Thinking about getting a ferret as a pet?  You aren't the first one!  The use of domesticated ferrets as pets goes back a long time. There are drawings of animals in Egyptian crypts which may be of ferrets. As remains of these animals have not been found by archaeologists,  no one can be absolutely sure that these were fuzzies though.   These drawings could be of a similar African mustelid, such as a mongoose. Mongooses have been used in India for many years for snake and rodent control – Rudyard Kipling wrote a wonderful story, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi about an Indian mongoose (I loved that book as a kid!).  However there are definite records by the Romans from about 4 BCE referring to the use of ferrets. Indeed, the name “ferret“ derives room a Latin word meaning “little thief” – many ferret owners will have experienced this habit for themselves, with their pets hiding small objects. The initial domestication of ferrets would have preceded this by many years. In fact, ferrets have been domesticated for so long that they can no longer survive in the wild, unlike cats. Their survival instincts have been bred out of them.  That is one of the reasons why it is so important to have a quality ferret cage.

Ferrets as Hunters

Fearless Hunters!

Ferrets were initially used for hunting or as a means of deterring rodents, although, as with all working animals with personality, there would always have been a bond of affection between animal and owner which would put them in the class of pets as well. As rodent catchers they were more effective than cats, due partly to the deterrent effect of their strong natural odor.  Cats gradually took over this role due to the fact that they didn't smell as bad as a ferret (descenting has made this less of a problem today). However, ferrets were preferred to cats for use on sailing ships, due to their ability to get into much smaller spaces.

As hunters, ferrets were unrivalled at their ability to flush rabbits from their burrows and they were widely used for this. In fact, at one time, possession of a ferret by a commoner was enough to sustain an accusation of poaching; only wealthy people who used them legitimately for hunting were allowed to own them. A sport called “ferret-legging" is thought to have arisen from the poachers’ habit of hiding their ferrets in the legs of their pants – this sport was revived and is practised in the USA, although it is not common. During the Middle Ages in Europe, ferrets were very popular for hunting, and there are many paintings attesting to their popularity as pets with their owners as well. Albino ferrets were preferred by hunters as they were easier to track.

Ferret Popularity

The big factor which reduced the popularity of ferrets as pets was their strong musky odour. Since the introduction of descenting in the same way as skunks by Dr Wendy Winstead in the USA, their popularity as pets has grown in leaps and bounds. There are many movies featuring ferrets and some actors have appeared with their pets as well.  Check out movies like Beastmaster, Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, or Lord of the Rings, for a start.  Today ferrets are most often kept as pets, although some are still used for hunting, and in the USA they are sometimes used to pull cables through narrow conduits.

Ferrets have always appealed to humans much more than creatures such as rodent,s and with advances in their domestication, the popularity of ferrets as pets is growing. A ferret makes the perfect pet for someone living in an apartment or condominium as they require relatively little space and do not disturb the neighbours with their noise.   Of course, you should be sure to check with your landlord if you rent, and you must be committed to spending some time with your ferret every day.  In general though, ferrets are really a very good choice as pets for many people today.

If you are here, it's pretty likely that you either have a ferret already, or you are thinking about getting one as a pet.  It should be pretty clear by now that I think they make great pets for the right person.  However, in the interest of both potential owners and the ferret itself, it is only fair to give equal time to something that can be a pain in the neck.  I'm talking about keeping things clean for your ferret friend.

These little guys are fun, but they can make a mess of their home.  One of the reasons that you'll want to get a metal cage is that they are less likely to become giant breeding grounds for bacteria and such than a homemade wooden cage (which a ferret could also potentially chew through).  Even with a metal cage though, there is some basic maintenance that you will need to handle.  These chores are necessary for a couple of reasons.  First off, you'll want to keep your pet healthy.  Letting him wallow in an environment filled with traces of his own poop isn't conducive to that.  Second, you probably don't want your home to smell like the bottom of a litter box.  I don't think this one needs much explanation.

