I am suddenly a new parent, to a ferret. Have questions.

May 9, 2017 12:11 PM

I found myself in possession of a stray ferret recently (obligatory and adorable pics here). After a long search for the stray ferret's parents turned up empty, I made the (obvious) decision to keep this furry little noodle. I've had ferrets previously, but it's been about 15 years, and I raised those little guys from babies. I have questions, specifically about playtime, toys, keeping her engaged, and my existing cats.

I've got the ferret basics taken care of - she's got a new Ferret Nation double cage with all the necessities, she's eating a high quality diet (mix of Blue Wilderness Cat and Wellness Core Grain Free), she's doing great with her litter box, and she has a clean bill of health from the vet. She's likely 2 - 3 years old, and showed up skinny and flea-ridden. I have no idea how she was treated prior to living with me, only that she is very friendly (no nipping) but seems confused by toys.

My struggle is making sure she's entertained and gets enough stimulation during her out-of-cage time. I currently have my spare bedroom set up as the ferret-proof room. It's a large space with a hallway, full bath, and large bedroom, and no escape routes or other hazards. I work from home, so a typical day for her includes about an hour or two of free spare bedroom time in the morning, another half our or so of time out with me around lunch, and another hour or two of free spare room time in the evening. Her cage is right next to my desk (not in the spare room), so any other time she's awake she gets lots of scritches and love throughout the day. She also gets to roam the bathroom when I take a shower.

My concern is that I can find very few things that actually seem to excite her or that she enjoys playing with. My former ferrets were very typical - they bounced around, loved toys, and stole anything they could get their teeth on. The new ferret does none of these things. I've tried all sorts of actual toys (cat toys, wands with teasers, balls, plushies, etc), and every random household item I can think of (empty water bottles, boxes, bubble wrap, paper bags, etc.). I've even left my open purse on the floor for her, anticipating that she would immediately burrow in it and run off with all the small things, but she barely took notice. The things that she seems to get mildly excited about are:
- burrowing in laundry/towels/bed linens
- plastic grocery bags
- licking water off of my feet when I exit the shower
- being "attacked" by a decorative pillow with tassels

...and that's it. I'd like to find some things 1) that she can enjoy when she's alone in the spare room, 2) some interactive toys for when we have play time together, and maybe 3) fun things for her condo. Suggestions?

Bonus question: I'd like to introduce her to my 2 resident boy cats. They've been exposed to her in her cage for a few weeks now, and I've done brief introductions where I hold the ferret up to the cats, with mixed results. Boy cat 1 is mildly curious about her, but I'm a little worried about his prey drive. Boy cat 2 is mostly still terrified of her and hisses at her a lot. Both cats are large (10+ pounds, not fat) with claws, and she is teeny (2 pounds). How do I, or should I even, do this introduction?

Thanks in advance, fellow fert-parents.

posted by tryniti to Pets & Animals (7 answers total)

I've never had a ferret, but if they are anything like rats, their personalities come in all different shapes. You may have had several playful ferrets and just gotten one who is more chill. Could also be (like my cats, rats, and doggo) that it takes several weeks (dog and one cat) to months (other cat) to acclimate to a new environment and home and/or new critters who share your space. Fert may just need more time and attention (and treat rewards for playing).
posted by radicalawyer at 12:29 PM on May 9, 2017

My guess is that she needs some time to become enough at ease in her new home to let her guard down and play. I've seen this happen with dogs and cats, too. Give her some time.
posted by Dolley at 12:41 PM on May 9, 2017 [3 favorites]

The thing my fuzzies love best is a big plastic storage box with a hole in the top filled with rice (not easy cook). It satisfies their dig instinct. Otherwise, tunnels. Lots and and lots of tunnels and you popping up either end. Will you be feeding raw meat at all? If so, if you can get hold of a rabbit she will love it. Eggs are also a special treat - give it to her whole (but this is a one in a while thing).
posted by threetwentytwo at 12:50 PM on May 9, 2017

Ferrets are very social; she might do better (and be taught how to play) if you can acquire another ferret.
posted by vegartanipla at 2:40 PM on May 9, 2017 [1 favorite]

I would not worry about the cats treating the ferret as prey. When we had ferrets, the cats that met them were almost universally scared of them, and none of our ferrets were ever scared of cats. I did know of a ferret who was scared of cats after living with one (who didn't like him and probably used her claws to show it) as a kit, but assuming your ferret hasn't had an experience like that, she's probably going to be eager to check out the cats. Ferrets are strong and brave and yours should be able to hold her own if a cat tried to get a little too predatory. But I'd be really surprised if that happened. Even the cat that hasn't shown fear so far is probably going to be cautious once he's face to face with a typical bold, confident, curious ferret who wants to get up close to him, sniff him, and maybe jump on him or chase him around a little.

I would just do the introduction by putting them all in a room together (where the cats have something they can jump up on to get out of reach of the ferret) and seeing what happens. The cats may not like it, but I think it's pretty unlikely anyone will be injured.

If the cats can stand to be in the same room with her, they may prove to be good ferret entertainment. Otherwise, I was also thinking a second ferret might not be a bad idea. Maybe you could try teaching her some tricks, too.
posted by Redstart at 2:54 PM on May 9, 2017

Agree with Dolley that your new lady might need some time to settle in. Sounds like you're providing her with an awesome habitat and enrichment toys and just need to wait and see what she's into.

I'll also second threetwentytwo's suggestion of providing her something to dig in. My ferrets LOVED digging whether packing peanuts, play sand, or rice.

re: the cats - I wouldn't worry. I had two ferrets and two cats for years and the cats were always curious, but basically scared of the ferrets. One of my ferrets would even try to "ride" the cats which was never received well :) When introducing them just make sure everyone has an open exit to escape to if things get heated.

I also highly recommend a ferret tunnel if you don't already have one.
posted by Constant Reader at 7:54 AM on May 10, 2017

Here are a few things I learned about ferrets from my friends. One *loved* bath time. To the point where an inch of water would be put in the tub just for the ferret to play in. They're good at hiding things. The underside of my friends couch was the hiding place for ferret toys and owners socks. Folk I know had cats and ferrets that eventually became good playmates. Make sure they have no grain in their food. Several types of so called ferret food has corn or other grains. Ferrets need protein only.
posted by PJMoore at 11:58 AM on May 10, 2017