You will have to fill in any holes or gaps in furniture or walls, ferrets love to crawl and hide in such areas. You will also have to hide heavier objects, like stereos and speakers, in cupboards. Ferrets love to climb, and can knock such objects over and get hurt. [2] X Research source Staircases need to be blocked off, and household furniture made of products like wood will need protection. Ferrets will chew such objects. Cleaning and upkeep of your home will be more timely when you have a ferret. Ferrets will chew almost anything, and can get hurt if they chew or swallow the wrong object. Therefore, you will have to keep your home very clean if you’re housing a ferret.
Ferrets do sleep a lot. They tend to be sleeping for about 18 hours a day. However, during times when they are awake, they are very active and need a lot of stimulation. Do not leave a ferret in a shelter or cage for the entire day. You will need to spend several hours a day playing with your ferret to keep it healthy and happy.
Ferrets are intelligent and highly trainable. However, like any animal, training takes time and persistence. You will have to train your ferret over the course of several weeks, and always punish negative behaviors like biting. This can be time consuming, so you should not adopt a ferret if you don’t feel you have time to train it. [5] X Research source
Think about the stability of your living situation. If you’re going to be moving from year to year, it can be difficult to find places that allow ferrets. Unlike dogs and cats, there may be specific rules against ferrets or similar animals in certain places due to their odor. Consider other factors. Are you going to start a new career, finish a school program, travel, or make any other big changes? If so, it may be difficult to keep your ferret in the long term. If you want a ferret, but worry your life is too unsettled, you can always consider adopting an older ferret rather than a baby.
Ferrets can get along well with older children, however. If your kids know how to safely handle an animal, and have been gentle with animals in the past, a ferret can be a great addition to your home.
Ferrets tend to do best in quieter homes, where there is not a lot of commotion. Doors and windows need to be closed to safely keep a ferret. If you like natural airflow from open doors and windows, you will not do well with a ferret.
Some people do keep ferrets with smaller dogs or cats. If you decide to get a ferret despite having a dog or cat, only allow supervised interaction. Even during play, a dog or cat could accidentally harm a ferret.
The smell of ferret is something like the scent of a skunk.
Check with a local Humane Society or Department of Wildlife for regulations in your area. Also, think about legally housing a ferret. If you’re renting, ferrets may not be allowed in your building even if they’re allowed in your area. Check with your landlord before adopting a ferret. [13] X Research source
In general, if you’re adopting a ferret from a shelter, you can expect the cost to be lower.
Make sure you can find a vet in your area that takes ferrets. Not all vets are familiar with treating ferrets.
While costs will vary from vet to vet, sterilization generally costs between $200 and $300. There also may be other fees for any medication your ferret needs after surgery. [17] X Research source
You should also have some extra money in case of unexpected circumstances. A ferret could, for example, contract a cold from a pet store or shelter. You will need extra money for vet bills.
