There are several basic types of ferrets; Fitch or Sable ferrets which have dark and well defined masks, Albino ferrets which are white with pink eyes, and Siamese, Silver Mitt and Cinnamon variations. Other types can be had by cross breeding. Males are called "hobs", females "jills' and babies are called "kits". Their normal lifespan is 5-7 years.

Ferrets are friendly and curious pets who enjoy social interaction. They may have the tendency to bite and this should be strongly discouraged at an early age. They will enjoy sleeping in a hammock or moderate size PVC pipe where they can find seclusion and security. Bedding materials should include hardwood pine shavings (not cedar) or a good quality composite recycled pellet material. They also will train well to a harness but you probably won't be able to take them on serious hikes.

Diet is extremely important. While many people feed store brand cat foods, this is quite inadequate. High quality kitten food such as Iams or Science Diet fed for the first 3 years of life and adult versions of the same after that would be considered a minimal diet. Better still would be to feed Totally Ferret, Marshall Ferret Diet, Purina/Mazuri Ferret Chow, or Forti Diet. Salt should be avoided, and although ferrets enjoy many other foods, snacks of all type should be GREATLY restricted. Ferrets cannot tolerate over 4% fiber in their diets and they are considered true carnivores. Fresh water should always be available. Expect frequent bowel movements, as their gut transit time is only about 3 hours.

Ferrets can be litter box trained and a box should be kept in their cage. If your ferret is allowed to roam free, we suggest a box in every room near some corner of the room. Most pets should be caged when not supervised, as they are prone to ingest dangerous items they find and get into other mischief. As they often can and like to crawl into small spaces, crushing injuries are not uncommon.

Most ferrets sold today come from a ferret farm and are already descented and neutered. If not, these surgeries may be performed and are highly advised in tandem to reduce the strong odor. Females who have a heat must be bred, given a hormone injection or spayed as soon as possible or she will often die of estrogen poisoning. A female in heat can be recognized by a blister like (obvious) swelling of her genital area. Ferrets can be bathed in a shampoo approved for cats, but be certain they do not become chilled. This will also help control odors.

Preventative care should include a series of boosters with Ferret Vaccine for canine distemper, at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age then annually. Ferrets who acquire distemper always die. An annual rabies vaccine is also highly recommended, as would be fecal parasite analysis, heartworm preventive and regular grooming. Ferrets are also susceptible to human influenza but no vaccine is available. If someone in the home has the flu, your pet should be boarded elsewhere.

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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.