by Angie Pollock

Created on: July 07, 2009

There are advantages and disadvantages of having any animal as a pet. Raising ferrets takes as much care and commitment as any other pet and possibly more. They have needs that only you as their caregiver can provide including food, water, and shelter, among many other needs. While ferrets are exceptional pets and provide indisputable companionship, there are disadvantages to owning them that many individuals do not realize until after they have brought their ferret home.

One of the most commonly known disadvantages of owning a ferret is the smell. Ferrets emit a musky odor even when they have been descented. And because ferrets cannot be bathed very often, owners must learn that this odor is part of the facts of ferret ownership. Either live with it or don't get a ferret. There have been many useful products designed to help mask ferret odors which can help alleviate this problem but be prepared for the simple fact that your ferret will never smell sweet as a rose.

A majority of ferrets are kept indoors. There are some breeders who do house ferrets outdoors but generally, these unique animals are kept as indoor pets. And with roaming indoors, ferrets need to be taught to use a litter box which takes time and patience. This task is easily learned by some ferrets while others may require weeks of training. While these bundles of energy are roaming throughout your home, they tend to be like a toddler running on an overload of sugar.

Most owners learn quickly about ferret-proofing their home but these swift critters can get into places you might not think imaginable. They are notorious at finding small holes including vents and inside the furniture. And while they are finding new places to explore, they will be happy to grab your car keys or TV remote and find those processions a new resting spot - usually one that you would never think to look. When your ferret is roaming outside their cage, they need plenty of stimulation and activities to keep them occupied.

Unlike other more common pets, finding qualified veterinarian care for a ferret can be an undertaking. Ferrets have special needs and some medicines which are safe for other pets can be harmful to ferrets. They are also known to acquire certain diseases that owners need to be watchful for including adrenal disease and insulinoma, among others. These mammals are obligate carnivores and do require a special diet to stay fit and healthy. While there are commercial foods available for ferrets, most experienced ferret owners prefer to create special meals for their pets.

Finding qualified care for when you are away or on vacation may also become troublesome for ferret owners. Many pet-sitters do not have the knowledge of ferret care and what to do in case of an emergency. There are some boarding facilities that care for exotic pets but the surroundings can be stressful for a ferret. Be prepared to find experienced ferret care or a "ferret sitter" well in advance of your departure.

There is no doubt that ferrets are fun and unique pets. However, this is not the type of pet that should be acquired by an unreliable owner. This isn't a goldfish that can be fed some flakes and be left alone for several days. These animals require constant, daily care. There are many advantages to owning a ferret but before obtaining one of these unique creatures, you should weigh the disadvantages first before making that ultimate decision of ferret ownership.

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