How Long Do Pet Ferrets Live?

Pet ferrets are small, furry carnivores. Scientifically known as Mustela [putorius] furo, they belong to the family of otters, weasels, badgers and skunks, but unlike them, pet ferrets can be domesticated. A ferret may live up to 10 years, if healthy, and can weigh anywhere between 1 and 5 pounds on an average. If a pet ferret makes it way outdoors, it does not have an ability to survive for than a few days.

  1. Health Issues

    • Ferrets are vulnerable to diseases like canine distemper, Aleutian mink disease, respiratory diseases and digestive problems. These health issues may have an effect on the longevity of pet ferrets. They may show flu-like symptoms that can get transmitted to humans also. In older ferrets, the adrenal glands and pancreas get affected. Consult the vet if you notice your ferret losing fur, is lethargic or nauseous or shows signs of muscle atrophy, urinary blockage muscle atrophy, urinary blockage (males) and enlarged vulva (females) or seizures.

      Give your ferret a clean environment and keep items like foam packaging peanuts, erasers, latex, plastic rubber bands and chew toys away. This will resolve many health-related issues and ensure the pet leads a long and healthy life.

    Tackling Health Issues

    • An annual check-up to a vet well-versed with ferrets is a must. Get a complete physical examination done including the ears for mites. If required, get a dental cleaning. Vaccinate the ferret against rabies and canine distemper. It is advisable to get Aleutian disease virus test done every year to ensure the ferret is not infected by this contagious and fatal disease.

    Feeding

    • What owners feed pet ferrets can have an effect on how long they live. Ferrets require a diet high in animal proteins and fat, but low in fiber and carbohydrates. You can give it chicken, turkey, beef and natural prey diets. You can also feed it high-quality dry ferret food available at pet shops. Feed a combination of kibbles and meat from the first year so they can enjoy different flavors. Otherwise, being fussy eaters, they will be difficult to feed when unwell. It is good to keep dry food and water readily available always, as ferrets have no fixed meal times. Proper research and consulting the vet is useful while making dietary changes.

    Grooming Requirements

    • Your naturally clean pet not only likes being groomed everyday, but can spend hours grooming itself. Do not bathe it too often. Ask your vet to show you the right methods of grooming. A ferret sheds hair twice a year. You can remove loose fur by combing it daily. Trim the nails and clean the ears once a week. Also check the ears for mites. Dental cleanup is sufficient if done once every month. Only use ferret toothpaste and a soft small pet toothbrush. In case of tartar buildup, get a professional cleaning done.

    Ferrets As Pets

    • Ferrets can be very good pets. They share common characteristics of a cat and dog with a few of its own distinctive features. Ferrets can be defined as small, quiet, affectionate, playful and independent beings that enjoy human interaction. They can be amusing companions in their old age, too, as their playfulness does not rub off with age. They know their names, are good at learning tricks and respond to commands. You can even litter-box train them. Once you teach them what an acceptable behavior is, ferrets will never let you down.