Ferret-Proofing Your Home

When my little sister was learning to crawl, my parents put a baby gate in front of the stairs so that she wouldn’t try playing mountain-climber. Mom called this “baby-proofing.”

Little did I know just how much work went into “proofing” a house against the inquisitive natures of little mischief-mongers who aren’t quite able to avoid doing harm to themselves or property. That is, until I opened my heart and my home to ferrets.

Ferrets are among the most inquisitive and playful of household pets. Their antics are a joy to watch. My television viewing has gone into a serious decline since adding ferrets to my home. But ferrets aren’t exactly cautious creatures, and it is up to their human housemates to ensure their safety.

No House Is Ever Truly Ferret-Proof
If you remember this cardinal rule, the rest will fall into place. Just when you think you’ve made your home completely safe for and from your ferret, he’ll get into an unexpected adventure. For this reason, your ferret’s playtime should be monitored.

Electrical Appliances
Throughout history, the word “weasel” has conjured up images of a thief in the night. Ferrets don’t necessarily deserve such a bad rap. But for some reason, electrical cords seem to bring out the sneakier side of their natures, and many ferrets will chomp away at a plugged-in appliance. To avoid injury to your ferret and your appliances, keep plugged-in objects to a minimum in your ferret’s play area.

I once found my ferret Joey trying to make a snack out of the cord for my alarm clock, but couldn’t convince my husband that this was Joey’s way of saying he wanted me to quit work.

Great Escapes
No matter how much your ferret loves you, the temptation to explore off-limits rooms or venture into the great outdoors is overwhelming. I’ve heard from many ferret owners who lost a beloved pet to a door left open or a cracked window. Ferrets have also been known to claw their way through screen doors.

These little creatures are not well-suited to outdoor survival, and even a few hours in extreme heat or cold can be deadly. Take precautions to ensure that all doors and windows are firmly closed when your ferret is out.

Hey Mom, Look At Me!
Ferrets take great pride in their ability to climb. Never assume that your countertops, curtains or computer desk are safe. On many occasions, I’ve been pecking away at the keyboard, and found myself suddenly playing a duet with a ferret who has decided to dance across the keys. If you’re a writer, this makes for some interesting additions to your articles or short stories!

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