Ferrets are readily available these days, and are often prominently displayed in pet stores to increase the likelihood of a spontaneous purchase. Careful thought and research should go into the purchase of any live animal, and ferrets are no exception. Due to the high frequency of serious medical conditions, ferret owners may incur a large expense over the relatively short life of a ferret, not to mention the emotional toll a devastating disease can have on an owner.

Housing – Ferrets are best kept in large wire cages with a solid bottom. "Furniture" should include a hammock or other suitable sleeping area, and a litter box. Ferrets need supervised playtime out of the cage at least once daily.

Toys – Ferrets can get into trouble with just about anything. They should not be given rubber or foam toys, as they tend to swallow these items, causing potentially life-threatening intestinal blockages. Ferrets enjoy running through tunnels. Elaborate tunnels can be set up with PVC pipes, large mailing tubes, or ferret tubes. Paper bags, cardboard boxes and cloth baby or cat toys are generally considered safe. Hard plastic and metal toys may also be used. Inspect the toys often for signs of wear.

Food – Ferrets are true carnivores. They need animal proteins, rather than plant proteins, to survive. They require high fat and low fiber diets. Two commercial diets available are Marshall Farms and Totally Ferret. Diet for the appropriate life stage should be used – growth up to 6 months of age, adult/maintenance through four years, and senior diet after that. Feeding live or prekilled whole prey is an option as well. Unless prescribed for a medical condition, cat food is generally not recommended as a regular diet. Dry food should be left out at all times. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not needed under normal circumstances. Limited amounts of animal protein "people foods", such as cooked meat and eggs, can be offered. Fruits and vegetables should not be fed, due to high sugar and fiber content, respectively.

Water – should be available at all times. Water bottles are recommended, as ferrets tend to play in and spill water bowls, potentially leaving themselves without drinking water for long periods.

Litter box – most ferrets can be litter trained. Let the ferret decide which corner of the cage he prefers, then place a small, low-sided box in that spot. Regular clay cat litter or recycled paper litter, such as Carefresh, can be used. Avoid perfumed or clumping type litter. Ferrets poop often, and therefore, boxes need to be changed often.

Health Matters – New pets should have a veterinary exam as soon as possible, then yearly after that. A ferret is considered a "senior" at four years of age and should have semi-annual exams starting at age four.

Two vaccines are recommended for ferrets:

1. Rabies – first given at 12-16 weeks of age, then repeated annually.

2. Distemper – started at 8 weeks of age and boostered every 3 weeks for a total of three vaccines

Rabies and distemper are both fatal diseases.

Ferrets are susceptible to a number of diseases. Some of the common ones include:

Influenza – ferrets are susceptible to the human flu, showing many of the same symptoms that humans do – runny eyes and nose, sneezing & coughing. They may refuse to eat, and/or develop diarrhea. The illness can become severe and may require medical attention.

Foreign bodies – young ferrets are especially prone to eating things that aren’t digestible, such as rubber, foam and cotton. These items end up stuck in the stomach or elsewhere along the digestive tract and cause blockages that can be fatal. Hairballs, mostly seen in ferrets over the age of two, can cause the same problem. You may see vomiting, dark tarry stools or diarrhea. Some ferrets may not eat as well or just be lethargic. Surgery is often required to relieve an intestinal blockage.

GI problems include gastric or intestinal ulcers, irritable bowel disease, eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), Green Slime disease (ECE – Coronavirus), lymphoma, and many others.

Cancer - Unfortunately, ferrets seem to have more than their fair share of cancer. Lymphoma, Insulinoma, and Adrenal tumors, just to name a few. Some of these can be managed medically, whereas some are best treated with surgery. Some cancers don’t respond well to either medical or surgical treatment. These can be devastating and costly diseases.

Ferrets make excellent pets – they are playful, curious, and mischievous. They do, however, come with a long list of potential medical problems and a surprisingly short lifespan. It is highly recommended that you research carefully, including a discussion with a veterinarian experienced with ferrets, before purchase of one of these spirited creatures.

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