American Ferret Association

WHAT IS A FERRET?

The domestic European ferret (Mustela putorius furo), is a member of the mustelid family which also includes otters, mink, badgers, weasels, skunks, & numerous other musk-producing mammals. The domestic ferret should not be confused with the Black-Footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), a close cousin, which is native to North America & currently on the endangered species list. Ferrets are not members of the rodent family, nor are they related to the opossum, raccoon or mongoose.

AREN'T FERRETS WILD ANIMALS?

NO. It is assumed that ferrets have been domesticated for over 2,000 years, long before our common house cats. They have been captively bred for good temperament over the centuries. They were introduced into the U.S. for rodent control in the 1600's. Domestic ferrets have no chance of survival without human intervention. Ferrets lost outside the home or abandoned will surely die within 3-4 days. They are not capable of finding their own food - dry cat food doesn't grow on trees. And most ferrets have no fear & wouldn't hesitate to walk up to a strange dog, cat or wild animal.

AREN'T FERRETS AGGRESSIVE AND DON'T THEY BITE A LOT?

Remember, animals have teeth, & any animal that has not been taught proper manners will bite. Kits (baby ferrets) can be nippy. Grabbing things with their mouth is how they play when they're young, just like puppies and kittens. With the correct handling & training, ferrets are no more likely to bite than
a dog, cat, or child.
Always be in control of your ferret when it is in strange surroundings, or being introduced to new people. Special caution should be taken around children & the elderly as their skin is more delicate & easily damaged. Ferrets are still a unique animal in the eyes of many, and anybody (especially any parent whose child has been bitten by a ferret), could turn your life into a nightmare, causing you to voluntarily give up your pet for rabies testing in order to avoid a long, messy lawsuit and extensive medical costs. And, as with all animals, never leave your ferret unsupervised with a small child. A ferret is not a toy.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER VACCINATIONS A FERRET SHOULD HAVE?

It is strongly recommended that ferrets also be vaccinated against canine distemper - they are extremely susceptible to this disease which is always fatal. A ferret does not have to have contact with an infected animal to contract this disease. Fervac D and Galaxy D are the vaccines of choice. The initial "baby shot" is given at 6 to 8 weeks-of-age with follow-up vaccinations every 3 weeks. The last of the "baby shots" should be at 14 to 16 weeks to assure continuous protection for the next 12 months. Before the 14th week the kit may still be protected by the mother's natural immunity which reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine. Yearly booster vaccinations are required.

CAN A FERRET PLAY WITH A DOG, CAT, BIRD...?

While many ferret owners successfully allow their ferret(s) to play with their dog(s) &/or cat(s), these interactions should always be supervised. Ferrets should not be allowed to come in contact with birds, snakes or other reptiles, & other caged animals. These encounters could end with disastrous results. Fish tanks should be securely covered for the safety of the ferret.

WHAT ARE FERRETS LIKE AS PETS?

Ferrets are kitten-like in temperament, retaining their playful nature well into old age. They seek & enjoy the company of people & other companion pets. While ferrets don't mind being confined to their cage when you're not there to supervise, they need interaction & want to be with you. They are even-tempered, adapting to change undaunted. They are not jealous or territorial. They are not nocturnal & adjust to your schedule. They usually have no fear of anything including vacuum cleaners!
Adult females (jills), weigh from less that 1 lb. to 3 lbs. & adult males (hobs), weigh from 2 1/2 lbs. to 5 lbs. on average. Because of their small size, they are ideally suited to apartment living. Their life span is between 5 and 10 years.
Ferrets are quiet & will not disturb the neighbors. If they make any sound at all it will be chittering, chattering, or giggling when they're happy or a hissing sound (like a cat, but much less threatening), when they're telling you off. A ferret may scream (& it's unnerving), if it is severely frightened or hurt & should be allowed to settle down by itself.
Most ferrets do not claw furniture or curtains or chew furniture & your home won't be constantly covered with fur because they only shed twice a year.
Ferrets have an unwritten rule that no drink - glass, cup, or can - shall remain upright. And they do love to dig - plants cannot be left accessible. Stereo speakers also cannot be within ferret range as they will get inside & destroy them. They can be described as perpetual 2-year-olds - they are very curious & get into everything. Their inquisitive nature is usually what gets them into trouble.
Ferrets are notorious little thieves, collecting anything they take an interest in; wallets, sneakers, socks, keys, jewelry, children's toys, & just about anything else that strikes their fancy. They are also packrats, occasionally relocating their entire stash.
Ferrets can be taught to come when called, walk on a leash, beg, fetch, & use a litter box. Using treats as rewards is the easiest way to train a ferret. Although ferrets can be taught to use a litter box, they may never be as reliable as a cat, but their mess is much smaller & far less offensive in odor. They are predictable in that they usually go when they wake up & sniff around corners when it's time to go again. Litter boxes must be very accessible, if not, a ferret may not make the effort to get all the way back to it if it's all the way in the other room.
Ferrets are easily entertained. Some favorite playthings are paper cups, paper & crinkly plastic bags, cardboard boxes, 4" PVC pipe, accordion dryer venting, open drawers, closets, purses (there's lots of stuff in there!), balls, shoes, boots & socks, just to name a few. They love cat & mouse games & tug-of-war. They love to chase you or be chased around the room.

