How do I Care for an Elderly Ferret?

Ferrets, animals with elongated bodies and short legs, usually live to be between 8 and 11 years old in a home. They become elderly, and usually need more attention and care from owners, when they are around 4 to 6 years old.

  1. Healthcare

    • Younger ferrets generally need to go to a veterinarian two to three times a year, for vaccinations and checkups, but owners should be prepared to go more often for older ferrets. Elderly ferrets can have health problems such as arthritis, cataracts, deafness, adrenal disease, insulinoma, dental problems or hair loss. Owners need to watch their older ferrets' eating and bowel habits for changes, which can signal illnesses.

    Housing Adjustments

    • Older ferrets sleep more than younger ones. Elderly ferrets, especially those that cannot see very well, may have problems getting up into their beds or walking on a slippery surface inside a cage. Owners can help elderly ferrets by moving their beds and litter pans to lower spots in the cage. They may want to create or buy litter pans with lower sides, so that their elderly ferrets have an easier time getting into and out of the litter box.

    Diet Changes

    • Some elderly ferrets have dental problems, so owners may want to create "duck soup," a watered-down, blended version of ferret food. Some elderly ferrets also need more fat in their diet. Their owners can increase their fat intake by feeding them baby food with chicken combined with whipping cream, according to Ferretvet.ca. They can continue to give their elderly ferrets treats. Owners should try to stick to treats that contain yogurt instead of fruit, peanut butter or dairy products, which can give older ferrets diarrhea, according to Peteducation.com.