Even when ferrets are litter trained, they move about their cage so much that it is almost inevitable that they will spread around some of their droppings.  They also are not always the neatest animals when it comes to dining or maintaining their toy collections.  Even one ferret, by itself, can make quite a mess of its room.  If you have more than one, well, use your imagination.  It is not a pleasant task, but you should give the cage a thorough cleaning from top to bottom every couple of weeks at a minimum.  I told you this could be a pain in the neck.

You will need to thoroughly scrub pretty much everything and wash anything that is washable.  The cage itself should also be scrubbed down with soapy water (or possibly bleach water) as well.  When you do this, make sure that everything has also been rinsed thoroughly too.  By now you should realize that part of ferret proofing is considering anything that the ferret could end up getting into its mouth.

If you have allergies or are otherwise sensitive to doing this kind of cleaning, that might be a good excuse to pass this chore off to another family member.  There are also cleaners specifically designed for cleaning ferret cages.  They are made to not only clean, but also to do away with any unpleasant odors.  I like one particular "green" cleaner that is made for this job that is also pretty cheap as pet supplies go.  You can check it out here.

Seriously, I doubt that anyone looks forward to cleaning out a ferret cage.  It is right up there with walking around and scooping dog poop out of the yard.  It is a necessary thing to do though, and, even if your ferrets can't tell you, they will certainly appreciate having a clean living environment.

Is Buying a Ferret Illegal?

Even though you will often find them listed as "exotic pets", ferrets have been around as domesticated animals for thousands of years. Today they are somewhat of a trendy pet even though there are bans against owning them or permit restrictions in some areas of the United States and in some other countries. Whether or not these bans are reasonable or not is a subject of debate, but before taking on ownership of a ferret, you should check your local laws for requirements and restrictions.

Is a Ferret the Right Pet for YOU?

Assuming that you are allowed to own ferrets where you live, you should also consider carefully whether owning a ferret is right for you. These little guys can be fun to own, but they present challenges unique to their species and they should not be expected to act like the cats or dogs you may be become accustomed to owning. This is certainly not to put people off of owning ferrets as pets, but there are already too many abandoned ferrets in ferret shelters and ferret rescue facilities as a result of people thinking that ferret adoption would be "fun" without taking into account the work that would be involved.

Why Read a Site About Ferrets?

As this site grows, it will be our goal to find and present everything ferret related that we can think of to help you to learn about ferrets as pets. We recommend that before you buy a ferret, you do some research. Reading websites like this one and others related to owning a ferret is a good start. It would also be wise to get yourself a quality ferret book that serves as a guide to ferret ownership so that you can grab it at any time and look up particular issues quickly, should any arise.

Some topics you should consider as you learn about ferret care are:

• What ferret supplies will you need to purchase?
• The cost and size of ferret cages and the best location for one in your home. (You can find cheap ferret cages if you will consider a used model, but don't buy poor quality cages).
• Ferret food - what will you feed your new pet?  Ferrets need a healthy diet to meet their nutritional needs.  Properly balanced ferret food is available online.  Depending on where you live, you might have a difficult time finding it locally.
• Ferret odor - although often exaggerated, this can be an issue for some people who are particularly sensitive to odors and who own ferrets that have not been fixed or de-scented.  Most people prefer to have their pet de-scented.  Find out if the pet has had these procedures done before buying it.
• How much ferret training are you willing to do?  How much time you put in will determine what kind of results you get.  It's common sense.
• Is there somewhere near you that you can buy a ferret?  Buy from someone reputable.  If there has been too much inbreeding, genetic problems become more likely to appear.
• Where will you get your ferret supplies and how much will they cost?  Ferrets supplies are not nearly as easy to find as those for dogs and cats.  My favorite place for price and selection is Amazon.  Everything you need will be delivered right to your door.  Here is a link to see ferret supplies on Amazon.com.  Checking now, there were almost 2,500 items listed.  Good luck finding that many ferret accessories at your local pet shop!

