They're cute. They're entertaining. They're cuddly for a few seconds a day, and have a weasely smell I can only describe as a cross between musk, peaches and pancakes. They're ferrets.
I was introduced to the wonderful world of weasels in 1996, when my husband presented me with a little silver-coated female for our first wedding anniversary. Four years and six ferrets later, I'll never have a weasel-free household again.
That said, I'm about to dive into the realities of living in a home ruled by ferrets. These mischievous creatures aren't for everyone. They are unique and special animals with equally unique and special needs.
Over the last few years, I've met many ferret owners who walked into a pet store and were charmed by the antics of a kit leaping about in a cage, only to find that the ball of energy they'd acquired was a bit more than they expected. Because ferrets reside in cages, those who haven't researched them thoroughly often think they've adopted an overgrown gerbil. The reality is, a ferret requires a much different environment and care.
First and foremost, ferrets are social creatures. They sleep away many hours of the day, but when awake they want your time and attention. Nothing makes a ferret happier than a game of "chase the human." Ferrets also love the company of other ferrets, although occasional personality conflicts can occur. Friendly ferrets will while away an afternoon wrestling, then curl up in a favorite blanket and doze off in one huge ball of fur. Ferret owners must spend daily “playtime” with their pet, and may want to consider owning - or being owned by - more than one.
It is true that ferrets can be kept in cages. In fact, a large cage with plenty of blankets and a hammock or two is a safe haven for a tired weasel. But ferrets weren't meant to live their whole lives in confinement. They need daily exercise and “out of cage time,” and their curious nature demands a bit of ground for exploration. This means that owners must take great care to "ferret proof" their homes. Ferrets have an amazing ability to slink and scoot their way into impossibly small spaces. I've had car keys, sunglasses and credit cards disappear from countertops when I wasn't paying attention. Electrical appliances, houseplants, windows and doors must be watched closely, as ferrets can be both chewing hazards and escape artists.
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