There are many subspecies of ferrets, but if you are considering getting a ferret as a pet, it is often the domesticated ferret that you are talking about. Ferrets, or ferrets as they are also called, are a popular pet. They are often described as a cross between a dog and a cat – as they are normally curious, people-loving and can be trained to go to the toilet. Like a puppy, ferret puppies may also need bite training. Although ferrets have been compared to dogs and cats, they are quite disobedient by nature and are not as easy to train as dogs or cuddly as many cats are. They also have their own body language and vocalizations if you are mostly used to being around dogs and cats.
The ferret belongs to the marten family, and the small predatory mammal is closely related to the mink, otter, snow mouse and weasel. Historically, we have actually had ferrets as pets for thousands of years! Ferrets were used for rabbit hunting and as rat catchers by the ancient Greeks and Romans, among other things.
Are you considering getting a ferret as a pet? Let's take a closer look at what you need to think about before getting this bundle of energy as your new family member!
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The natural behavior of the ferret
Although we have domesticated ferrets, the ferret has retained many of the typical behavioral traits of its wild relatives. In the wild, ferrets often live in burrows among scrub and heather. In winter, ferrets stay in their warm dens with the surplus food they have acquired in the last few months before winter. Just like cats, ferrets like to hunt at dusk and at night. Ferrets are not very picky about their diet – as they eat all kinds of small rodents, frogs, snails, baby birds and bird eggs. If ferrets have the opportunity, they also like to have fish on their menu. If you get a ferret, you will notice that it sleeps a lot during the day and will be more active in the evening. Here it is important to pay attention to piles of clothes on the floor, inside dryers and under sofa cushions – as ferrets like to take a nap in these places.
Since ferrets normally live in the woods and are active in the dark, you may also notice that they don't like to cross open spaces or are particularly fond of sunlight. Ferrets are not cuddly pets, but they will happily come to you for social play and fun.
Is it legal to have ferrets as pets in Norway?
Yes, it is legal to have ferrets as pets in Norway, as long as you are over 16 years old. Like other pets, you must take responsibility for ensuring that the ferret thrives and has good living conditions. If you are going to get a ferret or ferret puppy, the most common way is to buy one through a breeder. Some pet stores also sell ferrets. It is also possible to get a ferret by adopting one through rehoming. Ferrets live between 4–10 years – so if you get a slightly older ferret, they will be a little calmer than ferret puppies as puppy biters and need potty training. Keep in mind that there is always a chance that the ferret may have behavior that is difficult to change when you adopt an older ferret with ingrained habits.
What do you have to think about if you are considering having ferrets as pets in Norway?
No matter which pet you consider getting, it comes with a lot of responsibility. The same applies if you are considering having a ferret as a pet in Norway. Think about whether you have the time and resources to satisfy all the needs the ferret must have to live a good life. Ferrets are cute but demanding pets. They can learn simple tricks, but you can't expect them to be trained in the same way as dogs. Think carefully about these 5 points before you get ferrets:
Do you have time to activate and give attention to the ferret daily?
Is a ferret suitable for your everyday life? Ferrets as pets usually live between 4 and 10 years, but can live up to 15 years. During this life, the ferret should be socialized and exercised daily. With various ferret toys, balls of yarn, balls of yarn and pieces of cloth, ferrets should be in active play for at least four hours a day - so that they can exercise their motor skills and release energy. It also takes a lot of time to teach your ferret to be clean and wean them off biting. In addition, you must expect to spend time making your home ferret-proof. Clear away wires, move fine objects, seal up holes and openings you didn't realize you had in your home. Remember that your ferret also needs care when you are on vacation or on business trips. Do you have someone who can look after your ferret while you are away?
Can you ferret-proof your home?
Ferrets, like dogs, should not be kept in cages – except for short periods. Ferrets should have plenty of time outside their cage every day, regardless of whether you are considering having one or two ferrets as pets. As they are often active at night, you need to ferret-proof your home. Make sure you have the time and opportunity to secure your home from hazards such as toilet bowls, knives lying around, cupboards, washing machines and ovens that can be opened and closed. Ferrets also get up to a lot of mischief – such as eating things they shouldn’t. Small pieces of plastic and rubber toys can easily be swallowed by their sharp teeth. Digging in flower pots is also fun for ferrets – so if you have any favourite plants, you may need to give them up or place them out of reach. As ferrets do not have good depth perception or a good understanding of heights, you also need to be aware and prevent dangerous situations where the ferret could climb up and fall.
