Ferret Factors

So, you’ve seen them in pet stores. They seem to play incessantly, unless they’re found nestled together, slumbering in their hammocks. They watch you admire their every move, and make a whole-hearted effort to return the favor, stretching up the side of their playpen to get a closer look at you. That innocent face has you convinced that you are there specifically to give a ferret it’s finest home yet.

Fortunately, you expected the agony of the furry defeat, and did your homework like a responsible pet owner. You’ve learned that ferrets are in fact domestic creatures, yet closely related to the weasel. They have actually been faithful companions to humans for thousands of years, and cannot survive in the wild for more than a few days.

Like any other fuzzy four-legged friend, they do require a little training. As babies, or “kits”, they will need to be taught how hard is too hard when play-biting. They will also need to be trained to use a litter box. This generally isn’t a problem since ferrets instinctively go potty in one place.

Ferrets have a life span of about 6 years, and spend those years confirming every nook and cranny in your house has been thoroughly inspected. They are burrowers and love a challenge, so you’ll want to ensure your house is “ferret-proofed” before bringing home your new friend. They are much like cats, in the sense that they would prefer a paper bag, old sock, or home-made tunnel as a toy, rather than one bearing a price tag. Most importantly, they will need your attention, interaction, and love, and should never be caged all day without having ample play time.

So, is a ferret for you? Please take time out to research the answer to that question, as you would for any other furry companion. Unfortunately, some will find their way to a home, which for any number of “reasons”, is no longer able to provide the care that a ferret needs. These ferrets are turned outside to live on their own, caged for the remainder of their lives, and at times, neglected and abused.

Thanks to the wonderful people who seek out and rescue these awesome little creatures, many ferrets will be adopted by a new family with all the love in the world to give. To learn more about ferrets and the safe havens, please contact the following organizations.

Washington State Ferret Rescue and Shelter
http://www.washingtonferret.org
Director: Liane Beckwith
Co-Director: Charleen Schuster
965 148th Drive SE
Bellevue, WA 98007
(206) 442-2025
(425) 644-2970
liane@ferretlovers.com
cferrettails@aol.com

Ferret City Fan Club
Director: Lance Brooks
Seattle, WA (206) 706-1516

Pacific Ferret Shelter Network
http://www.ferretnet.org/
info@ferretnet.org
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