What to Put in a Ferret Cage

Ferrets have been used for centuries to hunt rabbits, rats and mice. Over time, they also have been thoroughly domesticated, making them excellent pets. Ferrets are extremely curious, and need a good amount of exercise, which is why it is important to create a proper living environment for your pet. A large wire cage makes a good home, provided you add a few things to the ferret's cage.

  1. Litter Pans

    • Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box, much like cats. However, they do not like to use a litter box that is close to where they eat. Many ferret owners buy a corner litter box and a corner food container and place them in opposite corners of the cage. Recycled newspaper products or shredded newspapers are ideal litter materials.

    Food and Water

    • Ferrets need food and water to stay healthy and happy. Place a heavy water bowl in your ferret cage or attach a sipper bottle to the side of the cage. Because a ferret enjoys playing in water, clean its water container weekly. Ferrets also are strict carnivores, but they require specialized ferret food -- not dog or cat food.

    Sleeping Area

    • Set up a dark, enclosed area for your ferret to sleep in. Ferrets enjoy slings, hammocks and shelves to play and sleep on. Use towels or old shirts as bedding material, but make sure they are are washable because ferrets enjoy eating in bed.

    Toys

    • Ferrets are curious by nature, and enjoy a wide variety of toys. Ferrets should not, however, be given things that tear or shred. This includes latex rubber toys used by dogs and cats. Hard plastic and metal toys are safer. Ferrets also enjoy running through PVC pipes.