Since ferrets are strict carnivores, they need a healthy, quality, meat based protein diet. But, ferrets can be finicky eaters. If a ferret doesn’t like the taste, texture or size of his food–especially kibble, he simply won’t eat it. If a ferret is ill or has dental problems, he may stop eating his normal food as well.
It may be time to try soft ferret food. Pet food manufactures do not provide many options for soft ferret food. Because ferrets should not eat grains and other carbohydrates, it is often difficult to find a suitable diet (for info on ferret nutrition click here). Continue reading Soft Ferret Food
OurPets Catty Whack Toy is actually intended for cats. But that doesn’t mean ferrets can’t enjoy it too!
Ferrets and cats have a lot in common. One big similarity is that cats and ferrets have hunting instincts that they like to use when playing. Another similarity is, like cats, ferrets sleep a lot. But, when they are awake they need to be active and expend all that energy they store up while sleeping. Cats and ferrets both need mental stimulation from play to keep from being bored and to fulfill their hunting instincts. Physical activity from play keeps pets physically fit and enriches their quality of life. More than just exercise, playing also relieves anxiety, stress, and boredom. We all know what happens when a ferret gets bored and starts looking around for something fun to do!
What is OurPets Catty Whack Toy?
OurPets Catty Whack Toy is an unpredictable motion and sound game where hunting instincts are activated in play. This interactive toy is specifically designed to encourage independent play. It’s a type of hide & seek action game with a fast-moving feather wand that peeks out randomly from different places. The erratic movement of the teaser keeps your ferret’s attention as he tries to figure out which of the 6 holes the teaser is going to peek out of next.
Other features included a chirping/squeaking sound that your ferret may find interesting. It has a carpeted top so your ferret has a soft place to plan his attack from above. The bottom of OurPets Catty Whack Toy has 4 non-skid rubber feet, which keep the toy from sliding around as your ferret plays. There is an automatic shut off that turns the toy off after 10 minutes–probably long enough for most ferrets’ attention span. The dimensions are 10” x 4” x 10” and it takes 4 “C” batteries–not included.
OurPets Catty Whack Toy—Review for Ferrets
Pros
Unique interactive toy
Stimulates natural hunting instincts
Encourages independent play
Unpredictable feather teaser movement
Multiple ferrets can play at the same time
Auto-shut off
Carpeted top
Non-skid rubber feet
A replacement feather wand tip is included and you can purchase additional ones
Cons
Feather teaser can come out if ferret catches it and pulls it hard enough
Some ferrets may decide to pull the entire toy around by the feather
Can’t turn off sound
Can’t adjust time for auto shut off
Supervising play recommend
OurPets Catty Whack Toy—Review Summary
OurPets Catty Whack Toy may be a great option for ferret parents looking for a unique ferret toy where hunting instincts are activated in play. Like cats, ferrets are intrigued by the erratic movement of the teaser and have fun trying to catch it. Because the feather teaser can be pulled out if your ferret catches it and pulls hard enough, supervising your ferret while playing is recommended.
Although it may seem like a difficult process, with the right tools brushing your ferret’s teeth can be doable. Most Veterinarians recommend that you brush your ferret’s teeth twice a month (at least) to keep your ferret’s teeth healthy. This guide will show you how.
Why Should You Brush Your Ferret’s Teeth?
Dental disease. More and more it has been determined, that like people, pets need dental care to prevent dental disease and to keep them healthy overall. Brushing a dog’s teeth has been recommended by Vets for a long time. As this has become common practice, Vets have been recommending dental care for other pets as well–including ferrets.
Dental disease in ferrets, as well as in other pets and in people, starts with gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. This inflammation is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the pockets surrounding the teeth. Untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a disease involving the teeth and gum pockets. Eventually, these oral bacteria also invade the bloodstream and can cause infections in the kidneys and even the heart valves. The severity of gingivitis is partly determined by the strength of the ferret’s immune system. It occurs in middle-aged to older ferrets. Periodontal disease, luckily, is uncommon in ferrets.
