Ferrets - Fun Intelligent Family Pets

Ferrets come from the noble weasel family, and are related to minks and otters. Domestic ferrets have been part of human households for thousands of years, beginning their interaction as mice catchers in barns. They were also used by hunters to flush rabbits out of their dens. From those "occupations", they moved into houses and became pets. But anyone considering adopting today should become familiar with certain ferret information.

Ferrets are very intelligent animals, and can be fun family pets. They need plenty of play time, and will entertain their owners for hours. In fact, they should be given at least three or four hours a day of free play time outside of their cages. They want to include their owners in their play, as they are social animals.

Because of their intelligence-fortunately for homeowners-ferrets are easily trained to use a litter box. As with cats and dogs, however, accidents can happen, but they are generally clean animals. They can, however, smell slightly musky...more so than a dog. This is especially true of ferrets that have not been spayed or neutered.

To keep them healthy and smelling at least a little better, they should be "fixed". However, another important bit of ferret information is that, if the animal is frightened, it can release a fairly foul odor. Fortunately, the odor generally dissipates quickly.

Another side effect of their intelligence is curiosity. Ferrets want to check out everything. Potential ferret owners should baby-proof the house. Lock cabinets, especially those that store medications or cleaning supplies. Remove any breakable items from the areas where the ferrets will run free. Make sure the toilet lids are kept closed, as well as the bathroom doors to keep them from clawing shower curtains and toilet paper or getting hold of bar soap.

Anything made of foam should be put away or the ferrets may shred it. They might even ingest stuffing or foam-sponges, too-which can be dangerous or even deadly to these animals. Houseplants and wastebaskets should be kept out of reach of these pets as well.

If you have a dog or cat, you should consider the following ferret information. These animals are so friendly and so domesticated, that they have little fear of other animals. But cats and dogs have been known to hurt or kill ferrets. On the other hand, ferrets will look upon animals like hamsters, birds, and reptiles as food. So anyone who has these or other small pets might want to reconsider raising ferrets.

Keeping all of this information in mind, however, ferrets do make wonderful family pets. Children above the age of five can be taught to be gentle with a family ferret, but adults should take care of feeding and grooming, and should definitely supervise playtime.

When they are young, ferrets may playfully nip at those who handle them, but they can be taught not to do that. Adult ferrets that are treated well are not biters. Instead, they are lovable pets. In fact, ferrets become so attached to their owners that they can become stressed if parted for extended periods of time. For that reason, a person who travels a lot or who works long hours, might want to consider another type of pet.

Finally, anyone considering adopting a ferret should find out if they are legal in their state. Local animal control officers can provide that and other ferret information.

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