Ferrets: Are They Your Kind of Pet?

Who can resist those cuddly little creatures with their mischievous look and adorable personalities? They're great for apartments and you can teach them to walk on a leash like a cat or dog. They'll even do tricks if you take the time to train them.

There's no question that ferrets make good pets, but that doesn't mean they're a good pet for you. Your lifestyle and their curious, intrusive nature may not be a compatible match.

Ferrets sleep 18-20 hours a day, but when awake will demand almost all of your attention. They are extremely playful and, unlike puppies and kittens, don't lose much of this friskiness as they get older. If neglected, they will become depressed and lose that good-natured temperament

The word 'ferret' is synonymous with search, hunt, rummage, and furrow. That pretty well describes your little pet and should give you a decent indication why it's not such a good idea to leave them home alone. Nothing is safe from this very inquisitive and remarkably determined animal. They can get into areas that you never dreamed and any small, dark place like sofa cushions, dryer hoses and vents become an ideal retreat. These crafty rascals have an insatiable curiosity about everything around them and will eagerly steal any objects they can carry and hoard them behind furniture and under chairs.

If there's a way to get into boxes, bags, and trash cans they'll find it. Houseplants are not immune to their antics and you may come home to find your floors covered in dirt after an afternoon of happy digging. Carpets may also become a target for their need to burrow.

Except for birds, fish, rodents and lizards, most ferrets get along fairly well with other pets like dogs and cats. Like everything else, your pets' toys and favourite chews are open to the ferrets thieving ways and will be quickly whisked away and hidden. When it comes to children, small kids and ferrets are both very excitable and putting the two of them together may be too much. Of course, a child's toy is fair game and if not chewed up will probably be buried along with all the other treasure.

Coats will be shed twice a year and ferrets do have a musky odour that is not unpleasant, but distinctive and not liked by everybody. De-scenting will not change this. They will use a litter box, but many aren't quite as good about it as a cat.

It's quite easy to love these charismatic animals, but they will command more of your time and attention than a cat or dog. If you're prepared for the higher maintenance and ferret proofing of your home, then a ferret will make a most enjoyable companion.