Thinking About Getting A Ferret?

Ferrets are cute and fun, but are they good pets? Ferrets may not suit everyone, but they can be wonderful companions due to their playfulness, affection, and quiet nature for most of the day. It's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of owning a ferret to thoroughly understand the commitment involved before bringing one home. If you're contemplating a ferret, continue reading to discover more about their requirements and whether they're the right choice for you.

Pro: Ferrets Are Cute

With mischievous eyes and sweet faces, ferrets are undeniably adorable. They are a small size and can provide your family with a sweet long-term pet. Most ferrets live for about six to eight years, though some pet ferrets can live up to 12 years.

Female ferrets usually grow to 13 to 14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 3/4 pound to 2 1/2 pounds. Male ferrets are often slightly larger. They typically grow to 15 to 16 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 1/2 pounds if neutered. They can grow larger (4 or more pounds) if they are not neutered.

Con: They Are High-Maintenance

Ferrets aren’t the type of pet that you can keep in a cage all day or let do their own thing. They have certain dietary requirements that have to be met to ensure their health, and they require socialization, interaction, and playtime with appropriate toys. Also, they need an enclosure that will provide them with everything to feel safe, happy, and comfortable, and their cage needs to be cleaned often.  

Pro: Ferrets Are Playful and Curious

They will entertain you endlessly with their antics and will happily play with ferret toys, tubes, and tunnels. Watching ferrets play for the sheer joy of it is guaranteed to lift your mood. Owning pets has proven health benefits for the owner because of the joy and affection they bring.

Con: They Have a Smell

Ferrets have a musky, offensive odor that comes from the anal glands. Having your pet spayed or neutered can reduce this odor but won’t eliminate it, so you’ll still need to take steps, such as keeping the cage clean and in a ventilated area, to keep the smell at a minimum.

Pro: Ferrets Are Sociable, Friendly, and Affectionate

It is often recommended (though not essential) to have more than one pet ferret. Having two or more ferrets increases the fun factor for the owner and the ferrets, as they will interact and play together, sometimes with wild abandon. Despite having other ferrets to socialize with, they will still crave attention from their owners.

Con: They Require Lots of Exercise

Ferrets require a lot of interaction along with supervised time outside of their cage so they can run around and release their energy. You need to find ways to keep these animals occupied physically and mentally, so having a variety of toys for them is important—your ferret will have fun and get the exercise they need at the same time. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Intelligent

Some owners are amazed at how adept ferrets become at solving problems. Ferrets are very determined and will work at figuring something out with surprising persistence. They enjoy challenging puzzles and games and it's recommended to provide them with puzzle-based toys or games.

Con: They Are Illegal in Some Locations

There are places where you aren’t allowed to keep ferrets as pets. States like Hawaii and California, and cities like New York City, are examples. So, before you get a ferret, check your state and local laws to be sure it’s legal to keep one as a pet.

Pro: Ferrets Are Quiet

While they can and do vocalize, for the most part, ferrets are very quiet. The most noise they will make is if they are very frightened or injured. They also sleep away a large portion of the day.

Con: They Get Hairballs

Like cats, ferrets groom themselves and can develop hairballs. In serious cases, a hairball can cause an obstruction. Other symptoms include reduced appetite and vomiting. Brushing your ferret can help, and there are hairball products for ferrets too.

Pro: Ferrets Are Small

Ferrets don't need a huge cage, though the bigger the better. Ideal ferret cages are tall with multiple levels, so they still don't take up too much room. They do need to spend time out of their cage every day for playtime and exercise.

Con: They Require Socialization

Ferrets should be socialized while they’re young so they’re comfortable around people and won’t exhibit negative behaviors like aggressive biting. Your ferret should feel totally at ease, without any fear, when around people and being handled, but socialization takes time, effort, and patience.

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Feed

This is especially true now that a variety of good-quality ferret foods have become more widely available. Pre-made ferret food is available in most pet stores or online retailers. While you can offer them a variety of foods, it's helpful to use high-quality pet food as the base to ensure proper nutrition.

Con: They Bite and Chew Items

Ferrets like to bite and chew on things, and this means everyday items could end up destroyed by your pet if you aren’t careful. Rather than letting your ferret play outside of their cage unsupervised, monitor what they’re doing and make sure they play with their own toys that are safe to chew on. Take steps to keep dangerous and important items out of reach of your ferret.

Pro: Ferrets Can Be Litter Trained

Ferrets can be trained to go in a box, though not to the same extent as cats and there are bound to be a few accidents. Most ferrets can be fairly reliably trained to use a litter box in and out of their cages. This is a big plus when you have them out for exercise for a couple of hours a day!

