Before You Get a Ferret as a Pet

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     Ferrets are excellent pets to have, and quite popular. In fact, in the United States, ferrets are the third most commonly preferred house pet, after dogs and cats. Ferrets are even suitable for people who cannot have a dog or cat because of allergies to pet dander since ferrets don't produce any dander. Ferrets are essentially the hypo-allergenic pet.

But before you rush out and adopt a ferret, there are many things that you must consider. First, if you have young children in the home, a ferret probably is not the pet to get. It isn't that a ferret would be a danger to the child - the problem is that the young child might be a danger to the ferret.

Ferrets are not cheap pets to own. Like other animals, they require food, water, and toys, but a ferret will also require a large cage, because you will want to cage it for its own safety when you are not home, and possibly even while you are sleeping. Because ferrets have so much energy, a small cage won't do. You need a multi-level cage, which costs anywhere from $150 to $200 or more.

Ferrets require the services of a veterinarian. They will need a general check-up twice a year, as well as vaccinations once each year. Ferrets are also prone to certain illnesses - and injuries - and may also require emergency services. The vet bills can really start piling up, and you need to be aware of this, and prepared for it, before you get a pet ferret.

Ferrets require lots of time and attention. They are not suitable for people who are rarely home, or people who don't have the time to play with them. They are extremely energetic creatures, and very sociable. Without interaction from you, they will not be happy pets.

Ferrets are often like toddlers - and they get into everything. You must ferret proof your home so that the ferret is safe. They investigate everything, and try to carry things to their hidey-holes in their mouths. Like a child, they may swallow small objects, and household cleaners and other chemicals are dangerous to them. Before you get a ferret, you will need to make your home as ferret-safe as possible. Make sure cabinets where dangerous chemicals and such are not accessible. Ferrets are very smart, and can open cabinets and drawers if they are not secured.

If you do not have small children, you can afford the veterinarian bills, and you have enough time and love to give a pet, a ferret makes an ideal pet. They are furry and loveable. They will love you unconditionally. A ferret is neither like a cat nor like a dog. They do however, fall somewhere between the two when it comes to love and loyalty. A ferret will never be as obedient as a dog - and never as aloof as a cat. They do their own thing, and are happy to include you when you ask - and will ask for you to include them as well in the things that you do.