Totally Ferret.

Ten Ferret Do's

1. Ferrets are obligate carnivores and require high quality animal protein. Feed a high quality ferret food.
2. Always have fresh water available.
3. Keep the litter box clean and use pelleted or non-clumping litter.
4. Give your Ferrets HARD tubing and HARD plastic toys for play.
5. House your Ferret in a wire cage, preferably 2-3 tiers, with some bedding, such as a snooze tube, carpet or hammock.
6. "Ferret-proof" your home. Remove any access to rubber items such as pipe insulation, shoe insoles, etc. Use a hard, non-chewable screen to cover things like the back of the refrigerator, stove, washer,etc. 
7. Kits should be vaccinated for Canine Distemper and Rabies beginning at three months of age. Both vaccines should then be given annually ask your veterinarian to only use vaccines approved for ferrets.
8. Keep toenails trimmed and ears cleaned.
9. Bathe your Ferret with Ferret shampoo. Over-bathing can strip natural oils from the Ferrets' coat. Once every three months in sufficient.
10. Ferrets love to play and they bond quickly. Spend time with your Ferret Daily. The rewards are great!

Ten Ferret Don'ts

1. Do not feed Cat or Dog food. Stay away from chocolate (it's toxic), Dairy Products (they can cause blockage or diarrhea), sugar food snacks and fruit, (which can cause gas).
2. Avoid cat litters with baking soda, perfume, clay, or wood chips (especially cedar or pine). Fumes can cause respiratory problems and, as ferrets may roll in their litter while playing, the oils will adhere to their bodies and may be absorbed through their skin.
3. Please don't let your ferret live in an aquarium there is no ventilation.
4. Small children should never be left unsupervised with any ferret.
5. Do not allow your ferret to run loose in any room that has not been "ferret proofed" for safety.
6. never de-claw or de-fang a ferret.
7. Be sure your veterinarian does not give your ferret a combination shot (vaccine) as with other pets. This can cause an allergic reaction and death.
8. Stay away from toys that are made of the following: cloth, spongy material, soft rubber, plastic and latex. Ferrets have canine teeth and can shred any of these, which if ingested, may cause an intestinal blockage and can be fatal.
9. Do not hold a ferret by their tail. Hold them by the scruff of the neck.
10. NEVER abuse, neglect or ignore your ferret. Ferrets make wonderful pets. As a ferret owner, it is your responsibility to educate yourself in all aspects of ferret ownership. 

Do Ferrets Require Shots?

Indeed they do! Ferrets require both rabies shot and distemper shots. As a ferret owner, it is your responsibility to provide the necessary vaccines your pet requires. Be wary of anyone that tells you one shot is good for the life of your ferret! Another important responsibility is to find a veterinarian that likes ferrets and has a good medical knowledge regarding treatment. This alone can give you peace of mind.



What Do Ferrets Eat?

Ferrets are carnivores, even more so than the cat. And, as a carnivore, they require meat as their primary protein source. We recommend a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate diet.



Did You Know?

Ferrets are relatives of the European polecat and their technical name is Mustela Putorius Furo, They are believed to have been domesticated for over 2,000 years and were known to be favored by royalty.

What Are They?

A ferret is a mammal, small in size, with an average weight of 1-5 pounds. Their true genetic title is: Order Carnivora; Genus Mustela; Family Mustelidae.

What Do They Do?

Ferrets are very intelligent, industrious, inquisitive, and playful animals that will captivate you with their 'weasel war dance', their chatter and, quite frankly, with all of their own, individual, characteristics.

Where Do They Live?

Ferrets live in a cage, in homes and apartments everywhere, sometimes with other house pets. They should not live out in the elements and should never be left to roam freely if no one is home! Most ferret owners have double or three-tiered cage. A larger cage allows one level for sleeping, one for eating or playing, and one for their litter box.

Do They Use A Litter Box?

They sure do! A ferret can be trained to use a litter box, much like a cat. Ferrets do not like 'dirty' boxes, and, as they do not cover their droppings, a clean box is a necessity.

Do They Make Good Pets?

You bet! Ferret owners are all ages. There are many advantages to owning a ferret-Just ask a ferret owner! They are curious, intelligent, cuddly, furry, companions that will win your heart. They bond quickly with their owner and other house pets.

Where Can I Learn About Them?

The best way to learn about ferrets is from ferret owners which give clear, factual information on such things as handling, grooming, behavior, litter training, and 'ferret proofing' your home or their play area, as well as other useful tips and information.
Reading sources include:
-"The Ferret: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet,"by Debra Jeans.
Another excellent means of information is your local ferret club, rescue or shelter group. They can be found locally and, if it's not convenient to attend meetings, many offer excellent newsletters with health tips, medical information. We recommend you to start at www.totallyferret.com.

Do Ferrets Stink?

Ferrets have a musk odor that is not unpleasant. Whole, un-neutered males produce this scent for two reasons: attracting the opposite sex during mating and defensive purposes. Pet ferrets are neutered before you buy them from a pet shop or breeder, reducing their odor. Feeding foods that have little to no fish or fishmeal in them will also serve to reduce their odor. Totally Ferret is a great food to feed!

 What About Other Pets?

 
All pets require supervision during an introductory period with other pets and with children. Ferrets are curious by nature and very playful. Just as large birds could be dangerous to the ferret, small birds or rodents may not be safe from your ferret.










What About Small Children?

Children who are not familiar with a pet should not be left unsupervised. Your ferret will naturally defend itself if it feels threatened. Poking fingers and/or objects will frighten any animal. Teach your children how to hold a ferret, gently, by the scruff of their neck or cradling the ferret. Limited, supervised, play periods are important  in order to allow both the ferret and the child to feel comfortable with each other.







How Will I Know If a Ferret Has Been Spayed Or Neutered?

If you purchsed your ferret from a pet store you may see two blue dots on their ear. The first dot indicates that the ferret has been descented. The second dot tells you that the ferret has been spayed/neutered. If you get your ferret from a reputable breeder or a pet store, you can be assured it has been spayed/neutered. If you get your ferret from a shelter or rescue, the responsible person there is educated in providing you with this information, plus answering many other questions you may have.


If you are interested in having a ferret do your homework and look around. Here at the Ridgefield Park Animal Hospital, Dr. Paul Kim can be your primary health provider for your ferret. Call us up at 201-814-0095 and make an appointment! We are located at 199 Main street, Ridgefield Park New Jersey, 07660.