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‘Ferrets’

Ferrets are among the most popular of household pets. They’re similar to cats in that they’re both friendly and curious, and, if you’re up to the challenge, they can be trained. Unlike cats, ferrets require a little more care to keep odors down and to keep them in optimal health. They’re also prone to several diseases if they don’t get the proper diet. Read the rest of this entry »

Named after the Latin word for thief, furonem, Ferrets are among the most popular of household pets today. Like cats, they can be both curious and friendly, and with some effort can be trained. They’re very social animals and prefer to be in groups. Read the rest of this entry »

The history of one of our favorite domestic pets is still awhirl in controversy. Some points are generally agreed on, but much is still shrouded in mystery. Read the rest of this entry »

Choosing a ferret, of course, involves a certain emotional commitment. But there are a few objective factors that you can look at to help you decide. Read the rest of this entry »

Ferrets require more care than cats or dogs. Though they sleep about 18 hours per day, when they’re awake they’re very active. They’re also extremely curious and love to explore. Read the rest of this entry »

Ferrets have very high metabolisms. As a result, unlike dogs, they should have access to food at all times. Their digestive systems work quickly and they will typically process anything they’ve eaten within a few hours. For that, and other aspects, to function properly, they also need lots of water. Read the rest of this entry »

Ferrets are sometimes mistakenly put into the rodent family. But ferrets are mustelids – a member of the weasel family and cousins of otters, minks, badgers and others. The reason the difference is important to know is diet. Read the rest of this entry »

For the sake of your ferret’s safety and your sanity, it pays many times over to take a careful look at your home. Ferrets are active and highly exploratory animals. Read the rest of this entry »

Many people find themselves too busy to devote a lot of attention to their pet ferret. Yet, the ferret enjoys interaction. Apart from non-neutered males, they will generally seek the company of others and want to play and explore. Read the rest of this entry »

Like puppies and kittens, kits (baby ferrets) are very mouthy. They use their teeth to nip and explore. But since they’re so small and sharp, that can be a painful experience. Fortunately, with patience, most ferrets can be trained not to injure a person or another ferret. Read the rest of this entry »

Ferrets are more susceptible to some diseases that dog and cat owners might never have had to deal with. Some are worse than others. Read the rest of this entry »

Like dogs, cats and other mammals, ferrets can acquire dangerous viruses. Sometimes those are fatal. But that result can usually be avoided by a proper vaccination schedule, using the right vaccines. Read the rest of this entry »

How it is even possible to be a veterinarian is something of a mystery. Being a physician that treats humans is challenging enough. They spend years learning anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and a dozen other major subjects. Yet medical doctors have only one species to study. Vets are expected to know a half-dozen or more. Read the rest of this entry »

Like any aging mammal, ferrets get tumors, cancers and the like. When they reach around age four or later, the odds increase. The average ferret lifespan is between 6-8 years. Read the rest of this entry »

Ferrets, like many of the cousins in the weasel family, have a natural musky scent. Over time that can build up to an unpleasant level. That happens too often in pet stores and the homes of careless owners who don’t house and clean the cage properly. Read the rest of this entry »

Like cats and dogs, ferrets can be bitten by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other potentially harmful parasites. Ctenocephalides felis, the most common cat flea, is the primary culprit. But since ferrets love to explore burrows, if they’re let outside, they can readily come into contact with others. Read the rest of this entry »

For one of the friendliest of domestic pets, ferrets have gotten a bad reputation among some. That reputation is almost entirely undeserved. Read the rest of this entry »

Keeping your ferret properly caged and supplied with toys isn’t just for its (or your) amusement. Though that’s not a bad reason! The proper cage and accessories will help keep it safe, healthy and out of trouble. Read the rest of this entry »

Training puppies requires patience, proper technique and tons of time. Ferrets are harder. They’re not unintelligent, but they’re less eager to please and not as socialized as dogs. Though domestic, they’re simply a different kind of animal. Read the rest of this entry »

When thinking about ferrets and the law, few have to think about what trouble their ferret got into. Though there has been a lawsuit or two involving bites and yard or toy damage. But when considering the choice to invite one of these fascinating creatures into your home, there are still a few things worth knowing. Read the rest of this entry »

The first tip anyone new to ferret breeding should hear is “Don’t.” It sounds rude, but breeding ferrets is much more difficult than breeding dogs. Read the rest of this entry »