I’ll admit it—I’m a big fan of ferrets. I first met ferrets many years ago, when I lived in Seattle. Two friends, a couple, had two ferrets. One night they invited me and another friend to visit their home because, every day, they scheduled at least one playtime outside of the ferret cage for their pets.
I was enchanted.
Their ferrets were big compared to the ferrets one sees now in pet stores. And they were descented, I remember that: they didn’t smell bad. They made great “apartment pets” because even in a relatively small space, they could have free run of several rooms. I don’t know what my friends fed those ferrets, but I do remember they looked very healthy. They were friendly and fun to watch!
Ever since, I thought that some day I would like to have a ferret of my own.
I found myself remembering that visit many years later, when I realized that there was no reason I couldn’t have a ferret of my own. I had the room, I had the time, I had the interest. What I didn’t have was the information. I wanted to know more about ferrets—how to feed, care for, and enjoy them. I looked for local resources that might help me find what I needed, and I found a ferret rescue. I called to ask if I could visit and was delighted to be told that I could volunteer!
I did volunteer. (Although of course volunteering at any animal shelter or rescue usually starts with cleaning cages and doing laundry. Don’t kid yourself.) This particular rescue had many ferrets, plus the person running the rescue also had “personal” ferrets that were exhibited in ferret shows and bred. It was fascinating to observe the various groups into which the ferrets were divided for play and recreation—young, old, calm, feisty, active, friendly, unfriendly.
Some of the ferrets were probably there for life—frankly unadoptable because of temperament, age, or illness. Many had been bought in pet stores or sold on the Internet, only to be relinquished to the rescue by owners who could not meet their needs. Some had been lost, turned over to animal control, then sent to the rescue, where the full cost of an adoption (including shots, neutering, and descenting) was approximately the same as the cost of buying a ferret from a commercial outlet.
I asked a lot of questions and got a lot of answers. I didn’t feel fully knowledgeable about ferrets by any means, but now I had the basic information and many resources through which I could learn more. I wish I had done more research. But when I asked how long ferrets lived, I was told “on the average, about eight years.” I said to myself, “I have nothing planned for the next eight years . . . ”
I got a ferret.
I was in my local chain pet store.
They do not sell puppies and kittens. They sell fish, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, crickets . . . and ferrets. The plexiglass display case with the ferrets for sale is right near the entrance to the store. I think that’s because ferrets attract attention from many shoppers. Folks stop to watch their antics or to coo over them as they’re sleeping. Children find the ferrets almost irresistible.
I found the ferrets irresistible.
It wasn’t exactly an impulse buy—I had done some research. But it certainly was a failure of impulse control! In a pile of sleeping ferrets, I saw one tummy—one ferret, laid out on his back, sleeping peacefully. I had to hold that ferret. The staffer told me to use the disinfectant liquid on my hands, then instructed me on how to hold the ferret. She opened the cage and handed him to me.
That was my first ferret.
Then I had to buy: food, treats, toys, litter, litter boxes, water bottles, food cups, nail trimmers, bedding, and a cage. Chain-store ferrets have had their initial vaccinations. They are also neutered and descented, which means their scent glands are removed. I had to find a veterinarian for follow-up health care, though; at that time, my vet clinic did not treat ferrets. The closest ferret vet turned out to be in a town on the other side of the city where I live . . . so, yeah, I also had to buy more gas!
That was only the beginning.
FERRET FACTS
Ferrets are not rodents!
Ferrets are obligate carnivores (like cats), the domesticated form of the European polecat, a mammal belonging to the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. It is thought that ferrets have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years. They are related to weasels, otters, and skunks.
Ferrets don’t eat fruit!
Wild ferrets eat whole small prey, like mice or rabbits. Domesticated ferrets can be fed “live” or raw protein, but many ferret fanciers opt for foods consisting almost entirely of meat (animal protein and fat), including some high-quality cat foods.
Ferrets are unable to digest plant matter properly. Plus, fruits and vegetables contain natural sugars, which can cause serious health issues for ferrets. Sugary treats of any kind are out!
Ferrets have serious health issues!
They are susceptible to canine distemper and influenza. Cancers of the adrenal glands, lymphatic system, and pancreas are common in ferrets. Certain colors of ferrets have a genetic defect known as Waardenburg Syndrome. Ferrets can suffer from hairballs and dental problems.
Ferrets can nip and bite!
Ferrets must be taught bite inhibition—never to bite down on human skin or clothing—in much the same way you would teach it to a dog. Bite inhibition can often be most easily taught to a young ferret (known as a kit). The more “bitey” an older ferret is, the longer it might take to teach him not to nip. Ferrets are usually not appropriate pets in households with unsupervised children.
American Ferret Association, Inc.
www.ferret.org
Next week: UNUSUAL PETS—FERRETS (PART TWO)
