click to enlargeFerrets are wonderfully animated and mischievous pets. They can however be quite a handful when it comes to getting into trouble around the house. Creating a safe home environment is crucial because of a ferret’s curious nature. Their supple bodies can squeeze into the smallest places where they love to explore and hide stolen treasure. It is best to confine them within an enclosure during times when adequate supervision is not possible. This area should be large enough for a litter box, “cage furniture” (meaning hammocks, towels and tubes to hide and sleep in), food and water. Avoid cedar shavings, easily torn apart rubber or plastic toys, or frayed fabric. One needs to be ready for their high energy activity, especially if they are occasionally let to roam free in the home.

Diet should be high in meat protein and fat. They are carnivores and do not need much fiber or carbohydrates (sugary items, fruits/ treats, need to be avoided). We recommend a commercially prepared diet that is formulated for ferrets or a high quality growth formula cat food. Dry food is preferred to canned food due to concerns for dental health. They also need access to fresh water at all times from either a sipper tube or heavy ceramic dish.

It is important to closely monitor a ferret’s activity, appetite, stools, and general body condition to uncover concerns for their health. Taking them into an exotic animal veterinarian for an annual physical exam and overall wellness evaluation is strongly recommended. At this time vaccines or other preventative health measures may be discussed or initiated. Such as, heartworm prevention in ferrets has been found to be necessary, however, testing for the infestation is not reliable. Fleas can also infest the ferret. The state requires that all ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Canine Distemper inoculation is then recommended by Kansas City Veterinary Care. Recently, exotic animal veterinarians click to enlargeare also advocating annual injections (in the early spring) with Lupron to help control adrenal disease in neutered/ spayed ferrets.

Illness for ferrets can take many forms. Lethargy, inappetence and diarrhea may be a few of the symptoms that are noted at home. Dental disease, hormonal concerns, cancers and numerous stomach and intestinal ailments can all be seen. In all cases the sooner that an exotic animal veterinarian can exam and initiate treatment the better the prognosis is for recovery.