My ferrets “dook” dance the war dance and “slide” between my feet, and make my husband, children and I smile. For my family, ferrets make great pets. My husband thinks they’re better than dogs, and we all 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 ferret as a pet.
Intelligence: I hesitate to say that cats and dogs are smarter than ferrets, but I readily admit that ferrets have a significantly different type of intelligence. Ferrets are pretty good problem solvers. As an example, for Christmas one year, I put an apple in a stocking for my ferret. (The ferret liked to steal apples and hide them. He didn’t actually eat them.) The apple was slightly smaller in diameter than the sock. Ernie stuck his head into the stocking, grabbed the apple, and tossed. It didn’t work. After only two tries, he slipped out of the sock and climbed on top. He pushed the apple.
Tenacity: Every ferret I have ever 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 silverware. 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 when they are puppies, but they 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 omnivorous, ferrets are just like cats. They are carnivores. In fact, ferrets are obligate carnivores, eating meat and fat. Ferrets need ferret food, and ferret food is a bit more expensive than cat food.
Production: Ferrets do not 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’s rare to find a ferret walking into another room to use a litter box.
Names: Cats and dogs are quick to learn their names, and dogs are easily trained to call their name. 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 demonstrate 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 ferret as a pet, ask yourself the following questions.
- If your ferret pet steals your keys, is it cute? If your ferret steals your keys twenty times, is he 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 willing to get rid of your recliners?
- Does it deform if the bottom of the doors have scratch marks?
- Do you mind cleaning the litter boxes?
- Do you mind cleaning the areas that aren’t the litter box?
- Can you get past a two foot tall plexiglass barrier?
- Do you have a sensitive nose?
- If he leaves a glass out, will he mind if he leans over and sticks his nose in?
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 by themselves?
- Do you like cute animals?
Ferrets Aren’t For Everyone, But They Are Wonderful For Some People
Ferrets can seem chaotic at times, but once you get to know the species, they’re not.
Are you still considering a ferret as a pet?
Visit a ferret shelter near you and talk to shelter workers. Besides the fact that almost all ferret shelters are overflowing right now, the folks at the shelter can help you understand the personality of a specific ferret. The folks at the shelter also have a vested interest in doing whatever it takes to make your home the ferret’s forever home. The American Ferret Association and Ferret Life have ferret shelter directories.