Apartment Pet Parenting: Owning a Ferret

A pet ferret is definitely one of a few unique and unconventional apartment pets. It’s an exotic animal to own and some say they’re better pets than both cats and dogs. They live 6-8 years and are very loyal, affectionate, playful, and friendly. In addition to checking the pet policy for your Columbus apartment lease, verify that they are permitted as pets in your city because Ferrets are actually banned in some areas of the country.

Photo by: John Rohan

Reasons Why People Love Ferrets

These animals are active, energetic and investigative when they’re awake but, surprisingly enough they sleep for most of the day. With the exception of a few hours in the early morning and early evening, ferrets can be asleep for up to 18 hours per day. Even better for apartment pet owners, these animals are quiet, trainable, and use a litter box to eliminate.

What’s that smell?

Ferrets have a distinctive, and often offensive hormonal odor. It also has anal glands resembling that of a skunk, that can release when frightened, fighting or mating. Many times breeders will take care of both of these issues, but if not, your veterinarian, that specializes in ferret care, will be able to descent and alter your pet.

Costs and Expenses

Food – The ferret diet is usually kitten food or dry ferret specialty food. Fruit and sweet veggies make ideal treats but products to avoid include all dairy, grains nuts and breads.

Cage – Ferrets are at their best when allowed to run free, only caged when necessary and for limited amounts of time. Confinements should be large enough for sleeping, eating, playing, and litter.

Accessories – You’ll also need weighted food and water dishes, baby shampoo, collar with a bell, harness and leash, bedding and a litter pan.

Photo by: Lindley Ashline

Toys – Tubes and tunnels, plush ferret-sized balls, empty paper bags and boxes with holes.

Vet visits – Ferret’s need a responsible vet with specific experience in caring for ferrets. Vaccines can run around $20 each and lifetime pet costs are fairly low for a healthy pet and increase with sickness and injury.

Ferret Adoption

Ferret Rescue and Halfway House, Inc is located about 25 miles south and slightly west of Indianapolis and they’re always looking for responsible, loving pet parents for rescued ferrets. So if you’re interested in adopting one today, give them a call. And if you currently own a ferret and need some information or resources, they’d be happy to help.

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