Friendly Ferrets

Friendly Ferrets

Ferrets are the third most popular pet species in the United States (after dogs and cats).  They remain playful throughout their entire life, even when they are seniors.  The average lifespan of a ferret is 5-8 years.  So, relatively speaking, a ferret’s life is about half that of a typical cat or dog life.  To gain perspective on a ferret’s lifespan, each year a ferret ages is approximately equal to 10-13 years in a human life.  This means that ferrets become seniors when they are about 5 years old. 

Diet

Ferrets require a very high protein diet.  It is important that they are fed a high quality ferret diet.  They should never be fed dog or cat food.  A high quality kitten food can be fed for short periods of time, but ferrets will do their best when fed a food specifically designed for ferrets.  Acceptable food brands include Marshall, Totally Ferret, or Evo.

Marshall Ferret Diet

Vaccines

Ferrets should be vaccinated annually for Rabies and Canine Distemper.  Both of these diseases are fatal to a ferret if contracted.  Ferrets are, however prone to having reactions to vaccinations.  It is best to schedule your appointment on a day when you are able to wait at the vet office for at least 30 minutes after your appointment time.  This will allow your veterinarian to observe your ferret for an immediate vaccine reaction.  It is also important that you are able to observe the ferret at home for 2-3 hours after the vaccines.  This will allow you to pick up on a delayed reaction if it were to occur.

Dental care

Ferrets have teeth too!  Even though they have a relatively short lifespan, ferrets are prone to dental disease.  Regular brushing at home with a veterinary toothpaste and small, soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended.  Professional dental cleanings may also be recommended by your veterinarian, as well as possible extractions for infected or broken teeth.

Ferret with significant tartar and gingivitis. A professional dental cleaning is necessary.

Young Ferrets

Along with the never ending playfulness, come medical concerns that start early in life.  Young ferrets are extremely curious and mischievous.  If not closely supervised when not in their cage, a ferret can get into many predicaments.  Because of their sleek build, a ferret can fit into any space that he can squeeze his head into.  This includes spaces behind appliances, underneath cabinets, and inside furniture (a big problem with reclining furniture).  Take care to “ferret proof” your home before letting a ferret roam free in the house.  Young ferrets are also notorious for ingesting foreign objects, especially rubbery things.  Two out of the 5 ferrets that I had when they were young kits required surgery to remove foreign objects that they had eaten.

Keep your ferret safe in a comfortable ferret cage.

Older Ferrets

As ferrets age, which occurs quickly, they are prone to diseases that come with age, just as any other animal.  It is important to have regular vet exams and annual blood work to help screen for diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, etc.  Ferrets are also prone to 3 diseases that are more “ferret specific."

1.        Insuinoma:  This is a condition in which the insulin-producing cells located in the pancreas overgrow (typically non-cancerous tumor growth of these cells).  When these cells overgrow, they also overproduce insulin.  This, in turn, causes the ferret’s blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level (the opposite of diabetes).  This low blood sugar can lead to weakness and ultimately can lead to seizures and death. 

2.       Adrenal disease:  Ferrets are prone to tumors of the adrenal glands.  These are most commonly benign (non-cancerous), but can become cancerous in some ferrets.  These tumors secrete excessive amounts of sex hormones which lead to hair loss, vulvar swelling in females and prostate enlargement in males.  Adrenal disease is typically not life-threatening in females unless it is cancerous.  However, in males, we can see urinary obstruction due to prostate enlargement.

A ferret with hair loss due to adrenal disease.

3.       Lymphoma:  This is a cancer of the lymph tissue.  It can affect the lymph nodes and virtually any other organ system, including liver, kidney, intestinal tract, etc.  We can see lymphoma occur at virtually any age, young or old.  I lost a 6 month old ferret to lymphoma several years ago.

Take time to observe your ferret for changes in behavior, sleeping habits, or eating habits.  Here are some of the signs to watch for:

·         vomiting

                  ·         diarrhea
                  ·         hairloss (often starts at the base of the tail)
                  ·         weakness
                  ·         difficulty walking on rear legs
                  ·         excessive sleepiness
                  ·         becoming tired more easily (shorter play times)
                  ·         grinding teeth/pawing at mouth/drooling
                  ·         straining to urinate (this may be an emergency)
                  ·         decreased appetite
                  ·         increased drinking or urination

Summary

Ferrets are a joy to have as pets.  They are fun and playful and full of life.  If you are considering a ferret as a pet, please think it through carefully.  They are such a joy, but do require special housing and ferret-proofing.  They require regular wellness veterinary care and are prone to medical problems that require additional veterinary care.  Many of the diseases they get are treatable, so early detection is the key.