NOTE: TOYS MUST BE CHECKED REGULARLY & DISCARDED IF WORN OR CHEWED. INGESTED RUBBER, PLASTIC, OR CLOTH WILL NOT PASS THROUGH A FERRET'S TINY DIGESTIVE TRACT CAUSING INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTIONS. THESE OBSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE SURGERY TO CORRECT & CAN CAUSE RAPID DEATH IF NOT TREATED PROMPTLY.

CAN I LET MY FERRET HAVE THE RUN OF THE HOUSE LIKE I DO WITH MY DOG OR CAT?

ONLY UNDER CONSTANT SUPERVISION. The intense curiosity of the ferret is often the cause of their injury & untimely death. Ferrets should always be confined to their "room" (cage or pet carrier), when not being supervised. Ferret-proofing your home is a very important consideration because of their small size. It is important to know the hazards.

IS IT CRUEL TO KEEP A FERRET CAGED UP?

No. Keeping a ferret caged when unsupervised will assure it's well-being. If they can, most ferrets will climb back into their cage on their own once they get tired.

CAN FERRETS BE HOUSED OUTDOORS?

Under certain conditions. Ferrets should be acclimated to the outdoors in the spring. They should not be introduced to extreme temperatures (above 85 degrees and below 45 degrees), without a transition period, as it would be a shock to their system. Provide adequate shelter & bedding in extreme cold, & sufficient shade & cool water in hot weather. Outdoor cages should be kept locked to prevent theft & should be sturdy enough to protect your ferret from other animals.
It is recommended that ferrets that go outdoors or are housed outdoors be given a heartworm preventive. The heartworm preventive of choice is Ivomec (ivermectin) liquid, which is given monthly. Consult your veterinarian.
Ferrets enjoy the companionship of their owners. It is recommended that you keep your ferret indoors to share in your day-to-day routine & prevent your ferret from being disturbed or harmed by those who might not understand or value your unique pet.

WHAT DO I FEED MY FERRET?

Any good premium dry cat food available in your local pet store, (Iams, Science Diet, Nutro Max, Purina, ProPlan), or any of the newly formulated ferret foods (Totally Ferret, Sheppard & Greene, Mazzuri) available in your local pet store, are sufficient for the average ferret. Due to their extremely
fast metabolism, food must be available at all times. Choose your ferret's food carefully. Their food should contain approx. 30-32% protein & approx. 18% fat, & be aware that foods containing fish, fish meal, & fish oils can contribute to a stronger odor in your ferret. Use dishes & feeders that can besecurely fastened to prevent food dish football. Fresh water must also be available at all times. Use of a guinea pig or rabbit water bottle is recommended as ferrets also tend to knock over water dishes.
More often than not, your ferret will tell you what treats they prefer. Goodies such as fresh fruits or vegetables, & dried fruits such as raisins, dates, or banana chips can be offered.
Vitamin supplements are not necessary if a healthy ferret is maintained on a good quality dry cat food or one of the newly developed ferret foods. Supplements containing high levels of vitamins A, D3, E & K, which are fat soluble & can accumulate in the system to toxic levels, should be given very sparingly. Nutri-Cal, which is a dietary supplement in a paste form is preferred. Consult your veterinarian.
Don't give your ferret chocolate or alcohol, they could be fatal. Milk & ice cream can cause diarrhea & raw meat can transmit parasites. Hard to digest foods such as peanuts & uncooked vegetables such as carrots could cause intestinal obstructions (often requiring surgery), & should be avoided. And ferrets are not rodents & must not be given salt blocks or seeds.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FERRETS?

Contact the American Ferret Association. We will be happy to answer any questions you have. We can recommend veterinarians in your area who treat ferrets, ferret-sitting services, and provide "how-to" information on training and care. The AFA, through the generosity of some of its members, is able to provide foster homes for unwanted ferrets until they can be placed
in suitable homes with loving families.

