Ferrets
Ferrets can make wonderful pets, although they can also be challenging. Ferret owners need to be knowledgeable about their care and committed to their welfare. These amazing animals need plenty of space, exercise and companionship, as well as a high-quality diet to keep them happy and healthy.
Caring for ferrets, naturally
Unlike other pets, ferrets are not wild animals that have become tamed and there are no wild ferrets. Ferrets are believed to have descended from polecats.
- Enjoy the presence of other ferrets but often like their own ‘home’ area
- Alert, playful and engaging, very curious
- Natural predators
- Scent is used for communication
It all adds up to some core essentials that will help keep your ferret happy and healthy…
- Carnivorous diet
- Space to run and explore
- Good company
Our ferret food, bedding and treats
Our experts have been making healthy foods for ferrets for many years. If you are wondering what to feed or care for your ferret – look no further. We have a complete range to meet all their needs.
Ferret Bedding
How can you keep your ferret clean and comfortable? Make the right choice so cleaning out their housing is quick and simple.
Ferret Treats
Naturally high protein, low sugar treats – we have a wide range of healthy snacks for ferrets to help you build a bond.
Why our ferret foods are second to none
We ask a lot of our ferret diets. They need to be healthy and taste delicious. As they are natural meat-eaters ferrets need to be fed a high protein diet and important nutrients like taurine.
- High protein
- No added sugar – tasty because of the flavour of high-quality natural ingredients
- Nutritionally balanced with all the vitamins and minerals they need
Ferret care and advice section
How can you keep ferrets clean and happy? Should you bathe a ferret? Is it necessary to groom a ferret’s coat? There’s a lot to learn about ferrets and how to keep them healthy. Learn more about basic day to day ferret hygiene here.
Frequently asked questions about Ferrets
Frequently asked questions about Ferrets
Can ferrets eat cat food?
It is always best to feed a high-quality, balanced ferret kibble as this will be designed with their species-specific nutritional needs in mind. Although cats and ferrets are both obligate carnivores (high levels of meat protein are essential), there are some differences in their dietary requirements too. Ferrets have a very short digestive tract and need diets that are very high protein and low fibre. Many cat foods can have the incorrect balance between protein and fibre, which could lead to health problems longer-term.
Do ferrets smell?
Ferrets produce a musky smell from the scent glands in their skin. This is one of the ways that they communicate with each other and can be minimised with proper hygiene and grooming. Ferrets don’t like living in a smelly house either! You can train ferrets to use a litter tray, which should be cleaned out daily. The rest of their cage should be cleaned out on a weekly basis, at a minimum. You can use a pet-safe cleaning and deodorising spray, such as our Keep it Clean in lemon or lavender from our Tiny Friends Farm range, but this does not replace regular cleaning. Some owners bathe their ferrets, but this should not be done too regularly as it can upset their natural oil production and lead to skin complaints. Only use specially designed ferret shampoos recommended by your local pet retailer.
Should ferrets be kept in pairs?
Most ferrets will be happier kept in pairs or small groups, and ferrets who were littermates or have grown up together can form very strong bonds. Some individuals prefer to be housed alone, especially if they have grown up without other ferrets for company. However, they will need a lot of interaction with their owner as they can become stressed from lack of socialising.
Need to know more?
For more detailed information about Ferrets, you can contact us and we will get back to you with our experts’ advice. However, if you have any concerns about the health and well-being of your ferret, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.