Ferrets are quickly approaching #3 status as this country’s most popular pet. However, many myths about their care and health still abound! Here, I will attempt to debunk some of the more common myths.
1)     “Ferrets can not be litter box trained.” This is simply not true. Although it takes more patience, and more litter boxes, than it does to train a cat, litter box training a ferret is very possible. First off, ferrets do not naturally want to bury their waste, unlike cats. So ferrets won’t be drawn to litter boxes. Instead, ferrets want to urinate and defecate in corners. The best way to litter box train a ferret is to start small, one room at a time. The ferret will pick a corner she likes, so simply place the litter box there. Ferrets usually need a litter box in every room that they will have access too. So, lots of positive re-enforcement and lots of litter later, and you have a trained ferret!
2)     “Ferrets need fruit in their diet, such as raisins.” This is an unfortunate myth, because feeding fruit to ferrets can cause serious health problems! Ferrets are obligate carnivores, even more dependent on protein than your family cat. In fact, the best diet for a ferret would be mice! Since this is not feasible in most cases, I recommend a high quality ferret food or a high protein cat food, such as kitten food or Hill’s M/D. Fruit and other high carbohydrate foods predispose ferrets to insulin secreting tumors, which can shorten their life span drastically.
3)     “Ferrets have to stay in cages.” For some ferrets, this truth has merit. A large, comfortable cage is a must for any ferret. But, in a well ferret-proofed home, a ferret can be safe outside of her cage too. The best way to ferret proof is to crawl around at ferret level. Are there holes to be crawled into? Cords to be bitten? Small objects to swallow? Ferret proofing is by no means easy, but it’s worth it if you want to have a ferret as a quality family pet.
4)     “Ferrets bite.” This is as true as saying “dogs bite” or “cats bite”. In other words, it is true. But it doesn’t mean all ferrets bite. Socialization and positive reinforcement are as important for ferrets as they are for puppies and kittens. A well-socialized ferret will not be prone to biting at all!
5)     “Ferrets don’t need to go to the vet.” Like dogs and cats, ferrets need to go to the vet every year. They benefit from regular heath exams and routine blood work just like our other companions. Many common diseases and ailments can be treated earlier if caught earlier! Furthermore, ferrets need distemper and rabies vaccines just like dogs and cats.
Thinking about getting a ferret? Let us know! We can help you pick out the right food, the right supplies, and give advice on those important first months.  If done right, ferrets can be a lot of fun!