Before we get into how to bathe a ferret, it is important to know when to bathe a ferret.
Many ferret owners love their pets but get frustrated by their smell, which can be quite strong. Bathing ferrets can be a good way to combat odor. Ferrets should not be bathed more than once every 3 months. Bathing a ferret too often can actually make the smell worse. Bathing strips oils from a ferret’s skin and oil glands go into overdrive to replace it. This results in even more odor! Ferrets can become itchy and uncomfortable when bathed too often, as well. If your ferret is scratching frequently, you might want to cut back on how often you’re bathing her.
Ferret smells are actually more often related to a ferret’s bedding, cage, and blankets than to the ferret himself. Try washing these items before bathing your ferret to rule them out as the primary cause of odor. For more info on ferret odor, see this article about getting rid of ferret smells.
How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
Before starting the bathing process, you may find it helpful to get her used to water first. If your ferret doesn’t like water, first let her play in the sink or tub without water, so she gets used to being in the place where she will be bathed. When she seems to feel comfortable in the tub or sink, turn the faucet on just a little bit and let her explore the water. Give her licks ofsalmon oil, or another healthy treat as you gradually get her wet. Many ferrets love to play in the water, and some even like to swim!Continue reading How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
Before we get into how to bathe a ferret, it is important to know when to bathe a ferret.
Many ferret owners love their pets but get frustrated by their smell, which can be quite strong. Bathing ferrets can be a good way to combat odor. Ferrets should not be bathed more than once every 3 months. Bathing a ferret too often can actually make the smell worse. Bathing strips oils from a ferret’s skin and oil glands go into overdrive to replace it. This results in even more odor! Ferrets can become itchy and uncomfortable when bathed too often, as well. If your ferret is scratching frequently, you might want to cut back on how often you’re bathing her.
Ferret smells are actually more often related to a ferret’s bedding, cage, and blankets than to the ferret himself. Try washing these items before bathing your ferret to rule them out as the primary cause of odor. For more info on ferret odor, see this article about getting rid of ferret smells.
How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
Before starting the bathing process, you may find it helpful to get her used to water first. If your ferret doesn’t like water, first let her play in the sink or tub without water, so she gets used to being in the place where she will be bathed. When she seems to feel comfortable in the tub or sink, turn the faucet on just a little bit and let her explore the water. Give her licks ofsalmon oil, or another healthy treat as you gradually get her wet. Many ferrets love to play in the water, and some even like to swim!Continue reading How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
Ferrets have a knack for making us feel guilty when we put them in their cage. One of my ferrets, Toby, was always trying to ” break out”. He would climb up to the top door, grab the bars in his paws and push and shake the door, trying to open it.
However, for their protection, ferrets should be kept in a ferret cage, enclosure, ferret-proof room or area when not being supervised. But how much time should a ferret spend in and out of cage?
A ferret’s cage not only acts as their home—a place he should feel comfortable in—it is also a place to keep him safe. There are endless dangers around your home—wires, appliances, cleaning supplies… It’s simply not safe to permit your ferret to roam free without supervision. Even if you think you have ferret-proofed your home, there is no limit to what a ferret can find to get into. For example, one time, two of my ferrets worked as a team to dig a hole in the bottom of my box spring. They decided it was a good place to store their toys. They could have easily got caught in the springs or otherwise trapped in there. When you are away from home or unable to keep an eye on your ferret, keep your ferret in his cage or other designated ferret living space. For information on suitable ferret enclosures, see ferret cages for more info. Continue reading Ferret In Cage Ferret Out of Cage—How Much Time Should a Ferret Spend In and Out of Cage?
The Marshall Ferret Octo-Play Sleep Sack Toy is an interactive toy and cozy bed for one or more ferrets. It’s designed with features ferrets love–places to explore, burrow, and hide. Ferrets can tunnel through the legs and peek out of the openings. When they get tired, they can curl up for a nap in the soft octopus body. Read my review below.
