Ferrets can be the perfect pet for the right person. If you're looking for an intelligent, playful, and low-maintenance animal, a ferret might be perfect for you. Be sure to do your research before you decide to adopt a ferret.
The Pros of Ferrets
Ferrets are fun-loving animals. Their habits are active and fun-loving, and they can bound around on four legs for long periods of time. They are curious about their surroundings and eager to explore new areas.
Ferrets are low maintenance animals making them an appealing pet for many people. They do not require a large space to live in and their diet is relatively simple. They are playful, interactive, and curious creatures and make great companions for children as well as adults.
Because of their natural habits and needs, ferrets make great pets for people who live in apartments or homes without a lot of yard space to go outside. These playful animals don't need a lot of exercise, but enjoy playing with toys or interacting with owners regularly and at random. They are nocturnal, so they prefer to sleep while their owners are at home and will wake when their owners are awake. They do like to be picked up and cuddled as they enjoy the human interaction.
The Cons of Ferrets
Ferrets are mischievous, playful, social creatures that enjoy being active. They’re natural hunters and enjoy roaming around and exploring their environment. They’re similar in size to a cat, but their temperament is very different. Due to their energetic nature they’re not the right choice for owners who want a pet they can leave alone for long periods of time.
They’re escape artists. Ferrets are notorious for being escape artists. They can slip through even the tiniest of spaces to get out of their cage. This is a problem when they’re left home alone. One escaped ferret can quickly become a dozens, causing havoc in peoples homes and spreading disease.
Conclusion
One of the most important things for potential ferret owners to consider is whether or not their lifestyle and location are appropriate for a ferret. While they do not have a lot of specific needs, they do require at least 2 1/2 cups of quality ferret food each week, along with an appropriate balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. In addition, they need a balanced mix of dry food (usually about two-thirds of the diet) and water (one-third of the diet). These requirements mean that ferrets do best in homes where their owners consistently provide quality food and water in appropriate bowls, along with plenty of playtime and cuddle time.