Do you have the opportunity to have more ferrets?
Ferrets get along well with other ferrets and thrive best when they have playmates of their own kind. Ferrets see small rodents such as guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters as prey – so these should not be kept together. The same applies to other small pets such as birds and reptiles. Depending on the ferret's personality, they can get along with other cats and dogs, but they should never be left alone together until you are absolutely sure that they will not harm each other. It is highly recommended to keep at least two ferrets together if you want to have ferrets as pets. Otherwise, they can become very dependent on you – which leads to problems when you are not able to be with them. Remember that you as the owner are responsible for preventing unwanted reproduction if you have several ferrets together. Indiscriminate breeding can lead to genetic defects and disorders for the ferret.
Read about guinea pig, rabbit og hamster as a pet.
Are you allergic?
Every year, ferrets are rehomed and euthanized due to allergies discovered after acquiring the pet. Take an allergy test or visit someone who has ferrets for a few days to see if you actually have a ferret yourself. Ferrets also produce an oily secretion on their skin that has a rather strong odor. The odor can be reduced by neutering, but it may be a good idea to keep this in mind if you are sensitive to odors.
Expenses when you have a ferret as a pet
Have you thought about the expenses that come with owning a pet? We don't just think about food, toys and other equipment. Just like humans, ferrets can also get sick and need professional help to get well again. Are you willing to cover the veterinary costs if your ferret gets sick or has a foreign object in its stomach? In addition to the cost of pet insurance, ferrets should also be taken to the vet annually for health checks and necessary vaccinations. Microchipping in case your ferret gets lost and neutering ferrets is also a good idea to prevent unwanted breeding or reduce odor. If you are going to take your ferret on a trip, it will also need a passport and additional vaccinations, which cost money.
What does your ferret need?
Suitable sleeping places and space to frolic
Ferrets should not be kept in cages for long periods of time. They often prefer to have something around and above them when they sleep. Ferret-proof your house and offer your ferret a variety of sleeping areas such as specially made hammocks, towels or cat caves.
Docket
Like dogs, it is a good idea to teach your ferret to be a housekeeper. The ferret's litter box should be low and must be cleaned frequently to avoid odors in the house. It is advisable to have several litter boxes in the house with cat litter or litter for ferrets.
Transport cage
A transport cage for veterinary visits or travel is a good idea. The cage should be comfortable to lie in – preferably with a hammock, travel litter and access to food and water. Provide raw and cooked meat, fish or raw egg yolks as supplementary food. Ferrets should not have dairy products, sweets, salty foods or bread.
Food and water
Ferrets are carnivores and need animal proteins and fats. Ferrets eat frequently and should always have access to food and fresh water. Ferrets eat dry and wet food that is intended for the species, but can also eat dry kitten food that contains between 32–38% animal proteins.
Imagine
Ferrets are good at grooming their fur, but during shedding periods you can help them avoid hairballs in their intestines. For example, use a cat brush. Ferrets as pets also need help with claw grooming so that their claws don't reach the floor when they stand on all fours.
Do you need equipment and accessories for ferrets? Take a look at our online pet shop!
Common health problems for ferrets as pets
A healthy ferret is active, grooms frequently and has a good appetite. The ferret's fur should be smooth and shiny, and the hindquarters should be clean with no signs of soreness. Healthy ferret eyes should be clear, clean and shiny, and the muzzle should be soft and slightly moist. The ferret's gums are healthy when the color is pale pink without inflammation.
When you know your ferret, it will be easier to notice if they are changing their behavior due to discomfort or illness. There are some diseases and conditions in ferrets that are more common than others – for example, ear mites in the ear canals, tumors in the adrenal glands and pancreas, constipation and diarrhea. If you have a female ferret, they can also suffer from prolonged heat if they are not mated.
Contact your veterinarian if you suspect something is wrong with your pet. If you live in Larvik, you can easily book an appointment in our small animal clinic here.
