Ferrets are obligate carnivores (meat-eaters). For many years, we recommended feeding ferrets dry cat or kitten food, but current research shows that premium ferret diets (i.e. Archetype Diet for ferrets by Wysong) are nutritionally better. If, for whatever reason (cost, convenience, etc.), you decide to feed your ferret cat food, make sure it is a premium diet (i.e. Eukanuba, Innova).

Handling

Domestic ferrets are generally easy to handle. Most of the time, you need only pick up your ferret and hold him/her in your arms.

During your ferret’s veterinary visit, it may be useful to scruff your ferret in order to keep him/her still to complete our physical examination. Most ferrets become very relaxed with this restraint method.

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination is legally required for ferrets in New York State.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a contagious disease that can be transmitted to ferrets directly from infected animals including dogs, foxes, raccoons and other ferrets. We will discuss whether or not this vaccine would be appropriate for your ferret.

Ferrets can have an allergic reaction to vaccines that can be quite severe and even life threatening. There is no rhyme or reason why some ferrets react and others don’t, or why some ferrets will react one year, and not the next. For these reasons, we recommend that you remain in the office for at least 30 minutes after any vaccination is given to your ferret.

Common Medical Problems

We recommend that your ferret be examined by a veterinarian more than once a year as your ferret ages (ideally every 6 months).

Human Influenza—Ferrets are highly susceptible to the human influenza virus or the “flu.” The symptoms are very similar to those in people: sneezing, coughing, lethargy and fever. Just like people, baby ferrets can become quite ill if they contract the influenza virus. It is very important to remember this if anyone in the family suspects they have the flu.

Fleas—Ferrets are very susceptible to fleas. We can discuss appropriate flea preventives.

Adrenal Disease—This is a very common disease of ferrets over 2 years of age. When the adrenal gland(s) malfunction, they produce excessive amounts of androgens or sex hormones. This results in a myriad of clinical signs including: significant alopecia (loss of hair), itchy skin, enlargement of the vulva in spayed females, and enlargement of the prostate gland in males, which can obstruct the flow of urine. There are different medical and surgical options for managing adrenal disease.