As with any pet, pros and cons exist to owning a ferret, which you should consider before you take one home. Most pet stores have dedicated ferret foods. These members of the weasel family are lively, smart and affectionate. They are affectionate and bond with their owners, quiet for a large part of the day, and there are few pets as playful as ferrets. Ferrets are cute, playful and inquisitive pets but they do have highly specialized needs. Many prospective ferret owners are naturally concerned about how well a ferret would get along with their children or other pets. Most people assume that looking after a ferret will be just like looking after a dog, but this assumption can be no further from the truth. We explore the key considerations you take into account before bringing a ferret into your family. Ferrets can be a great pet to own, but there are things to consider before adopting a ferret. Another interesting fact is that the polecat and ferret are able to interbreed producing fertile young. A ferret's playful and curious nature makes it a natural companion to most larger house pets. Dogs with a strong prey drive should not be introduced to ferrets. Also, the females must be de-sexed as they stay in heat if they are not. They need pretty much everything these other pets do put together, including training, litter trays, a meat-based diet, a large cage and a lot of attention. You should consider de-sexing your ferrets or buying them de-sexed. Animals like cats and dogs are quite common among pet lovers, so most people know how to take care of them and handle them. Lots of homeless ferrets live in rescue shelters, so, … They are also easy to train. You would rather do ferret chores than dog chores especially if your parents aren't taking care of it. They are as fun as dogs and easier to take care of. It really depends on your situation. Still, for the safety of all involved, it is a good idea to supervise interactions between ferrets and any other pet. How to Decide if a Ferret Is the Right Pet for You. If you are considering a ferret, learn more about how ferrets make good pets. Ferrets are the third most common "uncaged" pet in the United States behind dogs and cats. Ferrets care is very different to dog care. The child must be able to recognize that a ferret behaves differently from a dog, cat, or other pet. Introductions should be made with caution, however, and proper supervision is a must. However, they seem to have garnered a negative image which is largely undeserved. I completely understand how you feel. So, is a ferret better or dog? Ferrets are fun and interactive animals, often described as perpetual kittens. As far as vet bills go, my ferret was considered "exotic" and her checkup cost about 15 dollars more than my dog. Ferrets like to explore and burrow, therefore they like to stay by walls and corners. Your ferret, to your dog (by instinct), is prey. The child must be able to recognize that a ferret behaves differently from a dog, cat, or other pet. If you do procure a ferret for a pet, be sure you're dealing with a reputable breeder who has records for the animal's vaccinations and any health issues. As with any pet, pros and cons exist to owning a ferret, which you should consider before you take one home. Ferrets can be tricky pets for children, and they need a lot of supervision if they are around an immature child. A ferret is a demanding pet for a child, requiring careful adult supervision and the maturity of the child. These members of the weasel family are lively, smart and affectionate. 14. Many households have multiple kinds of animals so it. Whilst Ferrets are amusing and adventurous pets, they require deceptively … Walking your ferret on a leash and harness is nothing like walking a dog. As a general rule (but not without exceptions) a ferret that grows up with cats or dogs is likely to get along better with them. Putting your energy into a pet can feel gratifying and bring up your mood. They can make excellent pets if you are willing to give them a great deal of care and attention. This is a complex issue and depends a lot on the personality and characteristics of both the ferret and the other pets. Ferrets can be trained to use a litterbox like cats, with a little patience, and while they usually live in good-sized cages, they need at least 4 hours a day to exercise and play. A ferret is a demanding pet for a child, requiring careful adult supervision and the maturity of the child. If you have a ferret or are thinking of getting one, you'll want to know if the pet ferret would get along with your dog, cat, or other pet. Ferrets make time-consuming but enormously entertaining pets, something like a cross between dogs, cats and rats. Very Hard to Tell Them Apart They are a little more expensive to feed than your typical pet as they require specialized ferret food. If you want a pet that is easy to train, comes when called and has a homing instinct then dogs are definitely the way to go. There have been many cases where ferrets and doggos live together in harmony.