The Basics of Ferret Care

Ferrets are loving creatures and make very rewarding pets. And that's why they deserve the best care available. They are loyal, sweet, entertaining and worth every minute you spend taking the proper care of them. And there are a few specific things that every single ferret needs.


Photo credit to the South Cheshire Ferret Rescue
Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!



Food: Just as with any living animal- ferrets eat! And they need food in order to survive. But not just any food- proper ferret pet food. You shouldn't feed your ferret commercial cat or dog food, but nor should you only feed them commercial ferret food. Commercial ferret foods are not exactly up to par with nutritional value. So substitute your ferrets dry food with meat products. There should always be a supply of food in your ferrets cage, and fresh meat should be fed at least every other day.


Water: We don't recommend a cage-side bottle water container for ferrets. In fact, we don't recommend them for any pet. They easily get clogged and can cause quick dehydration for your pet. If you'd like, you can have one, but there should always be a bowl of fresh water as an additional option in the cage.

Cage: A cage is NOT a permanent home for your ferret, but rather a 'safe haven'. It should be filled with plenty of activities, be fairly large in size (we suggest at least two stories), and it should have all of the basic necessities like food, water, and a litter box. Your ferret's cage should also be temporary. Keep your ferret in the cage when you aren't around the supervise, but your pet should never be left inside for more than 24 hours. You should leave the door open at least four hours (but we suggest six to eight hours) a day and allow your little fur ball to get out and explore.

Playtime: Just as we just mentioned- your little fur-babies need to get out and be active. So it's really important you give them the chance to come out and make mischief. Supervise them and have fun with them! They are adorable, sweet, and worthwhile- and as an 'owner' it's your responsibility to make sure the get attention each and every day.

Litter Box: Ferrets like to use the bathroom in a private area, specifically in a corner. This is natural behavior that is instinctive to all ferrets. Put a litter box in the corner of your cage to give your ferret a place to... do it's business. It helps keep the cage clean and gives your ferret a sense of security.

Dark Sleeping Area: Ferrets are digging creatures, they dig by nature, and they feel most comfortable in the dark. Many people think that a ferret's sleeping area should merely be a hammock. And hammock's are great! But you should also have a dark sleeping area for your ferret. A shadowy part of the cage or even a little hiding tent is perfect. Of course, all ferrets enjoy a hammock and a baby blanket, but you should also give them a place that is 100% private and entirely their own.

Companionship: Ferrets are social creatures and they do get lonely. If you choose to adopt a single parent then you are making the commitment to be it's best friend- which means you should devote 6 to 8 hours a day to 'companionship time'. If you can't make this commitment, get two ferrets. It spares you the heartache of a lonely ferret, and gives your furball a friend to keep it entertained while you're away.

Hygiene: Ferrets smell... it's true. But you can ease the burden of a 'musky ferret' by giving it a bath once a week. Fill the bathtub an inch with room temperature water or set a little tupper ware container of water in your ferrets cage. Let them play around and clean themselves. Overtime it will definitely prevent your ferret from gaining a strong odor.