Are Ferrets Good Pets? What to Consider Before Getting One

Ferrets are cute and fun, but are ferrets good pets? Like any pet, ferrets are not for everyone, but they can make great pets because they're playful, affectionate, and quiet for a large part of the day. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of owning a ferret so you’ll know what you’re getting into before bringing one home. If you are considering a ferret, keep reading to learn more about these animals and what they need so you can decide if they’d be right for you.

Pro: Ferrets Are Cute

With mischievous eyes and sweet faces, ferrets are undeniably adorable. They are a small size and can provide your family with a sweet long-term pet. Most ferrets live for about six to eight years, though some pet ferrets can live up to 12 years.

Female ferrets usually grow to 13 to 14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 3/4 pound to 2 1/2 pounds. Male ferrets are often slightly larger. They typically grow to 15 to 16 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 1/2 pounds if neutered. They can grow larger (4 or more pounds) if they are not neutered.

Con: They Are High-Maintenance

Ferrets aren’t the type of pet that you can keep in a cage all day or let do their own thing. They have certain dietary requirements that have to be met to ensure their health, and they require socialization, interaction, and playtime with appropriate toys. Also, they need an enclosure that will provide them with everything to feel safe, happy, and comfortable, and their cage needs to be cleaned often.  

Pro: Ferrets Are Playful and Curious

They will entertain you endlessly with their antics and will happily play with ferret toys, tubes, and tunnels. Watching ferrets play for the sheer joy of it is guaranteed to lift your mood. Owning pets has proven health benefits for the owner because of the joy and affection they bring.

Con: They Have a Smell

Ferrets have a musky, offensive odor that comes from the anal glands. Having your pet spayed or neutered can reduce this odor but won’t eliminate it, so you’ll still need to take steps, such as keeping the cage clean and in a ventilated area, to keep the smell at a minimum.

Pro: Ferrets Are Sociable, Friendly, and Affectionate

It is often recommended (though not essential) to have more than one pet ferret. Having two or more ferrets increases the fun factor for the owner and the ferrets, as they will interact and play together, sometimes with wild abandon. Despite having other ferrets to socialize with, they will still crave attention from their owners.

Con: They Require Lots of Exercise

Ferrets require a lot of interaction along with supervised time outside of their cage so they can run around and release their energy. You need to find ways to keep these animals occupied physically and mentally, so having a variety of toys for them is important—your ferret will have fun and get the exercise they need at the same time. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Intelligent

Some owners are amazed at how adept ferrets become at solving problems. Ferrets are very determined and will work at figuring something out with surprising persistence. They enjoy challenging puzzles and games and it's recommended to provide them with puzzle-based toys or games.

Con: They Are Illegal in Some Locations

There are places where you aren’t allowed to keep ferrets as pets. States like Hawaii and California, and cities like New York City, are examples. So, before you get a ferret, check your state and local laws to be sure it’s legal to keep one as a pet.

Pro: Ferrets Are Quiet

While they can and do vocalize, for the most part, ferrets are very quiet. The most noise they will make is if they are very frightened or injured. They also sleep away a large portion of the day.

Con: They Get Hairballs

Like cats, ferrets groom themselves and can develop hairballs. In serious cases, a hairball can cause an obstruction. Other symptoms include reduced appetite and vomiting. Brushing your ferret can help, and there are hairball products for ferrets too.

Pro: Ferrets Are Small

Ferrets don't need a huge cage, though the bigger the better. Ideal ferret cages are tall with multiple levels, so they still don't take up too much room. They do need to spend time out of their cage every day for playtime and exercise.

Con: They Require Socialization

Ferrets should be socialized while they’re young so they’re comfortable around people and won’t exhibit negative behaviors like aggressive biting. Your ferret should feel totally at ease, without any fear, when around people and being handled, but socialization takes time, effort, and patience.

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Feed

This is especially true now that a variety of good-quality ferret foods have become more widely available. Pre-made ferret food is available in most pet stores or online retailers. While you can offer them a variety of foods, it's helpful to use high-quality pet food as the base to ensure proper nutrition.

Con: They Bite and Chew Items

Ferrets like to bite and chew on things, and this means everyday items could end up destroyed by your pet if you aren’t careful. Rather than letting your ferret play outside of their cage unsupervised, monitor what they’re doing and make sure they play with their own toys that are safe to chew on. Take steps to keep dangerous and important items out of reach of your ferret.

Pro: Ferrets Can Be Litter Trained

Ferrets can be trained to go in a box, though not to the same extent as cats and there are bound to be a few accidents. Most ferrets can be fairly reliably trained to use a litter box in and out of their cages. This is a big plus when you have them out for exercise for a couple of hours a day!

Con: They Don't Always Make Good Pets for Children

Ferrets might be a good pet for older children who are gentle and respectful towards these small animals. However, they aren’t the best choice for young children because kids could get bitten by ferrets, and kids who don’t know how to handle a ferret properly could end up hurting their pet. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Exercise

They can get all the exercise they need tearing around your (ferret-proofed) home! With a ferret-sized harness and a little training, you can take them out for a stroll. Few things will start a conversation with strangers faster than walking your ferret in the park!

Con: They Are Prone to Health Issues

Ferrets can develop a variety of health problems, such as parasites, adrenal gland disease, dental disease, digestive issues, cancer, heart disease, and aplastic anemia. Consult an exotic veterinarian who can help you keep your ferret healthy.     

Pro: Ferrets Have Distinct Personalities

Every ferret is unique and has their own personality. Some are independent and some are very cuddly, but each is an individual! If you are thinking about having a pet ferret, it can be helpful to meet a few pet ferrets first, as you'll see how their personalities vary and this will give you a good sense of what it means to be a ferret owner.

Con: They Can Get Out of Their Cage

Ferrets are known as escape artists. Set up a secure enclosure that will ensure your pets won’t be able to break out and get into trouble when you aren’t looking. Also, be careful when your ferrets are playing outside of their cage, as they might squeeze into small spaces and get lost.