This is only a partial list, but it should get you thinking as you prepare for owning a pet ferret. Owning a ferret can be a great experience. They are a pleasure to own most of the time, but you should go into the experience knowing what to expect and with your eyes wide open to all of the challenges that pet ownership brings with it.

Ferret Tips and Ferret Facts

Here are some helpful tips and ideas to help you become the best ferret owner that you can be:

• Ferrets are not low maintenance pets.  It's recommended that they get several hours of playtime and exercise every day.  A good portion of that time should involve you playing with your pet.  If you want a well adjusted ferret, you'll have to put some time into it.
• Remember that there will be veterinarian care needed for your new pet.  Check to see if there is a local vet around who will treat ferrets.  If there isn't, find out where the closest one is located and decide whether you are willing to drive your pet that far when it is needed (for shots and/or regular care)
  

  This ferret cage is not very expensive and is presently eligible for free shipping from Amazon. Click on the image for the current updated details and to read reviews.

• Buy your ferret from a reputable breeder who can speak intelligently about the ferret you will be buying.
• The fact that ferrets have little natural fear can sometimes lead them into precarious situations.  Be diligent in your ferret proofing of the house.
• Talk to your vet about medications your ferret might need.  This would include heart worm preventatives.
• Get your ferret some toys to keep it entertained.  They do sleep quite a bit, but they are very active when awake.  Without some type of activity to keep it amused, a ferret may find a source of entertainment that you do not approve of.  Make sure that these toys can handle the chewing your fuzzy little friend will be giving it.  Small, chewed off pieces can be a choking hazard for your pet.
• When you take your ferret out in the car, use a carrier and strap the carrier down securely.  Don't let your ferret run loose while your driving.
• Learn to pay attention to the sounds your ferret makes.  Know what a contented sound is, as well as a sound that signals distress.
• Never leave your ferret unsupervised if it is out of its cage.  They almost certainly will end up in trouble.  Their curious nature leads them into all kinds of hazards.
• A common ferret problem is intestinal blockages caused by eating things that were not meant to be eaten.  Get down on the floor, at ferret eye level, and look around for potentially dangerous items or things that your pet might decide to eat.
• Please, do NOT cheap out on the cage for your ferret.  Ferret cages are meant to provide a safe place for your pet to spend a large portion of its life.  Give it room to move and get something that will close securely so that you don't ever have to go on ferret hunts in your own home.  Don't even think about trying to use a cardboard box.  Your ferret will make short work of getting out.
• There are already tons of homeless ferrets.  Consider getting your pet spayed or neutered.
• Because ferrets do have a tendency to explore, you might want to get a microchip implanted in it, just like they do for dogs.
• When choosing ferret bedding, remember that these guys do like to snuggle in and burrow.  They also can spend a lot of time sleeping.  Don't worry.  They are just storing up energy for their play time!  Some ferrets like hammocks, while others do not.  Some of them like tents...other don't.  You'll have to see what your pet's preferences are and go with that.
• Some people like to buy ferret clothes and dress their pets up.  Ferret hoodies seem to be pretty popular nowadays.  If you are going to do this because of the cuteness factor, only keep them dressed up while you're showing them off.  Some clothes could end up being a hazard to your pet.
• There are many ferret accessories available for purchase now that ferrets have caught on as semi-popular domestic pets.  What you buy is up to you, but you probably don't need to buy every single thing when you are just starting out.  I can't stress enough that looking into quality ferret cages should be a top priority so that you never have to deal with an escape or a lost ferret.
• Please remember that ferrets have a life span that could range anywhere from 5 to 11 years.  Don't get one unless you are willing to care for it for that long.

