Have you ever considered ferrets as pets? These furry and adorable creatures are well-loved by their owners for being affectionate, entertaining and easy to care for. However, a ferret isn’t the perfect pet for everyone. The more you know about having a ferret as a pet before making your decision, the better.
Many ferret owners would say they are easy pets to care for, but on one major condition: they need social stimulation. Ferrets are social creatures, so it’s recommended to get more than one ferret. Even with fellow furry friends, ferrets need regular attention from their owners, which can be a serious time commitment.
Another aspect of ferret care that might make them high maintenance is their intelligence combined with their propensity to get into trouble if not supervised. To keep your ferret mentally stimulated, you’ll need to provide the right toys and games for them to safely play with.
If they get out of their cage, ferrets can easily wind up eating or chewing things around the house. They’re also masters of squeezing into tight spaces, making them hard to find if they decide to hide from you. Ferret proofing your home is possible, but an enormous undertaking.
Before you get too excited about a pet ferret, make sure you’re able to own one legally. In California, Hawaii or within New York City, pet ferrets are banned domestic animals. While it’s not impossible to care for them in these areas, finding a reputable veterinary care will be difficult and costly.
Cost is an important factor to consider when contemplating adopting a ferret. The price for the ferret itself can vary depending on location, but their ongoing care can be costly. Budget for everything from vet visits to ferret-specific food, toys and living arrangements - a large cage, at least - when planning.
If you have the time and space, ferrets can make wonderful pets. Here are some other great reasons to consider bringing home a ferret:
Is a pet ferret right for you? Keeping these key factors in mind will help you decide whether bringing a ferret (or two) into your household is your next step.
I grew up in a small town in Wyoming and married my high school sweetheart. I purchased my first home when I was 18 and immediately found a passion for real estate. One year later, I passed the Wyoming Real Estate Exam, and successfully purchased my second property! I love to help people navigate the real estate process and connect with my customers to help them achieve their real estate goals! With more than 25 years of experience in the industry – including residential, commercial, timeshare sales, and property management: I thrive on new opportunities to assist Buyers and Sellers. When not listing a property or negotiating an offer, you may find me on the beach enjoying some "Salt Life", volunteering at my child's school, and helping out in the community. Finally, I am proud to sit on the board of directors of a dedicated 501c3 foundation & help veterans, active service members, & first responders find relief from PTSD through scuba diving.