Top


		About Ferrets

		WHAT IS A FERRET? The domestic European ferret (Mustela putorius furo), is a member of the mustelid family which also includes otters, mink, badgers, weasels, skunks, & numerous other musk-producing mammals. The domestic ferret should not be confused with the Black-Footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), a close cousin, which is native to North America & currently on the endangered species list. Ferrets are not members of the rodent family, nor are they related to the opossum, raccoon or mongoose. AREN'T FERRETS WILD ANIMALS? NO. It is assumed that ferrets have been domesticated for over 2,000 years, long before our common house cats. They have been captively bred for good temperament over the centuries. They were introduced into the U.S. for rodent control in the 1600's. Domestic ferrets have no chance of survival without human intervention. Ferrets lost outside the home or abandoned will surely die within 3-4 days. They are not capable of finding their own food - dry cat food doesn't grow on trees. And most ferrets have no fear & wouldn't hesitate to walk up to a strange dog, cat or wild animal. AREN'T FERRETS AGGRESSIVE AND DON'T THEY BITE A LOT? Remember, animals have teeth, & any animal that has not been taught proper manners will bite. Kits (baby ferrets) can be nippy. Grabbing things with their mouth is how they play when they're young, just like puppies and kittens. With the correct handling & training, ferrets are no more likely to bite than a dog, cat, or child. Always be in control of your ferret when it is in strange surroundings, or being introduced to new people. Special caution should be taken around children & the elderly as their skin is more delicate & easily damaged. Ferrets are still a unique animal in the eyes of many, and anybody (especially any parent whose child has been bitten by a ferret), could turn your life into a nightmare, causing you to voluntarily give up your pet for rabies testing in order to avoid a long, messy lawsuit and extensive medical costs. And, as with all animals, never leave your ferret unsupervised with a small child. A ferret is not a toy. ARE THERE ANY OTHER VACCINATIONS A FERRET SHOULD HAVE? It is strongly recommended that ferrets also be vaccinated against canine distemper - they are extremely susceptible to this disease which is always fatal. A ferret does not have to have contact with an infected animal to contract this disease. Fervac D and Galaxy D are the vaccines of choice. The initial "baby shot" is given at 6 to 8 weeks-of-age with follow-up vaccinations every 3 weeks. The last of the "baby shots" should be at 14 to 16 weeks to assure continuous protection for the next 12 months. Before the 14th week the kit may still be protected by the mother's natural immunity which reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine. Yearly booster vaccinations are required. CAN A FERRET PLAY WITH A DOG, CAT, BIRD...? While many ferret owners successfully allow their ferret(s) to play with their dog(s) &/or cat(s), these interactions should always be supervised. Ferrets should not be allowed to come in contact with birds, snakes or other reptiles, & other caged animals. These encounters could end with disastrous results. Fish tanks should be securely covered for the safety of the ferret. WHAT ARE FERRETS LIKE AS PETS? Ferrets are kitten-like in temperament, retaining their playful nature well into old age. They seek & enjoy the company of people & other companion pets. While ferrets don't mind being confined to their cage when you're not there to supervise, they need interaction & want to be with you. They are even-tempered, adapting to change undaunted. They are not jealous or territorial. They are not nocturnal & adjust to your schedule. They usually have no fear of anything including vacuum cleaners! Adult females (jills), weigh from less that 1 lb. to 3 lbs. & adult males (hobs), weigh from 2 1/2 lbs. to 5 lbs. on average. Because of their small size, they are ideally suited to apartment living. Their life span is between 5 and 10 years. Ferrets are quiet & will not disturb the neighbors. If they make any sound at all it will be chittering, chattering, or giggling when they're happy or a hissing sound (like a cat, but much less threatening), when they're telling you off. A ferret may scream (& it's unnerving), if it is severely frightened or hurt & should be allowed to settle down by itself. Most ferrets do not claw furniture or curtains or chew furniture & your home won't be constantly covered with fur because they only shed twice a year. Ferrets have an unwritten rule that no drink - glass, cup, or can - shall remain upright. And they do love to dig - plants cannot be left accessible. Stereo speakers also cannot be within ferret range as they will get inside & destroy them. They can be described as perpetual 2-year-olds - they are very curious & get into everything. Their inquisitive nature is usually what gets them into trouble. Ferrets are notorious little thieves, collecting anything they take an interest in; wallets, sneakers, socks, keys, jewelry, children's toys, & just about anything else that strikes their fancy. They are also