There are numerous things to consider before becomming owned by a ferret. I have decided to dedicate this page to all the ferrets, that have been bought, and then displaced.

1 - Ferrets do have an odor. They have scent glands in their cheeks, and just because they are descented doesn't mean they won't have a musky smell to their coats. This can be controled, by bathing and keeping bedding, cages and litter cleaned.   Litter should be changed or cleaned out daily, not once a week. Also weekly ear cleaning with a good ferret ear cleaner, or sweet oil will help keep the odor down. They do need to have the wax removed from their ears, just as a dog or cat does.

2 - Ferrets will use a litter box. Don't expect, 100 percent always. There will be misses. Note the places the ferret will go the most. Place your litter boxes there. Reward for hitting the box is a good idea. Don't be surprised to find a pile behind the TV or where you would least expect it! I have some that never miss the box and others that are happy to leave it anywhere they feel I might step in it.

3 - Ferrets need 4- 6 hours a day of out time. They need human interaction. They can not be kept in a cage at all times and then be expected to be calm pets. They need to run and play. Exploring anything and everything is a ferrets nature.

4 - Small children have been biten by ferrets. One of the biggest reasons are young childrens movements are very fast. A ferret will go after the quick movement thinking of it as play. Young children tend to have very high voices. When excited they will scream and yell. The high pitch of the voice can excite or scare the ferret.  100 % supervision is a must with young children.

5 - The teenager really wants a ferret. Mom, Dad, are you ready to assume the care and maintainance of the ferret once that teen has left home and not taken along the ferret?

6 - The older ferret is HIGH maintanance. The cost of vet bills, for the older ferret can become very costly. Ferrets are prone to cancers. Learn all you can about the illnesses they can aquire. A lot of the older ailing ferrets require, special meds and feeding. Are you prepared to follow through?

7 - Your home will need to be ferret proofed. This includes, find all the areas they can escape to the out doors. If their heads fit, the rest of the body will follow. Ferrets are domesticated animals, and are not bred to survive the outdoors. House plants that can be reached by the ferret will be dug up. Couches and chairs can be destroyed by the ferret digging. Ferrets will stash anything they can get hold of. Washers and dryers, and dish washers can be death traps. People have suffocated their ferrets by sitting on a couch, The ferret has gotten under the cushions. The ferrets can burrow under a rug or blanket and easily be stepped on.

8 - Larger animals, such as dogs, can seriously injure or kill the ferret, even in innocent play. Ferrets love to try to drag cats around by the ear. If intoduced young enough, ferrets and cats can become wonderful friends.

9 - You might be just newly married, you want a new pet to extend your family. Good, thats fine, What about the time you decide you want to have children. Will your ferret still be considered part of the family? Will you have the time to care for him or her, during the pregnancy?

10 - You are going to school, or thinking of going to school. Will your schedule allow you the time you need to spend with your ferret.

11 - You have just become engaged. Once you are married will the ferret be accepted by your new spouse ?????  Are you planning on having  children?

12 - Have you taken the time to learn about the animal you are thinking of gettting as a pet?  There is a lot of information on the web, and also many books on ferrets and their care. "Ferret's For Dummies" is a good book to start with. Join some good on line ferret groups. People are willing to share what they have learned with you.

13 - Never buy any animal for someone else as a surprise. Be sure the person you are getting the animal for, wants that animal. If you want to get your friend a pet, take them along and let them pick out the pet that most suits them. Be sure they are educated on that animal.

14 - Some people are allergic to ferrets.

15 - Young ferrets use their teeth for play, just as a dog or cat. Proper training will help teach them, hands mean treats or love. Some ferrets will go for a nose or a lip also. Never hold a strange ferret to your face, or that of a child. Some ferrets never get over the bitting. Sometimes it will bite because, your ferret is deaf. A sudden touch from behind might startle the ferret, and the normal reaction could be a bite.

16 - Consider the choice of a kit or an older adoptable ferret. Kits are cute and their antics fun to watch. A very young kit will play and play then all at once it is sound asleep in your arms. That doesn't last a long time. As they get a bit older they will be non stop. The kit in your arms will be a thing of the past. There are many older ferrets with just as much energy that need homes in shelters. If you are willing there are many older ferrets needing special care for adoption also. You could also consider fostering.

 The most important things in deciding on a ferret, is the money involved with health care, a vet that is educated in ferrets, and that you have time for that ferret, and knowing all you can about them. Like with any animal it is a life time of devotion to that animal. Be sure you can go through the bad times with that animal as well as the good times.

 You should also find out the laws of ferret ownership in your state.

Any one can buy a ferret, not everyone should be owned by one.