The question is often asked - can ferrets really be pets? The short answer is - yes - just the same as owning a cat or a dog. Of course you'll need to give a pet ferret the same kind of attention that you would to any pet. And, with the correct diet and proper care, your pet ferret should be part of your family for a long time to come.
Frequently ferrets can be referred to as "unusual" or "exotic" pets. That's because most people like to own the more traditional type of pets like cats, dogs, birds, fish or hamsters. Also, you might not know this, but in some places it's actually illegal to own a pet ferret.
Laws against having pet ferrets usually stem from safety concerns. Ferrets do have very sharp teeth and, even if they are domesticated, they can bite if they are provoked. You will need to keep this in mind if you have small children in your family. You might want to wait until your children are older before you get a ferret, or, at the very least, make sure they are never left unattended with a pet ferret.
You'll need to treat a ferret bite seriously. Because, just like dogs, they can carry rabies. Because of this possibility, you need to be absolutely sure to have your pet vaccinated against rabies. Neutering, which is always a good idea, may help to reduce any aggressive behavior.
Any ferret is going to want to explore when they are outside of their cage. If you don't want your house getting messed up, or have your ferret getting into places he shouldn't, then you need to ferret-proof your home. This means doing things like sealing off small spaces, protecting any electrical wires and securing any air ducts or dryer vents.
Ferret Tips
Here are a few ferret tips that you should know:
1. They will sleep 18 hours or more everyday. But, when they're awake, that's the time to feed them and play with them.
2. They need to get out of their cage at least twice a day, so give them a secure area to roam and play in.
3. Ferrets like to take naps in the most unusual places. If you've given them the run of the house, and you don't want to squish them, look under any cushions before you sit down!
4. Male ferrets (hobs) are heavier and grow much longer than female ferrets (jills).
5. Ferrets can live, on average, for about 7 to 10 years and with proper care, may even live as long as 12 years.
6. Ferrets have relatively poor eyesight but they make up for that with a heightened senses of hearing and smell.
7. Much like a cat or a dog, ferrets can be trained to do tricks and follow simple commands. Rewarding good behavior with praise and treats is the best way to train your ferret.
8. Ferrets are usually pretty quiet. They don't bark like dogs do. So, you won't need to worry about any noisy behavior annoying your household or your neighbors.
You can find pet ferrets at pet stores, breeders or animal shelters. However, before you commit to owning a ferret, be sure you're ready for the commitment and responsibility.