Con: They Don't Always Make Good Pets for Children

Ferrets might be a good pet for older children who are gentle and respectful towards these small animals. However, they aren’t the best choice for young children because kids could get bitten by ferrets, and kids who don’t know how to handle a ferret properly could end up hurting their pet. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Exercise

They can get all the exercise they need tearing around your (ferret-proofed) home! With a ferret-sized harness and a little training, you can take them out for a stroll. Few things will start a conversation with strangers faster than walking your ferret in the park!

Con: They Are Prone to Health Issues

Ferrets can develop a variety of health problems, such as parasites, adrenal gland disease, dental disease, digestive issues, cancer, heart disease, and aplastic anemia. Consult an exotic veterinarian who can help you keep your ferret healthy.

Pro: Ferrets Have Distinct Personalities

Every ferret is unique and has their own personality. Some are independent and some are very cuddly, but each is an individual! If you are thinking about having a pet ferret, it can be helpful to meet a few pet ferrets first, as you'll see how their personalities vary and this will give you a good sense of what it means to be a ferret owner.

Con: They Can Get Out of Their Cage

Ferrets are known as escape artists. Set up a secure enclosure that will ensure your pets won’t be able to break out and get into trouble when you aren’t looking. Also, be careful when your ferrets are playing outside of their cage, as they might squeeze into small spaces and get lost.

FAQ

What are the downsides of owning a ferret?

Although pet ferrets can be loads of fun, you need to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t escape, hurt themselves, or destroy your things by chewing on them. And they aren’t the best choice for families with young children.

Are ferrets high-maintenance?

Ferrets are considered high-maintenance pets that have specific requirements, from the right diet and cage to the right toys that they can chew on. They need to be properly socialized while they’re young, and spayed or neutered to reduce their odor. They also need plenty of time outside of their cage, interacting with their family. 

Are ferrets cuddly?

Provided that your ferret is socialized and used to being handled, they will enjoy being with you and cuddling. Holding your ferret can strengthen your bond and keep your pet happy.

15 Ferret Health Warning Signs

These scenarios may indicate a problem with your ferret’s health.

Ferrets aren’t just cute and funny balls of fluff. They are adventurous, sneaky and extremely curious.

Before you close the fridge door or washing machine lid, check for your ferret — I’m not kidding. Ferrets can, and will, get into some strange places.

And don’t forget about chewing. Ferrets can ingest dangerous things, so keep your veterinarian’s number handy and be on the lookout for the following ferret health warning signs.

To read more on this story, click here: 15 Ferret Health Warning Signs

Pet Talk: Ferrets Can Make Fine 'Pocket Pets'

 

Pets can come in all shapes and sizes. While some animal lovers may consider themselves “dog” or “cat” people, others enjoy smaller pets, also referred to as “pocket pets,” like ferrets.

Many people like ferrets because they are relatively low-maintenance, similar to a cat, according to Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Unlike cats, ferrets are happy to spend part of their day inside of a cage, which can allow their owner to rest easy knowing that their pet is safe from harm and easily accessible in case of an emergency.

The general rule is that ferret cages should be the largest you can afford that fits in your house. Like any other animal, however, ferrets should be given plenty of time outside of their cages to run around and get exercise. Blue-McLendon said they may even play with other pets in the home, most often with cats and smaller dogs.

“All ferrets need to be allowed bigger areas to run in, whether it’s a bedroom or living room, but they should never be in a house unsupervised, because they eat all kinds of little things,” Blue-McLendon said.

“One of the things potential owners need to be aware of is that pet ferrets are really curious, so they’ll eat what we would consider foreign bodies, which means they eat things that can then get stuck in their stomach or intestines that can cause illness and death, if not dealt with,” she said.

Pet ferrets also can have an odor if they haven’t been spayed or neutered, according to Blue-McLendon.

“Pet ferrets should get spayed or neutered, and some people will get them de-scented,” Blue-McLendon said.

De-scenting is a surgery that removes some of the glands that produce odor. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian to see if this procedure is right for them.

To keep your home clean and reduce any foul smells, ferrets can be trained to use a litter box, just like pet cats.

“Ferrets naturally will go to a certain spot, so oftentimes owners will just put the litter pan in that spot to get them to use it,” Blue-McLendon said. “Some of them will inherently use a litter pan because they’re generally neat little animals.”

Blue-McLendon said the time commitment associated with having a ferret is about the same as a cat.

“You’ve got to clean their litter pan, make sure they have food and fresh water, and give them love and attention,” she said. “Be sure that you’ve spent the time to know about the general husbandry.”

Ferrets live on a simple diet, but they’ll need to have constant access to their food since they tend to eat many meals throughout the day.

“There’s a number of commercial ferret diets on the market that can be supplemented with additional treats,” Blue-McLendon said. Healthy treats for pet ferrets include bits of cooked egg or meat, like chicken.

When considering getting any new pet, Blue-McLendon believes future pet owners should do their research before making the decision.

“Before people get ferrets, just like all small mammals, they should really do their homework and consider whether they are prepared to put in the time that it takes to give their ferret exercise in their house,” Blue-McLendon said.

