Do you have a pet ferret? If so, you have a very cute pet! In order to keep your tiny buddy happy, you’ll need to let him have some free time. After all, living in a cage can be quite dull! However, before you let your ferret out to play, you’ll need to do some ferretproofing. As your Marion, IA veterinarian, I’m here to help! Read on for some helpful ferretproofing tips below.
Choking Hazards
Small items, such as craft kit pieces, beads, buttons, safety pins, rubber bands, and children’s toys can present serious choking hazards to ferrets. Keep anything small or sharp in a secure area your pet can’t get into. You also want to be careful with anything that your ferret could chew and break into small pieces, such as soft wooden items.
Toxins
Chemicals, toxic plants, medications, automotive products, cleaning agents, perfumes, and lawn and garden chemicals are all toxic to ferrets. Keep these things well out of paws’ reach!
Wires and Cords
Wires are also something to be concerned with. You don’t want your pet pulling a lamp or fan over on himself, or chewing through a live wire! Secure wires and cords, so your ferret can’t reach them.
Furniture
Ferrets love getting under and into couches, sofas, and chairs. They can chew through upholstery, so you may want to staple a thick fabric to the underside of upholstered furniture. Your pet could also get into or behind drawers in dressers and bureaus. If your furniture has spaces at the bottom, seal off these openings.
Hiding Places
Ferrets are experts at getting into little nooks and crannies. Vents, ducts, and the spaces behind and beneath furniture and cabinets should all be blocked off. Ferrets can also get into cabinets and fireplaces, or slip through open doors or windows. To get an idea of all the spots your ferret could fit into, I recommend getting on your hands and knees and looking around from floor level.
Treasure Hoard
As you may know, ferrets like to ‘borrow’ their owners’ things for safekeeping. Pretty much anything and everything your pet can carry or drag is fair game. Keep an eye on the little guy, and watch where he stores things. That’s the first place to look when something is missing!
Do you have questions about ferret care? Feel free to contact me, your Marion, IA veterinarian, anytime!
