Ferrets as Pets

Looking for a fun pet that is a bit different from the norm? Try to consider purchasing a ferret. Yes! Domestic ferrets are designed to be pets. But before you do, however, here are some of the things you should know about ferrets and on how to properly care for them.

The Ferret Odor

Like any other animal, ferrets have a scent to them. Some people find the odor to be quite unpleasant, while others feel it is not too intense or troublesome. However, a well taken care of ferret, who has been sprayed or neutered, and who has their bedding changed frequently, should have only a very minor scent.

Even if the ferret has been well taken care of, you will still smell the odor coming from its skin glands. So, don’t ever believe that you can completely eliminate the foul odor. Similarly, frequently bathing a ferret will not remove the scent. In fact, bathing will dry the ferret’s skin making the glands produce even more oil which will result to even stronger odor.

You may even try to consider having its glands removed since you were encountering bad odors. Like skunks, ferrets have scent glands that will release a strong odor if it feels threatened. Though ferrets odor is milder than that of the skunks and it can be washed away easily, it can still be quite unpleasant to the owner. For that reason, most ferrets sold as pets in the United States have had their glands removed.


Keeping Ferrets as Pets

Regardless of popular misconception, ferrets are actually domesticated animals that have been kept as pets for hundreds of years. However, you may encounter some problems when purchasing a ferret because the laws where you live may not recognize them as domesticated pets. Therefore, you need to check first the regulations in your area in order to determine whether or not you can own one as a pet.

Before buying a ferret, you should be familiar first with their little quirks. Example, the name “ferret” was taken from a Latin word which means “thief,” and then you will discover why ferrets were given this name. Since ferrets have a tendency to take the items they find laying around the home and hiding them somewhere new, so be sure to keep valuable things out of reach!

On the other hand, ferrets are very playful kind like a permanent kitten. They will chase you around, happily engage in ferret games with you, and try to get your attention to play with them if they feel they are being ignored. Ferrets are very affectionate once they have learned to love and trust you. They can also be cuddly. Not all ferrets are cuddly, but the ones that are can just melt your heart. Ferrets are very intelligent too. They can learn from their mistakes, and rarely make the same mistake more than a few times.

The bottom line is that ferrets can make great pets. Just like any other pets, however, it is important for you to learn more about these furry little creatures as you can before having one. In that way, you can be certain that are purchasing the right type of pet for you.