Need Help in Deciding If a Ferret is Right for You?

Have you recently seen a picture of one of these cute cuddly balls of joy and think you want to get one? Have you ever actually held a ferret or been to somebody's house who owns one? Ferrets have an odor about them that most people find disgust them. It is a popular misconception that if a ferret has been de-scented that they will no longer stink. I can tell you from personal experience that de-scented or not ferrets have a very musky odor all of their own. Ferrets are very active little creatures and need to be out of their cage for at least two to three hours a day to stretch their legs and satisfy their curiosity. Do you have the time to let them out for playtime? Will you be able to clean their cage two to three times a week? Is your home big enough for you, your family and your new companion? Another thing that a lot of people don't know is that ferrets are illegal in some city's, or states. Is your city, state ferret friendly? Also, if you don't own your home and happen to rent, will your landlord be okay with your new addition? Some people think that since a ferret isn't a cat or a dog that it would be okay for them in their rental. Last thing you need is an eviction notice because your landlord doesn't approve of your new pet, or even just a notice that you need to get rid of your ferret. Then there is just one more orphaned ferret needing to find a new home.

The reason I am writing this article is to inform people who may not know, the amount of time, energy and attention that is required to own a ferret. To stop the inevitable cycle of people purchasing these poor guys without the knowledge and understanding of how much work they are and after only weeks to months in some cases, these people are looking for somebody else to take this new "problem" off their hands. Ferrets can be great pets and are a whole lot of fun, if you have the proper space and time for them. Ferrets are very mischievous creatures and love to get into everything. You have to be able to keep a very close watchful eye on them. It only takes a split second for them to get into a cupboard under the sink and ingest some cleaning agents that could potentially kill them. Or if they happen to find a door slightly ajar, they will go to investigate and could be gone forever if that door happens to be your entry way door. Think of it like watching a small child, except this child doesn't grow up!

So if your sure that you have all the required elements to provide a safe, fun loving environment for one of these friendly fur balls and you have done the research and know that it is legal in your state and okay with your landlord. Then maybe you could think about looking into a ferret rescue operation near you. Think about adopting an unfortunate ferret and providing him/her with the care they deserve. Adoption can be a very rewarding experience! No matter how you decide to pick your pet out, just please make sure you're ready for this commitment. There is already too many abandoned ferrets out there. Too many people have thought that caring for a ferret couldn't be much harder then caring for a cat then wound up finding out otherwise, just do your homework and be positive that a ferret is right for you, and that you are right for a ferret.

Thank you for taking the time to read my opinion and hopefully I have helped in your decision to either purchase a ferret or stick with a cat!