“What pet should I get?” It’s not just the title of a Dr. Suess book, it’s a question often heard from a first-time visitor to the Connecticut Humane Society. You’ve already thought about the pros and cons and whether or not you’re ready to get a pet, but you still might be on the fence about what type of pet you want. Or maybe you just adopted a pet, and you want to make sure you’ve covered all your bases. Check out these tips to start.

• Average adult size: 15 inches long, head to end of tail
• Average life span: 8 years with proper care
• Healthy ferrets typically sleep up to 18 hours a day.
• Ferrets can be kept in pairs or small groups if together from an early age or introduced properly.
• All ferrets have a natural musky odor. The odor is minimized when the ferret is spayed or neutered.
• Always wash your hands after handling your pets or cleaning their dishes, cage, toys, etc.

• Fresh food and water should always be available. Most ferrets are accustomed to drinking from a water bottle.
• Specialized food formulated for ferrets should make up their entire diet. Specialized ferret treats are available but should be limited.
• Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily.
• Do not feed chocolate, caffeine or alcohol, as these can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats. Ferrets are obligate carnivores and should not be fed fruits or vegetables.

• Ferrets acclimate well to average household temperatures, not above 80°F. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Their housing should be placed in an area that is away from drafts and direct sunlight.
• Your ferret’s housing should be large, wire, and have multiple levels. Be aware that they are known for being excellent escape artists.
• 1-2” of paper bedding, such as Carefresh, is recommended. Wood shavings should not be used.
• Clean and disinfect the habitat and non-porous toys regularly; remove wet spots daily and change bedding at least once a week or more often if necessary. Ferrets can be litter box trained and a litter box should be offered.  Use compressed wood or paper pellets as litter (do not use clay cat litter).
• Ferrets are very intelligent and love to explore. Be sure to provide a variety of toys, hammocks, and hiding places to keep them busy. Ferrets also need daily supervised time outside of their cage to exercise.

• Ferrets should receive monthly baths with ferret shampoo and regular nail trims. Ferrets can also be brushed daily with a soft brush.
• Ferrets require annual rabies and distemper vaccines.

A healthy ferret should be active, alert, and sociable, eating and drinking often, with healthy fur and clear eyes. Healthy ferrets typically sleep up to 18 hours a day. A ferret that is inactive, losing weight, has diarrhea, hair loss, or distressed breathing may be sick. If you notice these signs, discharge from the eyes or nose, or other problems, please see your veterinarian right away.

Download your CHS ferret care guide here.