My ferrets “dook”, dance the war dance and “slide” between my feet, and make my husband, children and I smile. For my family, ferrets are excellent pets. My husband thinks they are better than dogs, and all of us prefer ferrets to cats. However, ferrets are very different from cats and dogs: their behavior, scent, motivations, and form are different from cats and dogs. They are classified as exotic pets, and it is important that you consider the pros and cons of being a ferret parent before adopting one of these wonderful weasels.
The differences between ferrets and other pets create the pros and cons of having a pet ferret.
Intelligence: I’m hesitant to say that cats and dogs are smarter than ferrets, but I readily acknowledge that ferrets have a significantly different kind of intelligence. Ferrets are pretty good problem solvers. As an example, for Christmas one year, I put an apple in a sock for my ferret. (The ferret liked to steal apples and hide them. Actually, he didn’t eat them.) The apple had a slightly smaller diameter than the sock. Ernie stuck his head into the stocking, grabbed the apple and pulled. It didn’t work. After only two tries, he got out of the sock and climbed on top. He pushed the apple.
Tenacity: Every ferret I have seen has been far more tenacious than the most dedicated cat or dog. Ferrets are intensely curious. They must know what is behind closed doors. They must know what is behind a barrier. They need to study the back of a dishwasher and the inside of a sofa. If a ferret somehow manages to get into your pots and pans cabinet, don’t be surprised if you find it later with your cutlery. This tenacity makes it difficult to “ferret proof” and make your home safe for your beloved pets.
Stole: Dogs tend to steal shoes and socks as puppies, but outgrow the behavior. Ferrets “steal” throughout their lives. If an object attracts a ferret, it will snatch it up and hide it in its hiding place. Ferrets don’t grow out of this: humans learn to put away their keys and shoes.
Diet (Input): While dogs are omnivores, ferrets are like cats. They are carnivores. In fact, ferrets are obligate carnivores and eat meat and fat. Ferrets need ferret food, and ferret food is a bit more expensive than cat food.
Production: Ferrets don’t bury their droppings in a litter box. Dogs are easily trained to go outside. Ferrets, on the other hand, generally relieve themselves in corners. While they can be litter box trained, it is rare to find a ferret that will walk into another room to use a litter box.
Names: Cats and dogs quickly learn their names, and dogs are easily trained to call their names. Few ferrets know their names. Only two of my ferrets know their names. A woman I know who has operated a ferret shelter for 18 years tells me that she has only ever seen one ferret display knowledge of her name.
Which of these are pros and which are cons? Well, the answer to that question is different for each person.
Before you get a pet ferret, ask yourself the following questions.
- If your pet ferret steals your keys, is it cute? If your ferret steals your keys twenty times, is it still cute?
- Are you willing to rearrange your home to make it ferret proof?
- Are you willing to deal with magnetic locks on your cabinets?
- Are you ready to get rid of your recliners?
- Does it warp if the bottom of the doors have scratch marks?
- Do you mind cleaning the litter boxes?
- Do you mind cleaning the areas that are not the litter box?
- Can you get past a two-foot-high plexiglass barrier?
- Do you have a sensitive nose?
- If you leave a glass out, will you mind if you lean over and stick a nose in it?
Although not everything is bad. As yourself these questions too.
- Do you like to see curious animals?
- Do you like to play with your animals?
- Do you like pets that will play with you and play alone?
- Do you like cute animals?
Ferrets are not for everyone, but they are wonderful for some people
Ferrets can seem chaotic at times, but once you get to know the species, they are not.
Still considering a pet ferret?
Visit a ferret shelter near you and talk to the shelter workers. Besides the fact that almost all ferret shelters are overwhelmed right now, the people at the shelter can help you understand the personality of a specific ferret. The people at the shelter also have a vested interest in doing whatever it takes to make their home the ferret’s forever home. The American Ferret Association and Ferret Life have directories of ferret shelters.