If a ferret is right for you and your family, they can be an inquisitive and adorable companion that provides years of pint-sized love. When it comes to choosing a pet, a ferret might not be your first thought, but one could be your first choice.

~Source~ 

From the College of Veterinary

Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University

Exotic Pets: How to Care for Some of the Most Unique Pets

Exotic animals seem like fun, interesting pets. Many people have considered becoming an exotic pet owner, but don’t know much about how to care for these unique creatures. GCVS wants potential pet owners to know what they are signing up for before bringing home an exotic pet!

RODENT AND SMALL MAMMAL CARE

Rodents and small mammals can make great pets if they are properly cared for. Common exotic rodents and small mammals include hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets, and chinchillas. Specifically designed habitats are available for many of these animals that will keep them safe and secure in your home. Owners will need to make sure that these habitats stay secure and clean. Most rodents need nesting materials, which can be purchased at reputable stores.  Nesting material that separates easily into thin strands (cotton, wool, fluffy bedding products, etc.) should not be used. Rodents often enjoy having things to climb on and through for entertainment as well. Note that some of these animals are nocturnal, so diligent research on the right rodent or small mammal for your lifestyle is necessary!

It is important that owners of small mammals and rodents understand the proper diet for your specific pet. Many of these animals require a special diet that contains all of the nutrients needed to keep the animal healthy. Improper diet can lead to numerous health issues, so a consultation with an exotic animal specialist should be considered for anyone who owns an exotic pet.

To read more on this story, click here: Exotic Pets: How to Care for Some of the Most Unique Pets

Tips for Ferrets

We are seeing a large number of ferrets at our hospital, as we have the expertise of Dr. Tracey Ritzman, DABVP. This week’s post will just offer a broad overview of Ferret Ownership.

Background

Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are members of the weasel family that have been domesticated for over two thousand years.

HEALTH

Ferrets have a lifespan between 6 to 8 years. They will require routine visits to your veterinarian for regular vaccinations (including canine distemper and rabies virus) and annual examinations. Ferrets are at risk of heartworms and fleas, so monthly preventative treatments should be used.

To read more on this story, click here: Tips for Ferrets

tags

Ferret, Mustela Putorius Furo, Fleas, Litter Box, 

What States Don’t Allow Ferrets?

Most states in the United States do allow ferrets as pets but some states do have laws prohibiting ferret ownership, so it's best to check with your state and municipality to confirm that you are allowed to keep ferrets in the home.

As with other 'exotic' animals (such as snakes) your local laws may be stricter than your state laws and regulations may change, so it's a good idea to obtain up to date information from an animal control board or your local government.

States Not Allowing Ferrets

California or Busted

In California, it is illegal to sell, import, transport or to have ferrets as pets unless you also have a permit from the California Department of Fish and Game. The permits are issued only for medical research and other special circumstances and not for home possession. This statewide ban stems from fears that escaped ferrets could establish wild populations that could upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem in the area.

To read more on this story, click here: What States Don't Allow Ferrets?

What Every Ferret Owner Should Know about Insulinomas

What is an Insulinoma? 

Tumors of the pancreas (insulinoma) can cause excess secretion of insulin, thus lowering the blood glucose (sugar) level to a point that a ferret can become ill. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common problem in middle aged and older ferrets.

Symptoms
Some ferrets do not show any symptoms while others exhibit lethargy and weakness. There might be a decrease in appetite and weight loss. These symptoms might even come and go over a period of months. Some ferrets will have increased salivation and even a glazed appearance to the eyes, and might even collapse or have seizures.

Diagnosis
Some ferrets are diagnosed as having an insulinoma when an abdominal surgery is being performed for other reasons (adrenal gland disease, spay, liver disease ). This is especially true for the ferrets that are not showing any symptoms of this disease. For those ferrets that are symptomatic of insulinoma, the diagnosis is made based on history, examination findings, and diagnostic tests.

Ferrets Are Fun, Cute and Interactive Animals: But to be a Responsible Owner You Should First Decide if They Really Are the Right Pet for You

Ferrets are fun, cute and interactive animals, often described as perpetual kittens. But to be a responsible owner you should first decide if they really are the right pet for you.

Find out if ferrets are legal where you live. Just because the pet store sells them doesn't mean that they are legal to own in your area. They are currently illegal to own in Hawaii, California, and New York City, just to name a few.

Learn what ferret personalities are like. The word 'ferret' means 'little thief' in Latin. This is an omen to you of things to come. They enjoy selecting household items; not all of which belong to them; and hiding them in bizarre places. It may be your slipper, your keys, your computer mouse, your wallet, or rolled up socks. Giving them their own ferret-safe toys may help but will probably not completely eliminate this behavior. Ferrets are very playful and inquisitive critters when they're awake and need supervision to keep from getting into and/or eating things they shouldn't.

