How to care for a ferret

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

Proper care of your ferret

A ferret needs a cage. It should contain the items the animal needs - a food tray, a drinking bowl, toys, bedding and a litter tray. If you leave home, your ferret must be locked in a cage. This way you can ensure the safety of your belongings and the safety of your pet. It is better to place the cage so that it is out of the reach of children and large predatory animals (dogs). Use thick fabric as bedding. It must be cleaned when it gets dirty. Usually this needs to be done once every few days.

Ferrets need to be bathed regularly. Bathe your pet no more than once a month. But there is also no need to delay bathing, otherwise the animal will begin to secrete foul-smelling enzymes. You can wash your ferret with plain water. Do not put the animal into the water suddenly, so as not to frighten it. Slowly immerse your pet in warm water and place an inverted basin in the middle of the bath so that your 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 or take it out of the house until the fur is completely dry. Do not use shampoos not intended for use on animals.

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

• Period of sexual activity.
• Age.
• The anal glands are clogged.
• The animal is sick.

Small ferrets have a specific smell that disappears with age. In adult animals, the odor problem can be solved by sterilization if you do not intend to breed them. You should also monitor your pet's health; sometimes a bad smell can be a consequence of illness.

Trim your animal's nails periodically. This must be done carefully, using small nail scissors, trying not to touch the pulp where the blood is contained. Be sure to clean wax from your ferret's ears using cotton swabs. Inspect your mouth for bad teeth and plaque. If you find a strong coating and an unpleasant odor, be sure to show your pet to the veterinarian.

What do ferrets eat?

Ferrets are carnivores, so their diet should mostly consist of meat. The ideal option for these pets would be live feed– small rodents and birds. But it is hardly possible to provide such nutrition at home. No need to buy dog food for ferrets cats, they are absolutely not suitable. Ferrets have a very fast metabolism, so they need to eat up to 7 times a day, but in small portions.

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

Ferret toys

Ferrets are very active and playful animals. They can adapt anything they want to their toys - towels, socks, gloves, keys, etc. It is better to buy special toys for your ferret. You should not give them things made of rubber or latex. If a piece of this substance ends up in the 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 roll the rattling egg around the apartment with pleasure. Or you can make a hole in the end of an ordinary shoebox - the ferret will be happy to hide in it.