Providing essential care for new ferret is key to ensuring your pet’s health and happiness. From hygiene and diet to proper housing and play, this guide will help you meet all your ferret’s needs.

Dental hygiene: prevent periodontal disease

Dental issues are common in ferrets. To maintain healthy teeth:

• Brush daily using a pet toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste
• Offer high-quality dental treats for cats to support oral health

Ear care

Ferrets naturally produce earwax, but buildup should be minimal:

• Use a veterinary ear cleaner
• Apply a few drops, massage the base of the ear, let your ferret shake, then wipe excess with a tissue
• Avoid cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper

Consult your vet for redness, odor, or excessive scratching.

Eye care

Clear discharge at the eye corners is normal. Clean with:

• Ophthalmic wipes or a damp cotton pad
• Yellow-green discharge or swelling may indicate infection

Bathing: keep it occasional

Frequent baths dry out the skin and increase the musky odor:

• Use ferret-specific shampoo
• Avoid contact with eyes and ears
• Dry thoroughly to prevent chills
• Clean the cage regularly to reduce odor

Hydration: always provide fresh water

Offer clean water in a heavy ceramic bowl or a bottle. Monitor intake, especially if your ferret is unfamiliar with bottle drinking.

Nutrition for carnivores

Ferrets are strict carnivores and need a diet high in animal protein:

• Choose ferret-specific food, rich in protein, low in carbs
• Avoid fruits, sugary treats, and starchy foods
• Optionally, offer cooked meat or egg (unseasoned) in small amounts
• Keep food available at all times to prevent hypoglycemia

Litter habits

Ferrets can be litter trained with patience:

• Place litter in a corner of the cage
• Use positive reinforcement, not punishment
• Provide easy access to litter boxes during playtime

Nail trimming

Trim nails monthly to prevent overgrowth:

• Start young, reward after each clip
• Gradually increase the number of nails trimmed per session

Proper housing

Your ferret’s cage should include:

• A litter box, food and water bowls
• Hiding places and tunnels for stimulation
• Maintain ambient temperature between 59°F and 70°F (15–21°C)
• Avoid heat over 86°F (30°C)

Playtime and enrichment

Ferrets are energetic and need at least 2 hours of daily play:

• Provide tunnels, toys, and safe objects to explore
• Use sturdy toys, not latex or foam, which can be swallowed
• Keep small objects like earplugs or cords out of reach

Microchipping: ensure safety

Ferrets are escape artists. A microchip increases the chances of finding your pet if lost.

If you have questions about the essential care for new ferret, our veterinary team is here to help ensure your companion’s well-being.