Ferrets as House Pets

Make no mistake, the Ferret is a domestic mammal not a rodent, and is related to the weasel and polecat. The male is substantially larger than the female. They typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur, have an average length of approximately 20 inches (51 cm) including a 5 inch (13 cm) tail, weigh about 1.5 – 4 pounds (0.8 – 2 kg), and have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

Myth or fact, ferrets stink? Like many other carnivores, ferrets have scent glands near their anuses. Like skunks, ferrets can release their anal gland secretions when startled or scared, but the smell dissipates rapidly. Most pet ferrets in the US and Canada are sold descented, with their anal glands removed. In many other countries, descenting is considered an unnecessary mutilation. Males, if not neutered, are extremely musky. It is preferable to delay neutering until sexual maturity has been reached, at approximately 6-8 months old. Neutering the male will reduce the smell to almost nothing. For females, spaying them is important for their own health. Unless they are going to be used for breeding, female ferrets will go into heat and can die if not mated. For this reason pet shops usually sell ferrets that are fixed and descented.

Ferrets spend 14 to 18 hours a day sleeping , about six hours at a time. Though ferrets sleep more than most other domesticated animals, they are very active when awake and will seek to be released from their cage to get exercise and satisfy their abundant curiosity They are most active during dusk and dawn. With training they will sleep through the night.

Ferrets can make good pets for some children. For very young children, important consideration as to the potential danger to a child by a pet ferret, and potential danger to a pet ferret by a child. Ferrets are capable of delivering a bite almost as strong as a cat. Like all other domesticated animals, they should never be left unsupervised near infants or very young children. Young children and ferrets can both be excitable and prone to rough play. Ferrets and children must always be closely supervised for the protection of both. There have been rare cases where ferrets have severely injured babies but dog bites occurred 5 times more often than ferret bites.

When ferrets are excited, they may perform a routine commonly referred to as the weasel war dance. It is often an invitation to play or an expression of happy excitement and is not threatening. Arching the back, and hopping to the side or backwards while facing the intended playmate, often accompanied by an excited panting sound that may sound like a hiss. Often, this behavior will break into a game of chase, pounce or wrestle. Ferrets in war dances are very accident prone, often hopping into obstacles or tripping over their own feet. Ferrets tend to nip, the act of biting in a playful manner, while playing with humans or other animals. When trained correctly, they almost never nip a human or only do so very gently, careful not to break the skin. However, ferrets that have been abused or are in extreme pain may bite and are capable of strong bites.



Ferrets are energetic, curious, interested in their surroundings, and often wish to play with humans. Play for ferrets often involve hide and seek games, or some form of predator, prey game with humans or other animals. They also have a strong nesting instincts and will repeatedly carry small objects and their toys into hiding, under furniture or in areas they can get into like closets and cupboards. It is difficult to predict what objects ferrets will attempt to hoard. Ferrets will seemingly form attachments to certain objects and will repeatedly take the same object and bring it to their hiding place. On wash day I can always count on finding a stash of socks under the dressers.

Ferret curiosity often exceeds common sense and ferrets are good at getting into trouble. Getting into holes in walls, doors, cupboards, or in or behind household appliances where they can be injured by fans, and other household items or killed by drowning, electrocution. Many enjoy chewing items made of soft rubber, foam, or sponge, which present the risk of intestinal blockage or death if ingested. Unlike dogs and cats, many ferrets display little homing instinct and do not thrive as strays. Wandering ferrets may be easily injured or killed by neighbourhood animals, local wildlife, or passing vehicles.
Owners should ferret-proof their home, removing items dangerous to ferrets and covering over any holes or potential escape routes. As ferrets can open improperly latched cupboards or doors, childproof latches are often used. Keep cleaning products in high, out-of-reach places. Ferrets are fearless to the point of foolishness and should not be allowed to wander.

Whenever they are outside, they should be closely supervised and preferably kept on a harness leash designed for ferrets. Their curious nature also leads them to place themselves in situations where they will confront and try to play with larger animals outdoors that may be dangerous to the ferret. When a ferret is outdoors, an owner must take additional care during mosquito and tick season, as ferrets are susceptible to diseases and even a common cold. The sting of a bee, wasp or a spider bite can be serious for a ferret. Ferrets can also be considered prey for hawks and other animals.

Ferrets, like cats, can use a litter box with training, but they are not always completely litter box trainable. Try not to move litter boxes to a new position in the home. Their instinct is to spread their waste in order to scent mark territory, therefore multiple litter boxes may be necessary and all litter areas should be cleaned frequently.

Ferrets can be tremendous fun as pets but as all other animals they require attention to keep them safe and happy.