Chinchilla vs. Ferret: Vet-Verified Key Differences (With Pictures)

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REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Some people do not have many requirements for a pet. It has to be cute, it has to be friendly, and it has to be acceptable to our landlord. Ferrets and chinchillas definitely meet most of those criteria, but if you just had to pick one of those animals to adopt, which should it be?

While everyone’s situation is different, there are a few things that you should consider before bringing home either of these animals. We’ll look at these considerations in greater detail here.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Chinchillas Overview

Chinchillas are undoubtedly adorable, and their delightful expressions have won the hearts of many pet owners over the years. However, while their cuteness is captivating, it is important to understand that caring for a chinchilla comes with unique challenges that may require special preparation and commitment.

With proper knowledge and care, a chinchilla can be a rewarding and wonderful companion in your home.

Personality

Chinchillas are social creatures. They should be housed together with other chinchillas. You will need a fair amount of gentleness and consistency in order for them to trust you.

These animals are not great for houses with small children. They’re delicate, and little ones can easily hurt or injure them accidentally. That can make the chinchilla lash out and even bite.

One other thing that you should know before committing to one is the fact that they’re nocturnal. They may not come out and play when you want them to, and they may be up late at night, puttering around in their habitat while you’re trying to sleep.

Health & Care

Chinchillas are often considered low-maintenance pets. While setting up their habitat initially may require some effort, once established, their cage is relatively easy to clean and maintain. They do not produce strong odors, and their droppings are firm and pellet-like, minimizing the risk of messy accidents.

That said, chinchillas have specific needs regarding their diet and environmental conditions, so it is important to research these requirements carefully to provide the best care. For instance, they benefit from regular dust baths—typically about twice a week—to maintain healthy fur. Additionally, their teeth grow continuously, so providing suitable items to chew on is essential for their dental health.

Exercise

Despite their somewhat rounded appearance, chinchillas are quite active and require regular exercise. It is recommended to allow them out of their cage to explore and move freely for an hour or two each evening. Inside their cages, providing a variety of toys and climbing structures will help them stay active and engaged throughout the day.

They need to be taken out of their cage and allowed to roam around for an hour or two every night. You should also make sure that they have plenty of toys and things to climb on inside their cages, so they can exercise on their own time.

Suitable For:

Chinchillas can be an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle and relatively low-maintenance companion without the demands often associated with cats or dogs. They are engaging pets that can bring joy to a household; however, they may not be the best fit for homes with very young children.

While many chinchillas can be socialized to appreciate human interaction and affection, some may prefer limited handling. If you are looking for a pet that will consistently seek out and offer affection on demand, other animals might better meet those expectations.

Ferrets Overview

Ferrets make for unconventional pets. They can be as affectionate as dogs, as skittish as cats, and as mischievous as an unattended child. However, they’re not for everyone, which may be one reason that they’ve never caught on quite as much as cats and dogs.

Personality / Character

While it may take your ferret a bit of time to warm up to you, once they’re comfortable in their surroundings, they become quite social creatures. They can be just as eager to demand affection as any dog or cat, and they love to curl up next to you on the couch during a Netflix marathon.

Like chinchillas, though, ferrets aren’t good pets for households with small children. If mishandled, they can deliver fierce nips that will make anyone think twice about trying to touch them again.

Ferrets are actually fairly easy to train, and they can be taught to use litter boxes, just like cats. However, they generally need more supervision than cats and dogs, and they shouldn’t be allowed to wander around the house without someone paying attention to them.

They can be taught to do well with cats and dogs, provided that they’re socialized early, although you will always need to supervise them. You shouldn’t keep them around mice, birds, or other small animals, though, as they’ll be more likely to view them as dinner than friends.

Health & Care

Ferrets are notorious for suffering injuries, which is due to their inquisitive nature and ability to squeeze into even the tightest of spaces. This is why you should always keep an eye on them when they’re out of their cage, and many owners put a bell on their collars just so they can track their movements.

They also love to chew on and eat just about anything that you can imagine, so you’ll need to watch carefully to make sure they’re not munching on something that will kill them.

Their cages require regular cleaning, but it’s nothing too demanding. Cleaning up after their waste is as simple as well, especially if you train them to use a litter box.

These animals are incredibly susceptible to heatstroke, especially in warm or humid climates, so it’s essential to keep them in a well-ventilated area and not let them wander off outside.

Exercise

Ferrets need quite a bit of exercise, and it’s recommended that you let them roam around outside their cages for 2 to 4 hours per day. They also need plenty of toys to keep their minds active, so expect to spend money on cat toys, balls with bells inside, and the like.

Suitable For:

Ferrets aren’t your typical pet, and as such, they’re best suited for anyone who wants an animal that isn’t as common as a dog or cat but that offers many of the same characteristics. They’re cute, cuddly, and curious, and they’re tons of fun to watch and play with.

If you have little kids in the house, though, you should pick a different pet. Ferrets take time to warm up to people, and if they’re mistreated in any way (even accidentally), they may lash out violently.

Check the Legality of Owning Either of These Animals Before Buying One

Chinchillas and ferrets aren’t legal everywhere, so it makes sense to check your local laws before you try to adopt one. In many cases, they’re legal to own but not breed, and they must be fixed, as they can become invasive species if they escape and start reproducing.

Which Pet Is Right for You?

If you want an unconventional pet that’s still cute and cuddly, both ferrets and chinchillas fit the bill. These animals are fun to watch and be around, and no one can deny that they’re adorable to look at.

Owning them isn’t a walk in the park, however, and you shouldn’t get either one if you have small children in your house.

Ultimately, a chinchilla is a better choice for anyone who wants a pet that they can watch more than interact with, as ferrets require quite a bit of one-on-one attention. Ferrets are the better choice for those who love cats and dogs, however.

Both ferrets and chinchillas can be fun to own, but they’re dissimilar enough that it should be clear to you up front which is better for your particular situation. Regardless of the one you choose, the important thing is to take proper care of them.

• See Also: Ferret vs. Cat: Which Should I Choose? Key Differences (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Up – agdas666, Pixabay; Down – katya-guseva0, Pixabay