Ferrets can be great pets for the right person. They have playful personalities in general, and they're fun to be around and to watch. Thank you for visiting and please take a look around. This site will continue to grow, so please stop back whenever you need ferret information.  In the sidebar, you will find some suggestions for a pet ferret starter kit. You might not need everything you see there, but take a look to make sure you are all set before you bring your new friend home.  If you click on the images, they'll take you to a listing for the product on Amazon.com that will give you a full description, along with any customer reviews.  The ferret supplies shown on our site are sourced through Amazon because they are extremely reliable, they include loads of reviews, they often offer discounted shipping, and their prices are usually the best around. Thanks for reading!  CLICK HERE to check out the savings now.

Getting a pet ferret is sort of a trendy thing to do nowadays.  When you see those cute little guys wrestling with each other or snuggling on their owner, they can look so adorable that you just want to get one for yourself.  There is no doubt that ferrets can make great pets, but they require some getting used to if you have only owned more common pets like cats and dogs.  Before you decide to get yourself or your family a pet ferret, you owe it to yourself and the animal to do a little bit of research and make sure that a ferret is the right pet for you.

Some sources say that people have kept pet ferrets for thousands of years.  Domesticated pet ferrets are actually quite common, but they have gotten a bit of a bad reputation.  They are not cats and they are not dogs.  It is not fair really to compare them to either of these animals.  Although they look like rodents to some people, they are not.  They are actually carnivores and are related to animals like weasels, minks, and polecats.  Even writing this makes it sound as though they are wild animals and that just isn't true.  They have been domesticated for many years, and do well as pets for the right owner.

Pet ferrets do not really get a very big.  Females are typically smaller than males and neutered males will usually top out at 4 pounds.  There can be individual differences in the animals, and you may see them bulk up during the colder winter months and begin to thin out once spring arrives.

Some people worry because they have heard that ferrets smell bad.  The family of animals that they belong to all have scent glands in their anus.  This family of animals includes skunks, so you can see where the bad reputation comes from.  Most pet ferrets are de-scented so this really is not an issue.  But even ferrets that still have their scent glands will not smell anywhere near as bad as a skunk.

If you do decide to get a pet ferret, you will learn a couple of things quickly.  Ferrets like to sleep a lot.  Sometimes a pet ferret will sleep 18 to 20 hours each day.  When they are awake however, they can be extraordinarily playful.  A pet ferret will adjust its schedule according to that of its human owner.  You should definitely only consider getting yourself a pet ferret if you have the time and energy to put in to playing with it on a daily basis.  Of course, you may also want to consider getting your pet ferret a friend to keep him company.  Ferrets love to play with each other.  If you want your ferret to be happy, you must be sure that it will have enough exercise and attention to meet its needs.  They will not be happy living a solitary life in a cage without any attention.  They really should have at least a couple hours of play time each day.

Another consideration if you are thinking about getting a pet ferret, is the cost.  Most likely, you are not set up with fdrret pet supplies.  You'll need to get your pet some accessories to meet its basic needs.  Before you ever get your pet ferret, you should make sure that you have purchased all necessary supplies.  You cannot simply put your ferret in a box and walk away.  He will be out before you make it out of the room.  A proper ferret cage should be purchased if you intend to keep a ferret as a pet.  You also should ferret proof your home thoroughly.

If you have ever owned a small puppy, you have gotten a little taste of what an animal can get into if it is curious.  Well, ferrets are very curious.  Ferrets can get into just about anything.  Before you bring your new pet ferret home, you should make sure that he will not be able to get to things like electrical cords or heating ducts.  You may actually want to get down on the ground at ferret level and take a look at things from that point of view.  If it catches your eye, it will catch the ferret's eye too.  It is your responsibility as a ferret owner to ensure your pets safety.  Ferret proofing your house is essential.