With 5 legs (not 8) and 11 openings, there are lots of places to explore and hide. The fact that this ferret sleep sack toy cannot be machine washed and dried, could lead some ferret parents to not even consider purchasing it. But, I have found a solution that may be suitable. I wash these types of toys in a lingerie bag in the washing machine with warm water. I prefer to turn them inside out, but if that is not possible (like with the Octo-Play’s arms) I spray a stain remover inside. I also put them in the dryer for a few minutes on low to get some of the moisture out so they dry faster. Continue reading Marshall Ferret Octo—Play Sleep Sack Toy Review
Ferrets love to play. Ferrets love to burrow. Ferrets love to sleep.
The Marshall Pet Bear Ferret Sleep Sack Toy is a cute “bear rug” with several features ferrets enjoy. First, there are many places to explore and burrow in. The bear has paws with openings that can be used like tunnels. The bear’s mouth is also open and there is an opening in the bear’s back for more entry and exit points. These openings provide lots of hiding places and fun for multiple ferrets. Second, this bear rug is soft and cozy—providing ferrets a cuddly place to sleep on or in.
Can be used by other small pets, such as rats, hedgehogs and guinea pigs
Cons
Not good for chewers
Summary of Marshall Pet Bear Ferret Sleep Sack Toy Review
The Marshall Pet Bear Ferret, Sleep Sack toy, is popular among ferret parents. It offers one or multiple ferrets the opportunity to burrow, play and sleep. It has multiple entry/exit points and is soft and cuddly. What more can a ferret ask for?
There are a lot of different options for accessories for your ferret’s cage. Some are necessary and practical and some are fun additions. The type you choose depends primarily on the type of cage you have–number of levels, size and configuration of any shelves you may have. Ferret Cage Accessories–Fun and Practical
If you don’t have a ferret cage yet, you can check out my recommendations in this article.
Ferret Cage Accessories—Beds and Hammocks
Ferrets are so energetic and playful when they are awake! But, they need their sleep to recharge. Ferrets may sleep a total of 15 hours a day–often 3-4 hours at a time.
Ferrets are happiest with two types of beds: sleeping sacks and hammocks.
Ferrets can get hairballs, unfortunately they lack the natural reflux ability of coughing it up like cats do.
Why do ferrets get hairballs?
Shedding
Ferrets shed twice a year. They shed their coats to prepare for seasonal weather changes. The thick winter coat is shed in Spring to be replaced by a thinner, summer coat. The summer coat is then shed in Fall to again be replaced by a thicker, winter coat.
During this shedding time, the fluffy undercoat hairs may be seen floating around in the air. The longer guard hairs may be found covering your ferret’s bedding. The finer undercoat hairs, especially, can get mixed in with your ferret’s food. Then, as your ferret eats, these hairs may be swallowed. The same is true when your ferret grooms himself. If enough of these hairs are ingested, they can clump up in the stomach forming a hairball. Continue reading Best Hairball Treatment–For Ferrets
If you have a ferret, you know how playful and smart they are. Ferrets need a variety of toys for enrichment and fun. They need toys to keep them busy and to arouse their natural problem solving abilities.
Toys also act as a type of therapy for your ferret. If a ferret is bored or unhappy, it can lead to undesirable behaviors. When he has fun and interesting toys to play with, he will be less likely to look for other outlets to relieve his boredom— such as digging in his litter box, or getting into things around the house.
Ferret Toy Ideas–Enrichment Fun
What kind of toys are the best for my ferret?
Ferrets generally love toys that stimulate their natural, instinctual behaviors – hunting, digging and tunneling. Like cats, toys that move in some way challenge their hunting instincts. Many cat toys are also of interest to ferrets. These types of toys include toys on springs, cat teasers, and battery powered toys.
Tunneling and burrowing never gets old. Ferrets can run around in tunnels and tubes all day–the more tunnels, the better. There are many different types of tunnels and tubes. To learn about some of the best options see this article.
Ferret Toy Ideas–Enrichment Fun
