be nippy as babies, but not all are. You do have to be careful with the cats because a cat bite or scratch can be very serious. Ferrets are fearless and will probably chase down and bite the cats! This website has good additional info:
http://www.ferretcentral.org/
2007-07-16 12:09:41 · answer #3 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ferrets are not for everyone. Please make a very informed decision by going through the following website. The site has all the information you will need and it is easy to navigate: http://www.ferretuniverse.com
Ferrets are stinky if they are not cleaned up after properly.
Yes...if the ferret is descented it will smell less.
Beings that you have three cats my suggestion to you is to keep your ferrets confined to one room. Your bedroom or a spare guest room would be perfect. Please make sure it is 'ferret proofed'.
Ferrets do bite. They bite in play. Kits or baby ferrets have a tendency to nip more often then an adult ferret just like puppies and kittens do. Keep lots of toys and treats around for distractions. They will give the ferrets something else to chew on other then you.
Ferrets are very litter trainable. It does, however, take time ans persistence. If you keep at it...it will work out.
Please keep in mind that ferrets are species social. Be prepared to buy two ferrets instead of one. If you can't afford it right now it is best to wait until you have saved ample money for 2 ferrets, cage, toys, treats, cage accessories, and vet visits. Ferrets are NOT cheap pets.
Good luck in your decision!!
2007-07-16 13:14:17 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ferrets are great pets if you can take care of them. Its not like you can just leave them in a cage all day. They need at least 2-3 hours out EVERY day. Plus you have to see if they are legal in the state you live in. After getting a good size cage, supplies, & the lil caret shark =) you are looking @ anywhere form $300-$700 dollars. Dont forget shots too.
Most come from ferret farms & are fixed & descended. They always have a bit of a smell but just buy spray & keep the cage clean. LIke any animal some ferrets do bite. Never hit them if they do, say no & spray them with water. Applebitters works too (or mix of lemon water) they dont like the taise.
YES! =) they do litter train but get non- clump & dust free or it can kill them, dont forget to "ferret proof" your house too. Its shocking places they can get to & that can kill them, like a box spring or recliner chair.
Playing with cats is great. You should worrie about the cats, not the ferret haha! They love to tackle cats! =) Just supervise the play time @ all times.
I highly sugest getting & reading ferrets for dummies. It has TONS of info. Plus lets you know if a ferret is good for you to have. You may want to adopt one. Many people get them thinking they are easy to have as pets only to find theyre more like a fuzzy 4 year old kid. HAH! Really look into it before you get one. Too many are hurt, killed, & given up because people know nothing or very little when they buy one.
(sorry its so long. If you can take care of them, they rock!! Great with kids & other pets too! Search ferret on youtube & ferret war dance!)
2007-07-16 12:05:56 · answer #5 · answered by Raven Punk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can litter train them, but it takes work. They don't bite if you handle them right away and play with them. Mine have never bite anyone/anything. All ferrets from a pet store come de-scented and fixed, but they still carry a smell, especially males. The cage is what is the most smelly part about them. I can really only smell mine if I stick my nose right up to there bodies. If you keep the cage cleaned everyday there will be minimal smell. You can bathe them too. Cleaning the cage everyday is good b/c they go #2 a lot :) With your cat, it's all up to him. My cat steers away from my ferrets, but I keep my ferrets in their little room with lots of toys so my dog and cat cant get to them. My cat just ignores them anyways. They are also little thieves, but it's so fun to watch them hide stuff. Ferret is derieved from the word thief. They are fun pets! Do some research and you'll find they are great companions and are not all that hard to keep up with!! Oh ya they need to fairly LARGE cage to roam!Good luck!
2007-07-16 11:58:26 · answer #6 · answered by myusernameisbetterthanyours 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they are full of fun.. worse than a toddler.
and they are known to bite, some do some don't
they will get into everyting and anything.
2007-07-16 11:58:57 · answer #7 · answered by ridingorracing 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no. ferrets have recently been linked to countless diseases. there are no safe ferrets. if you do get one, they all stink, and if you buy the cheap kind of ferret food, they will puke it up. good luck.
2007-07-16 11:53:20 · answer #8 · answered by bmac 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