Ferrets

Ferrets, also affectionately known as slinky cat snakes or floofer noodles to their owners, can be very curious and entertaining creatures. But beware, ferrets have a very distinct musk odor which will take some getting used to if you are thinking of getting one as a pet. They are also very curious creatures who love to steal and “ferret away” or hide shiny objects.

At Chatham Animal Clinic we offer routine wellness veterinary care of ferrets and more specialized care such as sick appointments, general work ups, and blood glucose monitoring.

  • Life span: 6-10 years
  • Adult Weight: 2-5 pounds
  • Sexual Maturity: Usually neutered/spayed and de-scented at 5-6 weeks old at the breeding facility in order to reduce the musk odor and decrease aggressive tendencies

  • Friendly, playful, curious, love to explore holes and get into tight places
  • Enjoy stealing and hiding items
  • Will require constant supervision when outside of their “ferret-proofed” living area

  • They are strict carnivores thus it is best to feed a commercially prepared nutritionally balanced diet specific for ferrets
  • Avoid dairy products, sugar, and carbs

  • Make sure it is a cage designed specifically for ferrets because they are escape artists; usually a single or multi-level open wire cage with a solid floor
  • Have a litter box with recycled newspaper shavings or aspen shavings: (you will want to avoid cedar or pine shavings because they can cause respiratory irritation)
  • Use hammocks, blankets or towels for bedding but be careful with unraveled items because ferrets will chew on the fraying portions
  • Avoid toys made of foam rubber or plastic that could possibly become a chewing hazard

  • Proper handling consists of being careful to avoid being bitten.
  • If raised properly they will not resist handling and love the attention but can get very wiggly so be careful not to drop them

  • Have a complete veterinary exam every 6-12 months
  • Recommended annual Rabies and distemper vaccines
  • Parasite control is recommended (for prevention and treatment of fleas)
  • Can get the flu from us

Ferrets

Ferrets, also affectionately known as slinky cat snakes or floofer noodles to their owners, can be very curious and entertaining creatures. But beware, ferrets have a very distinct musk odor which will take some getting used to if you are thinking of getting one as a pet. They are also very curious creatures who love to steal and “ferret away” or hide shiny objects.

At Chatham Animal Clinic we offer routine wellness veterinary care of ferrets and more specialized care such as sick appointments, general work ups, and blood glucose monitoring.

  • Life span: 6-10 years
  • Adult Weight: 2-5 pounds
  • Sexual Maturity: Usually neutered/spayed and de-scented at 5-6 weeks old at the breeding facility in order to reduce the musk odor and decrease aggressive tendencies

  • Friendly, playful, curious, love to explore holes and get into tight places
  • Enjoy stealing and hiding items
  • Will require constant supervision when outside of their “ferret-proofed” living area

  • They are strict carnivores thus it is best to feed a commercially prepared nutritionally balanced diet specific for ferrets
  • Avoid dairy products, sugar, and carbs

  • Make sure it is a cage designed specifically for ferrets because they are escape artists; usually a single or multi-level open wire cage with a solid floor
  • Have a litter box with recycled newspaper shavings or aspen shavings: (you will want to avoid cedar or pine shavings because they can cause respiratory irritation)
  • Use hammocks, blankets or towels for bedding but be careful with unraveled items because ferrets will chew on the fraying portions
  • Avoid toys made of foam rubber or plastic that could possibly become a chewing hazard

  • Proper handling consists of being careful to avoid being bitten.
  • If raised properly they will not resist handling and love the attention but can get very wiggly so be careful not to drop them

  • Have a complete veterinary exam every 6-12 months
  • Recommended annual Rabies and distemper vaccines
  • Parasite control is recommended (for prevention and treatment of fleas)
  • Can get the flu from us