Ferrets and Kids

Kids - Ferrets are demanding pets, they squirm, play hard and can bite hard. If you believe that your children are old enough to cope with this and behave correctly and help train a ferret then they can be an ideal family pet. If you have young children who do not know the responsibility of training a ferret then kids and ferrets will not mix without one party getting injured maybe badly.

Ferrets and Other Pets

Pets - Most other households have other pets in the home before inviting a ferret to live with them so introduction to present cats and dogs should be done carefully. Supervision of all encounters and slow introduction is essential. Small animal encounters might bring out the hunting instinct in your ferret so hamsters, rabbits etc should be kept away.

Cats - Allow the cat to explore around the ferret cage and let them sniff each other. Pick the ferret up and hold him while the two explore each other. If all goes well and both are calm then put the ferret down, if things don't go well try again at a later date. This process can be repeated several times over several days.

Dogs - If you feel your dog is suitable to meet a ferret then introductions can be tried. Not all types / sizes of dogs are safe around ferrets and will kill your fuzzy friends.

Allow the dog to explore around the ferrets cage and let them sniff each other, do this under your supervision and for several days. Pick the ferret up and hold him securely so they can sniff each other. Harness up your ferret for quick access to him, if all is going well put him on the floor with your dog. Always supervise interactions and if things don't go well, the two will have to be kept separate.

Ferrets and Other Ferrets

Ferrets - not all ferrets like other ferts company so some will stay solitary. Most ferrets will mix and enjoy other ferts company, introductions should be done slowly. Before meeting bedding can be swapped so they can get each others scent, hutches can be places side by side so each ferret can see each other. Both ferts can be shampooed to take away their own smells and meeting should take place on neutral territory. Also the age and sex of your ferret should be taken into consideration when getting a new friend. If yours is a fully grown entire male he may take offence at a new male kit and end up hurting the baby one, so perhaps an older female ferret who can defend herself would be more appropriate.