Decide if you will be able to let your ferret out of his cage for at least three hours a day. Ferrets can sleep up to twenty hours a day, but they need to be out of their cage for exercise regularly. They are not like hamsters or gerbils, they're a lot more like little dogs or cats and can become depressed and ill if they don't get out-of-cage time.

Decide if you can afford the expense of owning a ferret. Between the cage, accessories, food, treats, toys, litter, etc. your ferret could cost a huge chunk of change. Make a list of all the things you will need to buy and add up the total cost. If all you do is buy a cage, litter, and food you may be surprised with all of the other things you end up needing to keep your ferret happy and healthy. Initial costs of a single ferret can be up to $275. Similar to cats and dogs, they require regular flea treatment, grooming, vaccinations, and a toy or two.

Find out if your house or apartment is ferret safe or if you can ferret-proof your home. Ferrets can get into surprising areas. They have insatiable curiosity and will not cease seeking new places to wriggle into. Go on your hands and knees and look for holes in the walls, in the closets, behind your refrigerator, under your cabinets, under your furniture, and anywhere there might be a hidden opening for your ferret to crawl into. The two most common areas are inside the box spring under beds and inside furniture from underneath. Putting a sheet on the bottom of a box spring fixes the bed problem and you can cut a sheet to fit the bottom of furniture and staple it on, or you can take the feet off of furniture so its resting on the ground. If you have a recliner, the safest thing to do is get rid of it. There is no way to ferret proof a recliner and your ferret can get caught in the gears and be squished when someone reclines not knowing he's in there. When you bring your ferret home watch him carefully. He will show you all the places you missed.

Decide if your current pets and children are compatible with a ferret. Most dogs and cats will get along well with ferrets. It is like bringing home another small dog or cat to them. If your dog has a high prey instinct, (e.g. chases cats or squirrels) getting a ferret may not be a good idea. Your ferret will not be friends with hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats, rabbits, or any other small rodent. Your ferret will probably see these creatures and think how nice their new owners are for providing a good dinner. Birds and ferrets are also not a good mix and should not be kept in the same house. Children under twelve should always be supervised with a ferret to make sure it is handled properly.

Know that ferrets are only 'sort of' litter box trainable. In his cage a ferret will generally only 'go' in one corner. This is where you place his litter box. But ferrets also have a strong instinct to spread their scent over their territory, so they may have 'accidents' in other rooms of the house. Also, if a ferret is busy playing in one area of the house and needs to go, he will likely just shrug his shoulders and go in the nearest corner rather than trekking to his litter box and interrupting his playtime. Many ferret owners place multiple litter boxes around their home. Small corner litter boxes can be purchased and placed but realize that to even start to train the ferret it must be watched AT ALL TIMES.

Decide if you have the patience to deal with a ferret. Between stealing your socks, underwear, and keys; eating your hamster; needing a litter box in every room and displaying unending energy it's understandable that a ferret owner needs to be endowed with a bit of patience. If you found your ferret in the bathroom shredding every roll of toilet paper you own would you be more likely to say "Aww, how cute! He destroyed my bathroom!" or would you say "DIE FUR BALL!!!" Ferrets are delicate creatures and only live 5 to 10 years. If you buy a ferret, consider it a commitment. And if you aren't prepared for ferret ownership that is not the ferret's fault.

Research local ferret rescues and shelters. Consider adopting from a shelter rather than buying from a pet store. Most shelter ferrets are healthy, very loving, and have a head start on potty training.

Go to your nearest pet store. In the US, most pet stores are supplied with ferrets from a large-scale breeder in New York called Marshall. If your pet store does not receive their ferrets from there, inquire who the breeder is. For ferrets from Marshall, there will be a tattoo of two dots on the right ear meaning the ferret is de-scented and fixed. If there is no tattoo, you MUST ask if the ferret is de-scented AND fixed. Unless you are breeding, you NEVER want a whole ferret. Females will die if not bred properly and immediately with care. Males will be EXTREMELY aggressive and smell TERRIBLE. This is not a cat or dog, it MUST be fixed. If the ferret is not fixed and you cannot "afford" to have it fixed, you probably cannot afford to own the ferret.

Enjoy your new companion. Average life expectancy of a ferret is 8-11 years (about that of a cat). Always be sure to keep roughly $500 in savings specifically for ferret vet emergencies. Ferrets as they age can develop malignant tumors that must be treated immediately. They can also develop adrenal gland problems which causes hair loss and eventual death.

You may be interested in reading some of my other posts on Ferrets:

The New Rage In New York City:Illegal Ferret Parties

Ferret Adrenal Disease

Frequently Asked Questions About the Legal Status of Ferrets

Tips on What to Look for When Choosing a Pet Ferret

An Owner's Guide to Ferret Health Care

A Veterinarian Who Saves Ferrets He’s Never Met

Ferrets: Man's Other BestFriend

What Every Ferret Owner Should Know about Insulinomas

Man Buys Two Toy Poodles for $300 - Vet Confirms that They Are Actually Ferrets on Steroids

Gullible bargain hunters at Argentina's largest bazaar are forking out hundreds of dollars for what they think are gorgeous toy poodles, only to discover that their cute pooch is in fact a ferret pumped up on steroids.

