Ferret questions?

Question

I have a few questions to ask about ferrets can anyone tell me if ferrets are hard pets to take care of or if they are easy? and what can you feed ferrets and what type of cage/toys should you get for them?
also I heard that you should get two ferrets so that they will not be alone and I have aslo heard that they get along with cats. do you need to get a second ferret if you get a cat|?

Thanks for answering

I have a cage you can get a petco for ferrets and other animals that is about 3.75sq. ft is that big enough?

Answer 1

The bigger the cage the better, they need room, they're active animals.

Youtube is full of videos about ferrets, a lot of them interacting with cats. The cat needs to be ok with the ferret to get along, as the ferret will have no 'manners' about jumping all over the cat.

They aren't hard to take care of, but they require a LOT of patience and time. They also are prone to two very expensive diseases, and they do bond with their owner and each other. Separate them and they can go downhill healthwise--better be prepared to KEEP the ferrets for the entire lifespan. Toys are anything that moves.

They are NOT dogs, are not cats. They're hyperactive two year olds on speed---they will be into everything. They do smell, they need special high protein food. You need a vet that is familiar with ferrets. Don't expect 'cheap' to be part of any of this.

Get the book Ferrets For Dummies.

Answer 2

First of all, if you get a ferret, you always need to get two, regardless of your other pets. Your ferret needs to socialize while inside the cage, too, so a cat isn't exactly an ideal buddy for your ferret. You should always supervise the ferret while it's out, since ferrets can squeeze into small spaces and chew things up. A cat could also easily kill a ferret, so make sure you supervise them when they're together. You'll want to "ferret-proof" a room to remove things that could hurt a ferret.

I consider a ferret a somewhat difficult pet to take care of. They need lots of social time to run and play outside the cage, even if they have a cagemate. Not all ferrets learn to use the litterbox so they might poop in other parts of the cage. And they tend to get certain kinds of cancers as they get older.

You can feed a ferret a specialized ferret food or a high-protein kitten food. They need a large cage--for two ferrets you will want a big two- or three-level cage. Most cages in the pet store are NOT big enough for two ferrets to live in together.

There are lots of toys you can get for ferrets. Hard plastic is best, since it's hard to destroy. Latex is very dangerous since it can be easily torn apart and swallowed.

I hope this helps. Ferrets can be fun pets but they require a lot more commitment than a hamster. If you're looking for hamster-levels of commitment, get a hamster, not a ferret.

Answer 3

I have always heard you should have two ferrets. But to be honest, I have only one ferret Teeko. They are pretty easy to take care of. I think it depends on what your life style is and how much time you have. Ferrets need to be out of the pen everyday. Their are a lot of ferrret foods out their for ferrets. I buy the 8 in 1 food and mix it with Special Kitty kitten formula from Walmart. It makes it strech and Teeko really likes it. For a pen I would suggest a tall pen that has levels. Toys really depend on the ferret. Teeko really don't like toys. In fact his favorite toys are a small box he can fit in and plastic bags. Teeko loves cats and hates dogs. SO that part is true. I think it would be better to have 2 ferrets. But it depends if they are use to having a mate. Teeko's mate died a few years back. Ferrets like interaction from people and other ferrets. Hope that helps. Check out www.ferret.com , it has a lot of cheap ferret stuff and cheap shipping. I love them.

Answer 4

Ferrets are not overly difficult to take care of but they are different from other cages pets in that they need time out of there cage to play on a daily bases. They also require routine veterinary care and vaccines.

Ferret food is the best thing to feed them (stay away from Marshals it is fished based and makes their feces smell horrible) but if it is not available in your area you can feed them a premium quality kitten food (ie Iams, Nutro)

They need a multi level cage to have room to explore and exercise. If the cage you are referring to is 3.5 square foot of floor space but multi level you should be ok but it is just 3.5 sq feet of cage then it is too small. Here is a good example of a ferret cage http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=17342+17345+17368&pcatid=17368

You can get ferret specific toys for the to play with or you can get cat toys as long as they don't have strings or small pieces they can chew off. (don't leave them unsupervised with anything) You will also need hammocks or blankets for them to sleep in, they love to have something they can burrow in and cuddle up in. Make sure you don't use wood shavings in the cage they can cause respiratory problems.

Ferrets do better if they have a friend to play with, but you can keep them alone as long as you give them lots of play time with you. Yes ferrets can get along with cats depending on how the cat gets along with them, but don' leave them unsupervised with small kittens. Kittens are fragile and ferrets play rough and could easily hurt or kill a small kitten.