Edited by N. Wyre, 2018

GENERAL INFORMATION

The wild ferret is a strict carnivore eating rodents and rabbits. They have a short intestinal tract and teeth that are designed to eat meat and bones.

Ferrets are very social animals and generally do well as a couple or larger group. In the wild, ferrets dive into small prairie dog and rabbit burrows - therefore in captivity they are good at finding small holes to bury themselves in and are notorious for being able to escape from their cages.

DIET

In captivity, ferrets still need to be fed a strictly carnivorous diet in the form of a high-quality tinned food, dried meat and fresh meat/organs. It is very important that ferrets get a high amount of animal fat and protein (chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, etc) with NO carbohydrates, fruits or vegetables. It is especially important that the food does NOT contain green peas because this can cause crystals in their urine. Brands of food can change their ingredients – make sure to check the label every time you purchase a new bag. Thrive and Ziwi Peak cat food is a good choice in Hong Kong. Ferrets should have food available at all times.

WATER

Ferrets should always have access to fresh water from a water bottle or a large bowl. In general, they prefer running water. You can use a water fountain made for cats but make sure the cord is hidden so they cannot chew on it.

CAGE

Ferrets are very sneaky animals and they can fit through even the smallest holes. Therefore, it is important to keep your ferret in a cage when you are not home. The cage should be a few levels so that the ferret can climb. The floor of the cage and of the levels should be flat plastic NOT metal or mesh. Ferrets can get their feet and legs caught in metal and/or mesh. Additionally, the urine of ferrets is acidic and will cause the metal cage to rust and disintegrate. In the cage, ferrets should have at least one or two cloth hammocks to sleep in. Ferrets generally urinate and defecate in corners. Therefore, you can place a short-sided litter pan in the corner of the cage that the ferret prefers to use as the toilet. Shredded paper towels or newspaper can be placed into the litter box as a substrate. Additionally, recycled newspaper products can also be used.

ENVIRONMENT

Ferrets in captivity love to chew and swallow anything that is rubber or foam (shoes, erasers, ear plugs, rubber bands, foam balls, electrical tape, etc.). Therefore, it is very important that ferrets are only allowed to play in areas that are free of all rubber and foam material. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are common in ferrets and are easily preventable by ensuring that their play area is safe for them. Ferrets love to nibble on shoes, socks and bare toes, so it is easy to accidently step on your ferret. Therefore, always take care when walking in a room with your ferret. Ferrets are good at getting under couches and reclining chairs and can get accidentally crushed. Therefore, it is best to allow you ferret to play in an area that doesn't have any furniture that your ferret can get under.

VIRAL INFECTIONS

Ferrets are susceptible to rabies, canine distemper and influenza virus. Currently, there is no safe vaccine for ferrets against distemper. This is a virus that can be transmitted from dogs, therefore we do NOT recommend that ferrets have contact with dogs. Influenza is contagious from humans to ferrets. Please do not allow your ferret to contact any human with a fever, cough or other signs of the flu. If you travel to another country with your ferret, they may require a rabies vaccine.

HEARTWORM PREVENTION

Just like cats and dogs, ferrets can get infected with heartworm. This is a disease that is spread by mosquitoes; therefore, even ferrets that live only indoors can get this infection. All ferrets should be on heart worm prevention. Revolution® can be put on the back of their necks once monthly to prevent not only heartworm, but also fleas, ear mites and some intestinal parasites.

HEALTH

• Infectious ferret diarrhea: Ferrets can contract a form of diarrhea from other ferrets. Therefore, it is very important to isolate all new ferrets in the house for at least 4-6 weeks before introduction to your other ferrets. This type of diarrhea is highly contagious and can even be given to your ferret if you play with other ferrets and then play with your own. Therefore, it is very important to change your clothes and wash your hands very well after playing with other ferrets or visiting them at pet shops, ferret shows, etc. Signs of this infectious diarrhea include: diarrhea (can be greenish in color or even bloody or black if severe), lethargy, loss of appetite and dehydration. Please contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.
• Gastrointestinal foreign bodies: As discussed above, these are very common in ferrets. Signs of a foreign body include: diarrhea, loss of appetite, belly pain, grinding teeth and occasionally vomiting. Unlike in other species, vomiting rarely happens when ferrets have foreign bodies.
• Insulinoma: This disease is caused by having too much of a hormone (insulin) from the pancreas. This is the opposite of diabetes. When this hormone gets too high, it causes the blood sugar level to get too low. When this happens, the ferret can act very sleepy, may fall over, may drool a lot and may paw at his/her face. In severe cases, ferrets may have seizures. If you notice any of these signs, you can feed your ferret (if it is not having a seizure) or put honey on the ferret's gums - taking care not place your fingers into the ferret's mouth. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs.
• Adrenal gland disease: This disease is caused by too many hormones (sex androgens) from the adrenal glands. When these hormones get too high they can cause the ferret to be itchy, loose their fur, have a swollen vulva (in females) and have a swollen prostate (in males). When ferrets have a swollen prostate, they can have trouble passing urine - this is an emergency and ferrets can die from this. If you notice your ferret having trouble passing urine, passing bloody urine, dribbling urine or straining to pass feces please contact your veterinarian immediately. If you notice that your ferret is losing its hair, is itching or has a swollen vulva, you should also contact your veterinarian although it is not an emergency.

Terms of Use:

This informational pamphlet is provided as a courtesy to our clients and is intended for educational purposes only. The information contained herein reflects general guidelines and should not be construed as definitive veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified veterinarian. The specific needs of individual pets may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives care tailored to its unique requirements.

While we endeavour to provide accurate and up-to-date information, veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and some information may become outdated or be superseded by new research findings. The clinic assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or variances in treatment outcomes based on the information provided in this pamphlet.

Furthermore, the references to products, medications, or treatments within this pamphlet do not imply endorsement by the clinic. Pet owners should verify the appropriateness of any product or treatment with their veterinarian.

In case of any signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioural changes in your pet, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to the effective management of veterinary health issues.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic directly. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your pet.

This pamphlet is the property of Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital (“ZPEH”) and is not intended for commercial use or distribution without express permission from ZPEH