One retired man from Catamarca, duped by the knock-down price for a pedigree dog, became suspicious he had bought what Argentinians call a 'Brazilian rat' and when he returned home took the 'dogs' to a vet for their vaccinations.

Imagine his surprise when his suspicious were confirmed - he had in fact purchased two ferrets that had been given steroids at birth to increase their size and then had some extra grooming to make their coats resemble a fluffy toy poodle.

Previously considered an urban legend of the giant La Salada market, local television news in the capital, Buenos Aires, discovered that the unidentified man was not alone - another woman had been told that she was buying a Chiuhuahua, but ended up with a ferret.

Both the woman and the retired man have not filed complaints.

Typically, toy poodle puppies cost upwards of $1,000 in the United States and a ferret will usually set someone back around $75.

Compared to Mumbai's infamous Dharavi slum, La Salada is a self contained micro-economic center of the Argentinian capital, largely filled with skilled Bolivian workers who have migrated.

A stark contrast to the sprawling wealth of some parts of Buenos Aires, La Salada is a collection of small and informal workers, distributors and entrepreneurs - some lucky enough to sell ferrets as dogs for $150.

Conned: How can a ferret ever look like a toy poodle?

• Ferrets typically have brown, white or mixed fur and are around 51 cm in length - which includes a 13 cm tail.

• They weigh around three pounds and have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

• When happy, ferrets may perform a routine known as the weasel war dance - which is characterized by a series of hops and frenzied attempts to bump into things.This is often accompanied by a soft clucking noise called dooking. 

• When upset ferrets make a hissing noise.

• Toy poodles are known for their intelligence and are around 25 cm tall and weigh around nine pounds.

• If a toy poodle exceeds 25 cm height, it cannot compete in any dog show as a toy poodle.

• Toy poodle have long lifespans and have been known to live as long as 20-years.

• They are described as sweet, cheerful and perky and lively and love to be around people.

No longer an urban myth: People in the Argentinian market of La Salada are being sold ferrets (Brazilian rats - right) given steroids so that they resemble toy poodles.

                           The 'Brazilian rat' was fed steroids at birth and groomed so that it               resembled a toy poodle.

              Cute: A white toy poodle puppy stares lovingly at the camera - toy poodles typically cost upwards of $1,000

                            A typically fully grown ferret - not on steroids - is still smaller than a fully grown toy poodle.

La Salada in Buenos Aires is the biggest illegal market in South America. A high range of products is offered at the market for half the usual price.

Small Pets, Big Love: The Big Guide For Small Pet Lovers

The big guide for small pet lovers and everyone who loves little nose twitches, big floppy ears, or soft furry feet.

Small pet fun facts, a printable daily care checklist, and everything you need to know about how to love and care for: 

Rabbits, Guinea pig, Gerbil, Hamster, Rat, Mice
Specialty Pets, like Chinchillas, Hedgehogs, and Ferrets

To get your copy, click here: Big Guide For Small Pet Lovers

Have You Ever Considered Owing A Ferret As A Pet?

Have you ever considered owing a ferret as a pet? Did you know that ferrets are becoming popular alternatives to more traditional pets?

Description:
The ferret is a domesticated mammal. They are sexually dimorphic predators  with males being substantially larger than females. They typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur. They have an average length of 20 inches including a 5 inch tail, they weigh about 1.5–4 pounds, and have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

Female ferrets are called jills, and males are hobs. Baby ferrets are called kits, and. In spayed females are sometimes called sprites. While neutered males called gibs. A group of ferrets is a 'business of ferrets'.

Behaviour:
Ferrets need to be with other ferrets and it is unkind to keep one ferret on its own. Either males or females from the same litter can live happily together. Although ferrets can appear very tame, they are not easy to take care of, they need a great deal of space and may try to escape. They sleep a large part of the day.

Tips on buying a ferret:
Here are a few ideas of what you should look for in a healthy ferret:

• Bright eyes that are free from crusting and other substances
• Healthy skin
• Soft coat
• The ferret should appear alert
• Ferrets should be naturally curious
• The animal shouldn't be sneezing
• Clean bottom
• Healthy appetite

Please take a look at the cute video below:




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Does Your Ferret Stink?

One complaint of new or non-ferret owners is ferret smell. Remember that ALL animals, even humans, have their own unique smell. Mammals have musk glands that produce scented secretions which allow animals to identify and communicate with each other. Humans are used to the smells of some other animals, such as people, cats, and dogs; but to the uninitiated nose, natural ferret aroma may be an unusual surprise.