packrats, occasionally relocating their entire stash. Ferrets can be taught to come when called, walk on a leash, beg, fetch, & use a litter box. Using treats as rewards is the easiest way to train a ferret. Although ferrets can be taught to use a litter box, they may never be as reliable as a cat, but their mess is much smaller & far less offensive in odor. They are predictable in that they usually go when they wake up & sniff around corners when it's time to go again. Litter boxes must be very accessible, if not, a ferret may not make the effort to get all the way back to it if it's all the way in the other room. Ferrets are easily entertained. Some favorite playthings are paper cups, paper & crinkly plastic bags, cardboard boxes, 4" PVC pipe, accordion dryer venting, open drawers, closets, purses (there's lots of stuff in there!), balls, shoes, boots & socks, just to name a few. They love cat & mouse games & tug-of-war. They love to chase you or be chased around the room. NOTE: TOYS MUST BE CHECKED REGULARLY & DISCARDED IF WORN OR CHEWED. INGESTED RUBBER, PLASTIC, OR CLOTH WILL NOT PASS THROUGH A FERRET'S TINY DIGESTIVE TRACT CAUSING INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTIONS. THESE OBSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE SURGERY TO CORRECT & CAN CAUSE RAPID DEATH IF NOT TREATED PROMPTLY. CAN I LET MY FERRET HAVE THE RUN OF THE HOUSE LIKE I DO WITH MY DOG OR CAT? ONLY UNDER CONSTANT SUPERVISION. The intense curiosity of the ferret is often the cause of their injury & untimely death. Ferrets should always be confined to their "room" (cage or pet carrier), when not being supervised. Ferret-proofing your home is a very important consideration because of their small size. It is important to know the hazards. IS IT CRUEL TO KEEP A FERRET CAGED UP? No. Keeping a ferret caged when unsupervised will assure it's well-being. If they can, most ferrets will climb back into their cage on their own once they get tired. CAN FERRETS BE HOUSED OUTDOORS? Under certain conditions. Ferrets should be acclimated to the outdoors in the spring. They should not be introduced to extreme temperatures (above 85 degrees and below 45 degrees), without a transition period, as it would be a shock to their system. Provide adequate shelter & bedding in extreme cold, & sufficient shade & cool water in hot weather. Outdoor cages should be kept locked to prevent theft & should be sturdy enough to protect your ferret from other animals. It is recommended that ferrets that go outdoors or are housed outdoors be given a heartworm preventive. The heartworm preventive of choice is Ivomec (ivermectin) liquid, which is given monthly. Consult your veterinarian. Ferrets enjoy the companionship of their owners. It is recommended that you keep your ferret indoors to share in your day-to-day routine & prevent your ferret from being disturbed or harmed by those who might not understand or value your unique pet. WHAT DO I FEED MY FERRET? Any good premium dry cat food available in your local pet store, (Iams, Science Diet, Nutro Max, Purina, ProPlan), or any of the newly formulated ferret foods (Totally Ferret, Sheppard & Greene, Mazzuri) available in your local pet store, are sufficient for the average ferret. Due to their extremely fast metabolism, food must be available at all times. Choose your ferret's food carefully. Their food should contain approx. 30-32% protein & approx. 18% fat, & be aware that foods containing fish, fish meal, & fish oils can contribute to a stronger odor in your ferret. Use dishes & feeders that can besecurely fastened to prevent food dish football. Fresh water must also be available at all times. Use of a guinea pig or rabbit water bottle is recommended as ferrets also tend to knock over water dishes. More often than not, your ferret will tell you what treats they prefer. Goodies such as fresh fruits or vegetables, & dried fruits such as raisins, dates, or banana chips can be offered. Vitamin supplements are not necessary if a healthy ferret is maintained on a good quality dry cat food or one of the newly developed ferret foods. Supplements containing high levels of vitamins A, D3, E & K, which are fat soluble & can accumulate in the system to toxic levels, should be given very sparingly. Nutri-Cal, which is a dietary supplement in a paste form is preferred. Consult your veterinarian. Don't give your ferret chocolate or alcohol, they could be fatal. Milk & ice cream can cause diarrhea & raw meat can transmit parasites. Hard to digest foods such as peanuts & uncooked vegetables such as carrots could cause intestinal obstructions (often requiring surgery), & should be avoided. And ferrets are not rodents & must not be given salt blocks or seeds. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FERRETS? Contact the American Ferret Association. We will be happy to answer any questions you have. We can recommend veterinarians in your area who treat ferrets, ferret-sitting services, and provide "how-to" information on training and care. The AFA, through the generosity of some of its members, is able to provide foster homes for unwanted ferrets until they can be placed in suitable homes with loving families. Top

About Ferrets