Ferrets as Pets: Do Ferrets Make Good Pets
Do ferrets make good pets? Simply put, yes and no. Like all pets, ferrets have some special needs and if you are ready to take on the challenges of owning a ferret, then ferrets make GREAT pets. However, if you think ferrets are like hamsters and don’t need attention, then keep on moving. Ferrets are not for you.
Ferrets are high maintenance animals, which prefer to live in groups. While they are only awake about 4 hours a day, they can be very mischievous in this time. Many people will get an extra ferret to keep their current ferret company.
Do Ferrets Smell?
Like cats, ferrets have a scent gland in their paws. Unlike cats, this scent gland is generally removed when the ferret is neutered as a baby. If the scent glad is not removed, they can produce a strong smell when frightened.
The biggest “smell” is not form the scent gland. It is from the cage and the litter box. This is easily controlled by proper cleaning. Therefore, the answer is similar to cats. They only smell if the owner does not properly take care of the litter box and cage.
How Much Attention Does a Ferret Need?
Ferrets are social animals and will require tons of attention. Fortunately, they are only awake for about 4 hours a day. But, during this time they will get into everything and want to play A LOT!
If you do not have the time to spend with a ferret, then don’t get one. Even if you do think you can commit this kind of time to a ferret, purchase two. This way they can keep each other company and live a ling and happy life.
Do Ferrets Bite?
Baby ferrets are born with razor sharp teeth, which fall out and are replaced by less sharp teeth. Ferrets do “play-bite” quite often. Their form of playing is attacking and running off to be chased. You will see this often when two or more ferrets are playing and it is completely normal.
This “play-biting” makes ferrets not a good pet for small children. It also means they need to be supervised when interacting with dogs. The attacking can trigger a dog’s hunting instinct, which will end up badly for a ferret set on playing with the dog.
How Expensive is it to Own a Ferret?
Ferrets are not a cheap pet. Unfortunately, ferrets have a high rate of cancer and this causes quite high vet bills in the future. While feeding ferrets high quality food will help, it does not guarantee a healthy and cancer free life.
Additionally, ferrets are prone to diabetes. This is mainly due to the fact people feed their ferrets sugary treats. This is not a good idea and can cause serious health problems in your ferret. For more information on what to feed a ferret, read my article Ferrets Love to Eat – Healthy Ferret Snacks.
Overall, ferrets make a wonderful pet if you are ready for the responsibility. They require just as much if not more attention than owning a dog or a cat and can be quite expensive. However, if you can make a commitment to a ferret, they do make excellent companions.
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