This article will focus on two parts of controlling ferret odors. First, we will examine how to manage odors from ferrets themselves. Next, we will look at keeping the environment around the ferret clean.

Eau De Ferret
Ferrets are born with anal scent sacs. They also have musk glands concentrated around their face and lightly spread throughout the rest of the body. The anal scent sacs do not contribute significantly to the smell of the ferret. The natural ferret odor comes from the other musk glands in the skin. Smelling a ferret face will give you the best idea of what the natural ferret aroma is. Some people love the natural ferret smell, describing it as a sweet musk, curry, or a corn-based smell (tortillas, corn chips, or popcorn). Other people dislike ferret aroma at first, describing it as skunky or otherwise unpleasant. As with any animal, it may take people awhile to get used to new smells. Note that each ferret will have an "individual" smell unique to that animal, and that smell varies by the age and health status of the ferret.

Fixing Your Ferret
The strongest contributor to ferret odor is not the scent sacs or glands, but the hormones. A whole (unfixed) ferret will have a much stronger odor than spayed or neutered ferrets. When whole males (hobs) come into breeding season, they can be positively stinky. Not only do they produce more musk during this time, but they will also groom themselves with urine to make them smell more "attractive" to ferret females.

The best way to reduce odor is to spay or neuter your ferret. "Altering" your ferret will take care of 90% of ferret odor. Most pet store ferrets are already fixed because major pet store suppliers routinely spay and neuter ferrets at six weeks before they are shipped to the pet store. You may receive a certificate from the pet store indicating your ferret is fixed. However, with mass-production surgeries at a young age, it is possible to "miss" a few things. If your "fixed" ferret has an unusually strong odor, particularly at sexual maturity (around six months of age), the neuter or spay may be incomplete. Male ferrets may have retained testicles that should be surgically removed. Female ferrets may still have ovaries or other hormone-producing tissue. Contact an experienced ferret veterinarian to investigate this possibility. Ultrasound may be able to detect an incomplete fix.

If you own a whole ferret, most ferret experts recommend spaying or neutering around five to seven months of age. Ferrets can be fixed at any time after this as well; there is no problem with neutering or spaying an older ferret. However, it takes about 30 days for the hormones (and the smell) to calm down after the ferret has been altered, so you must be patient.

To Descent or Not To Descent?
In the United States, most pet-store ferrets are routinely descented at the same time they are altered. In many European countries, descenting is illegal and is considered mutilation. If your ferret is already descented, that is fine. Deborah Kemmerer, DVM points out that a descented ferret will not be at risk for later anal sac infections or even cancerous tumors. On the other hand, Susan Brown, DVM warns that there is the danger in kits of rectal prolapse due to damage to the sphincter muscles around the anus when the anal glands are removed. Mike Dutton, DVM also points out that the descenting surgery is delicate, and it is common for some anal sac tissue to be left behind if ferrets are descented at an early age. Just because your buy a ferret kit that is supposed to be descented does not mean you will get one. Although anal sacs do not regrow, the leftover tissue will start producing odors. If this is the case, you must have your ferret re-descented. The leftover tissue can cause serious infections if left intact.

If your ferret has not been descented, you will most likely have no need to do so. Descenting a ferret has no significant impact on overall body odor. A ferret with intact anal sacs does, however, retain the ability to "poof" or "blow bombs" which means releasing some musk from these anal sacs. Ferrets cannot spray like a skunk, and unlike a skunk musk, ferret poofs dissipate within a few minutes. This natural defense mechanism will assert itself if your ferret is hurt or suddenly frightened. Additionally, ill ferrets with intact anal sacs will smell worse because they may not groom themselves, so the odor is an excellent indicator of a health problem.

Undescented ferret kits may poof while at play or when waking up. Some "leak" while asleep and dreaming. Others may seem to poof for no reason at all. Generally, this behavior subsides by one year of age. There are two reasons that you may elect to have a ferret descented. The first is medical, and the second is behavioral. Undescented ferrets may have a problem with impacted anal glands or recurring anal gland infections. In these cases, the anal sacs must be removed. There are also some ferrets who blow bombs constantly or seem to have no control over their anal sacs, even when they are mature and fixed. If your ferret is unbearable to live with because of this behavior, you may need to descent your ferret.

According to Karen Purcell, DVM, the risks of descenting surgery include death from anesthesia reaction (rare); incontinence, either temporary or permanent, from the procedure (possible); and small retained pieces of the glands that can lead to infection/abscess/problems down the line (common). It is extremely important that your veterinarian is experienced with this procedure, and has had a good success rate. I know of ferrets who have had multiple surgeries due to poor descenting technique the first few times.

