by Lynda Chitwood

Created on: February 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

There's a saying that goes:

"Dogs have owners, cats have staff."

There's no cute adage about ferrets, but when considering one as a pet, plan on being placed in the latter category. And while a cat may occasionally (and sometimes grudgingly) reward your servitude with a purring lap snuggle or by rubbing against your legs, expect little, if any, such affection from a ferret. A ferret will, though, keep you and your family thoroughly in stitches, and perhaps alter your outlook on life.

At first glance, a ferret seems like the perfect pet. They live in a cage, sleep as much as 18 hours a day, but are still more engaging than, say, a hamster. They use a litter box, and are easy to feed. If you've ever had a finicky reptile, then you can understand the appeal of an animal that requires little more than food pellets and the occasional treats and vitamin drops. Besides, they are so darn cute!

In The Service of Your Pet

A ferret owner is a well-trained owner, preparing their home properly and learning all they can about how to care for their fuzzy little bundle of joy.

Ferrets' needs are relatively simple- a secure, roomy cage, a bed to sleep in, preferably a hammock, a litter pan for their toilet needs, as well as food and water. Sounds easy, right?

For the most part, yes, but the ferret's greatest need is to wreak havoc. For the few hours they are awake, they need to run and play. While this is where the most work and diligence is required on the part of the owner, it is also the true payoff of ferret ownership.

A just-released ferret runs around the room like an animal possessed, hopping around, bumping into things, and then turning in comical irritation at that into which it has just bumped, all while making an indescribable
chittering noise called "dooking."

Once the ferret has calmed a bit, it will settle into exploring. If it is in new territory, then everything must be thoroughly checked out.

If it's a familiar room, then the ferret needs to check that everything is just so. If something is new, it will be noticed, checked out, and if small enough, the attempt will be made to cart it away. For here is the true nature of the ferret; they are kleptomaniacs! A ferret will steal whatever it can get its jaws onto, and cart it away, and they tend to obsess on specific things.

Whether it's insoles of shoes or the T.V. remote, once they decide they like something, they will stop at nothing to get it, even to the point of getting themselves into danger. It is not unusual

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>