How to care for a ferret

Recently, in addition to the usual pets of cats and dogs ferrets became popular. These animals are not demanding in care, but nevertheless it is necessary to know some of the features of their content. Otherwise, finding a ferret in an apartment will create a lot of inconvenience for you and your pet.

Taking proper care of your ferret

A ferret needs a cage. It should contain the items the animal needs - a food tray, a drinker, toys, bedding and a toilet tray. If you leave the house, the ferret must be closed in a cage. This way you can keep your belongings and your pet safe. It is better to place the cage so that it is out of reach of children and large predatory animals (dogs). Use a thick cloth as a bedding. It is necessary to clean it as it gets dirty. This usually needs to be done every few days.

Ferrets need to be bathed regularly. Bathe your pet no more than once a month. But you do not need to delay bathing either, otherwise the animal will begin to secrete foul-smelling enzymes. You can wash your ferret with plain water. Do not drop the animal into the water abruptly, so as not to frighten. Slowly immerse the pet in warm water, place an inverted basin in the middle of the bath so that the ferret can climb on it and rest.

After bathing the animal, wrap it in a warm towel and lightly rub its back and sides. Do not leave it in a draft and do not take it out of the house until the coat is completely dry. Do not use shampoos that are not intended for washing animals.

Ferrets, unfortunately, have a tendency to emit an unpleasant odor even with regular bathing. The reasons for this are different:

• The period of sexual activity.
• Age.
• Proanal glands are clogged.
• The animal is sick.

Little ferrets have a specific odor that disappears with age. In adult animals, sterilization can solve the odor problem if you do not intend to breed them. You should also monitor the health of the pet, sometimes a bad smell can be a consequence of the disease.

Cut the claws of the animal periodically. This should be done carefully, with small nail scissors, trying not to touch the pulp, which contains blood. Be sure to clean the wax from the ears of your ferret with cotton swabs. Examine your mouth for bad teeth and plaque. If you find a strong plaque and an unpleasant smell, be sure to show your pet to the veterinarian.

What ferrets eat

Ferrets are carnivores, so their diet should be mostly meat. The ideal option for these pets will be live feed- small rodents and birds. But it is hardly possible to provide such food in a home environment. Ferrets do not need to buy dog ​​food and cats, they are categorically not suitable. Ferrets have a very fast metabolism, so they should eat up to 7 times a day, but in small portions.

It is best to buy specialized ferret food. It contains the maximum amount of protein and very little fiber. If it is not possible to buy such food, then buy food of a super premium class or higher, suitable kittens and pregnant cats. It is better to choose a dry version of the food. If it is not possible to buy such an expensive food, then it is better to refuse to keep the ferret and not torment the animal.

Ferret toys

Ferrets are very agile and playful animals. They can adapt whatever they like to their toys - towels, socks, gloves, keys, and more. Better to buy special toys for the ferret. Don't give them rubber or latex items. If a piece of this substance ends up in a ferret's stomach, the animal may be poisoned. Also, do not give them toys with small parts that the ferret can easily swallow.

If you don't want to spend money on special toys, you can make them yourself. For example, fill a Kinder Surprise egg with rattling objects. The ferret will be happy to roll the rattling egg around the apartment. Or you can make a hole in the end of a regular shoe box - the ferret will gladly hide in it.