Ferret Bathing
Many new ferret owners bathe their ferrets as often as possible in an effort to reduce odor. Unfortunately, if you bathe your ferret too frequently, it will actually smell worse. Bathing strips the ferret’s skin and fur of essential oils, and "dries the ferret out." Dry skin is itchy skin, which is uncomfortable for your ferret. Additionally, skin that cracks from dryness allows infections to enter the body. Dry fur becomes brittle, dull, and porous. All this dryness causes the ferret to overcompensate by producing extra musky oils that are absorbed and stored by the porous fur, which only results in a smellier ferret. Bathing your ferret as often as every two weeks can cause skin and odor problems. Many experienced ferret owners advocate bathing only when necessary (such as when your ferret digs up a plant or plays in fireplace ashes), or during coat changes (twice a year). Others bathe their ferrets every two or three months.

Use shampoos that are designed to be safe on ferrets or kittens. Do not use human shampoos or dishsoaps; the ph-balance is incorrect for ferrets. Shampoos with added scents should also be avoided because these perfumes may cause allergic reactions or respiratory upsets in your ferret. Make sure you rinse your ferret thoroughly (or twice!) so there is no evidence of soap left. You can use a conditioner (again, designed for ferrets or kittens), but make sure it is also completely rinsed out. Do not use leave-in conditioners on a ferret. A few drops of baby oil in a sinkful of water can be used as a final rinse. Many ferret owners advocate putting a teaspoonful of apple-cider vinegar (NOT white vinegar) in a sinkful of rinse water. This helps restore the natural ph-balance of the skin and leaves a clean scent.

Smelly Ears
A common contributor to strong ferret odors is dirty ears. Ferret ears produce a significant amount of wax, which can be odor producing. You should clean your ferret’s ears every few weeks. If your ferret’s ears have a particularly strong odor, and the wax is almost black, your ferret may have earmites.

To clean your ferret’s ears, moisten a cotton swab with an ear-cleaning solution (such as Oti-Clens) or miticide (such as Nolvamite) designed for kittens or rabbits. Gently wipe the swab through the crevices of the outer ear. Ferret ears have many folds and pockets in their outer ear, and it may take several swabs to remove all the debris. Only clean the part of the ear you can see! Do not push the cotton swab into the ear canal, even if you see wax in the canal. Ferrets generally dislike this procedure, and they may need a distraction of a ferret treat, or require a second person to hold the ferret.

Bad Breath
If your ferret has bad breath that seems unrelated to diet, your ferret could have dental problems. Ferret teeth should be brushed regularly with a special pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. If this is not done, tartar can quickly build up. Tartar by itself can be smelly, but long-term tartar buildups can cause serious gum and tooth infections. Infections and abcesses cause bad breath, as well as some kidney diseases. Your ferret veterinarian can diagnose kidney problems, infections, or dental problems.

Odor-control Products for Your Ferret
Never spray your ferret directly with human perfume, cologne, or air fresheners in attempt to mask odors. These products can damage skin and fur, cause allergic reactions, exacerbate respiratory problems, and damage mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth. There are many spray products marketed specifically for ferrets or other pets. These are not necessarily a good solution, especially if alcohol-based. Look for products that neutralize odors, not cover them, such as Ferret Kleen. The point is not to mask odors with a stronger, alternative scent, but to reduce these odors by attacking the smells themselves. Some people sprinkle a little baby powder on their ferret’s backs and brush it into their fur. This solution should not be used regularly, because baby powder dries out the skin and causes respiratory problems.

The best ways to control odors is to fix your ferret, be sure it is in good health and properly groomed, and keep the ferret’s environment clean. Let us turn now to aspects of the ferret environment that can be managed to control ferret smell.

Cages
Cages made out of wood will absorb ferret odors, both from body oils and urine, and the smell cannot be removed. Be sure your cage is made out of washable materials, such as plastic or coated wire. Non-coated wire may rust, and the rust will also trap odors. Items in the cage should also be washable or disposable. For example, if your ferret sleeps in a cardboard box, replace it with a new one every month. If there are plastic playtubes or balls in the cage, run them through the dishwasher. Line cage floors with linoleum that can be wiped clean, or put washable bath mats on the floor. Carpet is not such a good alternative, as it will quickly absorb ferret smells and is difficult to clean.

Note that many cleaners such as Lysol, Fantastic, and Pine Sol are poisonous to ferrets. Avoid these, as many ferrets find the smell of soaps and cleaners attractive and will lick the residue. Even small amounts can be fatal. A weak bleach solution (2%) is the best cleaner and deodorizer for a ferret cage.

Diet
Animal waste causes odors. You can control the both the strength of the smell and the amount of the waste with a proper diet. Ferrets fed a poor-quality diet will let you know, both in their general health, and also in their eliminations. Preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and low-quality fats (such as beef tallow) will produce extra-stinky eliminations. Foods high in vegetable fiber, cereal grains, water, and other fillers will result in unnecessarily large stool volumes, as the ferret has to eat much more food to get adequate nutrition.

