How to Care For a Ferret

Summary: The domesticated ferret is an elongated mammal that closely resembles the weasel. Domestication of ferrets dates all the way back to 1500 BC, though wild ferrets do still exist. Ferrets make great pets, and seem to be more people-friendly than the typical housecat. Making your home ferret-friendly is often the most challenging aspect of ferret ownership. Ferrets tend to enjoy chewing on rubber and foam items and can be harmed if these are ingested. Also, ferrets can chew holes into walls and be injured by electrical wires, or they can escape to the outdoors. Ferrets are meat eaters and live on a diet of meat, organs, and raw bones. For the domestic ferret, there are a variety of dry foods available.

Learn more about your pet ferret in these educational video clips. See examples of different cages, foods, and litter boxes recommended for domestic ferrets. Learn the basics of ferret behavior and learn how to handle a ferret. Also get important information about pet ferret health, including how to vaccinate your new pet.