I will be writing more about ferret ownership in upcoming posts.  If you're thinking about taking on a pet ferret, just be fair to yourself and the animal.  Realize that owning a ferret can be an adventure.  It is not the same as owning a cat, dog, bird or any other domestic animal that you may have taken as a pet previously.  I'm not saying that it is better or worse, just different.  Do your ferret research, and be sure that a ferret is the right pet for you.  I certainly do not want to discourage anyone from owning a pet ferret.  I just think people should go into it with a full understanding of the commitment they are making, so that we don't end up with even more abandoned

Personally, I've never bought ferret clothes.  I figure they come with their own fur coat.  That's just me though.  There are a lot of people who do enjoy dressing their pet ferrets up for the cuteness factor.  I was given some neat little sweatshirts one time, but the ferrets didn't take to them too well.  It was amusing to watch for a few minutes, but the shirts didn't go back on after we took some photos because I thought they might become ferret toys before too long.

If you do want to buy ferret clothes, you can't exactly to pick them up at most retail stores.  I guess dressing ferrets isn't a big enough market yet for Walmart to consider (at least not where I live).  There are specialty stores willing to fill just about any need though, and ferret clothing is right in the mix.  As I mentioned before, I recommend checking eBay for just about any ferret pet supplies you might be looking for because there is a large variety and the prices are usually pretty good.  Nothing I point you toward has been personally listed by me, so I can't really answer any questions about what is available for sale.  You can ask sellers as many questions as you like though.  My experience has been that eBay sellers are usually very good about responding quickly to questions.

Just checking now, I see that there are quite a lot of ferret clothes for sale including  t-shirts, sweatshirts, harnesses, dresses, vests, sweaters, sweater/hat combos...You get the idea.  Just about everything but shoes, and I might have just missed those since I only was looking at the top of the first page.  Cute stuff if you and your ferret are into that sort of thing.

I want to say that if you are going to buy your ferret clothing, you should consider the comfort of your pet first.  I have never asked a ferret personally about this, but I don't think most ferrets would enjoy wearing a hat for a long period of time.  My personal feeling is that these would be for photo ops and possibly for wearing to special social events and then removing.  If your ferret seems happy in his or her new duds though, go nuts I guess.  Just make sure that you aren't subjecting your ferret to something it doesn't enjoy for extended periods of time  just for the sake of cuteness.  If the ferret is unhappy, it will probably make its feelings known in short order when it starts trying to weasel its way out of the clothing. (pun intended )

If you do like to dress up your ferret, please don't be offended.  I don't dress up my dog either beyond the occasional bandana and tons of people go to the trouble of tying on little dog booties every day.  It's a personal decision for you and your ferret.  If you are looking, I highly recommend seeing what is available on eBay.  They have one of the best selections of ferret clothes that I've run across.  Another reason to check eBay is that you will sometimes find handmade items that you won't find anywhere else.  These items can be pretty interesting and they are definitely unique since they are made by hand by crafty individuals without a retail outlet.
Ferret Clothes for Sale
Below, you will find a few example of ferret clothes and ferret costumes. Click on any of them for more details. At the bottom of the description page, you will find MANY more outfits and clothes (too many to show here).

Marshall Ferret Sweatshirt, Colors Vary	Marshall Ferret Sweater, Colors May Vary
Marshall Ferret Cap, Black Beret	Marshall Ferret Bee Costume
Marshall Ferret Bow Tie Patriotic Tie	Ferret Velour Hoodie

Some people like to dress their pets up.  There are ferret clothes available for a variety of occasions.  I don't know that they actually need the clothing, but they do look cute when they've got on hoodies!  I think that most people put on the ferret clothing for times when their pet might be making public appearances or getting its picture taken.  For obvious reasons, pants aren't usually worn by ferrets.  If you don't understand why, try it once.

There are ferret shirts, sweaters, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and all sorts of outfits available depending on when you check.  Here you will find some listings of currently available ferret-wear.  If you do decide to dress your ferret up, be sure that it isn't left alone wearing anything that could harm or trap it.  Also, if your ferret seems uncomfortable in the clothing, take the picture and then take the clothes off.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Good luck finding your ferret clothes!