Ferrets should eat a dry food that is low in fiber and high in fats and meat-based protein. Look for a food that is a minimum of 32% protein and 18% fat, and a maximum of 3% fiber. The first ingredient should be some sort of meat (usually poultry), and the other ingredients should not have too many grain products. Avoid dyes and preservatives as well. Do not feed your ferret canned food (unless they are ill), or dog food of any sort.

Litterboxes
Keeping the litterbox clean will significantly reduce odors. Clean the solid waste from a litterbox at least twice a day -- morning and evening. Completely change out all litter at least once per week. These guidelines apply to one or two ferrets using one litterbox in a cage. For more ferrets, more frequent cleanings will be necessary to keep down odors.

Litter
Different kinds of litter perform differently at absorbing moisture and controlling odors. Never use cedar chips or shavings in the litterbox (or anywhere else in the cage). Cedar has strong oils that cause respiratory problems in ferrets. In fact, most wood shavings and chips carry aromatic oils that are problematic for ferrets. In any case, shavings do not make the best litter because they do not do a very good job of absorbing either moisture or odors compared to other available litters.

Most ferret owners recommend some sort of pelleted litter. Alfalfa pellets (rabbit food) is highly absorbent and inexpensive. A safe wood-based alternative is wood pellets. These are compressed pellets that have had the dangerous aromatic oils removed. These wood pellets absorb much liquid and help control odors. Products include Pine Fresh, Feline Pine, and All Pet Pine. My personal favorite is Gentle Touch, which is a compressed aspenwood pellet. Aspen is the safest wood for ferrets, and these pellets do a superior job of controlling odors. A less expensive alternative is Stove Chow, available in hardware stores that supply wood stoves.

Other pellets that can be used as litter are made out of recycled newspaper. Yesterday’s News and Nature’s Fresh do a good job of absorbing moisture. Newspaper pellets may not do as good a job of controlling odors, but they are often less expensive than wood pellets and are more economical for frequent litterbox changes. Another plus is that these pellets are often flushable. Check less expensive brands of recycled pelleted newspaper carefully; some may have bits of plastic and rubber mixed in, which could cause intestinal blockages.

One other type of litter that could be problematic for some ferrets is corn cob pellets. These inexpensive ground corn cobs do an adequate job of controlling odors, but have caused serious intestinal blockages in ferrets that accidentally ate the pieces. Oat hulls are another inexpensive source of litter, but be careful of dust levels, especially for litter-burrowing ferrets. A brand new alternative on the market is Citra-Fresh litter, an all-natural citrus litter derived from orange peels. The litter does a great job of absorbing both moisture and odors.

Traditional clay litters can also be used for ferrets, but also have drawbacks, such as being quite dusty. The clay litters that promise additional odor control are often heavily perfumed and cause respiratory problems for ferrets. Never use a clumping litter. Although clumping litters may allow you to clean litterboxes more easily and completely, thus reducing smells, these litters can be fatal to ferrets. Ferrets can either get intestinal blockages, urinary tract infections, or fatal lung conditions. Remember that these particles expand under damp conditions, so if a ferret breathes in some clumping litter particles, the results can be disastrous.

Laundry Time
One of the most effective ways to keep your ferret smelling fresh is to keep the ferret’s bedding clean. Frequent laundering of hammocks, sleep sacks, snuggle tubes, cage mats, or rugs will do a great job of keeping odors down. Don’t be tempted to buy a nifty ferret bed or tent unless you can wash it. Your ferret will appreciate freshly laundered items. However, don’t use strongly perfumed detergents or fabric softeners, which may cause allergic skin reactions or respiratory problems. Soaps that are free of dyes and perfumes are preferable for ferret laundry. The goal is to have ferret bedding that does not smell at all, instead of ferret bedding that smells like soap or special scents. Do your ferret laundry at least once a week, depending on the number of ferrets you have concentrated on the bedding.

Air Fresheners, Filters, and Cleaners
In general, air fresheners should not be used around ferrets. Many ferrets are allergic to spray propellants and heavy perfumes. Stick-on and plug-in deodorizers can be fatal to your ferret if ingested. Scented candles may be a good alternative when company is about to arrive. Keep candle flames away from ferrets! There are some odor neutralizing fluids, such as Odo-Ban, that can be effective in neutralizing odors on floors or carpets. Avoid using carpet powders, as these cause lung diseases and footpad rashes.

Although air filters can help reduce allergies in both humans and ferrets (especially HEPA-filters), they are not particularly effective against odors. To neutralize odors, ionizers can be effective. Although expensive, the unit I have seen most often in ferret shelters and multiple-ferret households with many ferrets is the Alpine XL-15S ( This unit effectively reduces odors by sensing levels and emitting ozonated ions by radio wave.)

Conclusion
A happy owner results in a happy ferret. Keep those odors down by spaying or neutering your ferrets, cleaning their litterboxes, and doing their laundry. You probably do not need to descent your ferret. A proper diet, clean ears and teeth, good health, and an occasional bath can also help keep your ferret and your home smelling fresh.