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Ferrets can make wonderful pets for the right owner. They are affectionate, rambunctious, and certainly mischievous little animals that can prove to be very entertaining and can bring loads of enjoyment to your family. But perhaps you’ve been wondering if ferrets would do better if you provided another friend, rather than just having you to play with.
While ferrets can live with only human companionship, this requires a significant daily time commitment from you to meet their social and mental needs. Otherwise, it’s generally recommended to keep ferrets in pairs or small groups, as they tend to thrive with the company of their own kind.
If you would like to learn more, we’ll go over the pros and cons of bringing a friend for your ferret home as well as what kind of animal will make the best companion.
A Little Bit About Ferrets
Ferrets have been kept as pets and domesticated for at least 2,500 years! This is rather surprising when you consider their scientific name, Mustela putorius furo, which roughly translates to “stinky weasel thief.” It’s surprising, perhaps, but it’s the ferret’s personality that makes all the difference and shines through.
The average lifespan of the pet ferret is 6 to 10 years. But there are reports of some living up to 15 years of age.
If you are considering bringing a new ferret into your household, you also need to double-check the laws in your location. This is partly because ferrets are considered pests in some areas. They are also categorized as exotic by some vets, since they have some significant differences to dogs and cats.
The District of Columbia, Hawaii, and California, as well as New York City, all have bans on ferrets as pets, as do parts of Australia (Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia) and New Zealand.
Advantages of Another Ferret Friend
Ferrets are very social creatures. Did you know that when you have a group of ferrets, they are called a business of ferrets? They love lots of attention and someone to play with, and what’s better than another ferret buddy? They have a constant playmate that will be ready to play anytime – even in the middle of the night! And let’s not forget the snuggle factor. Having another ferret around gives them someone to cuddle with when they sleep, and it doesn’t get much cuter than that!
It’s best if you keep ferrets as a pair or a small group, and as long as they are all neutered and spayed, both females and males can live together.
And overall, taking care of an extra two or three ferrets isn’t that much more challenging than just looking after one.
Many ferret owners find that having multiple ferrets gives them constant companionship, so you don’t have to worry about a lonely single ferret when you have to work outside of the home every day.
Disadvantages of Another Ferret Friend
While having more than one ferret can be incredibly rewarding, there are a few important factors to consider before bringing home a companion.
One of the biggest considerations is the added cost. Doubling up on ferrets means higher expenses for veterinary care, vaccinations, food, bedding, litter, toys, and other ongoing supplies. You’ll also need to clean the litter box more frequently, and unexpected health issues can quickly become costly when you’re caring for more than one.
Another potential difficulty is when bonded ferrets lose a companion, the survivor may grieve deeply. It’s not uncommon for a ferret to become lethargic, stop eating, or appear withdrawn after the loss of a mate. Allowing your ferret to spend some time with the body can sometimes help them process the loss, but it’s best to follow your vet’s advice during this difficult time. Moreover, it’s especially important that you give your remaining ferret extra attention and comfort.
What About Other Pets?
We’ve established that ferrets generally do quite well with other ferrets. But what if you have other pets, or you’re thinking of bringing a different species into your home?
Ferrets typically get along just fine with cats and dogs, but they should be socialized when young and always supervise them while playing. The main concern would be with the cat or dog and how they will view the ferret. Many breeds of dogs, particularly terriers, were bred to dig out small prey and would therefore look at your ferret as fair game.
On the other hand, your ferret should never interact with rodents or rabbits. They are natural prey for ferrets and the ferret’s instincts might kick in. If you already have both a ferret and a hamster, for example, just be sure to always keep them separate.
Final Thoughts
Ferrets are social, but there are many solitary ferrets out there that are super happy and well-adjusted. But there’s no real harm in bringing another ferret into your home as the majority of ferrets will absolutely love the company. And you’ll get such joy watching them play and wrestle and sleep together.
You know how much time commitment you have for your ferret, so the final choice is yours. While losing a ferret friend can be devastating for the other ferret, there are ways of helping her cope, so don’t let that possibility be the reason you don’t get another ferret. Bringing them together will make your ferret happier, which of course, will make you happier.
Featured Image Credit by GuilleNeT, Pixabay
