Ferrets are one of the most interesting animals out there, so bringing one home as a pet is always a very exciting experience! Their looks and personalities make them a favorite among many people around the world.
Whether this is your first or 10th ferret, though, you need to make sure that you have the proper supplies for them.
There are certain enclosure, food, and general care supplies that a well-prepared ferret owner should have. Ferrets don’t cost a whole lot, but lacking any of these supplies could potentially result in improper care of your ferret which would, in turn, hurt their health.
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Ferret Supplies List
Below are 14 essential supplies that ferret owners should have. It’s important to purchase these supplies before bringing home your ferret so that you can immediately begin caring for them properly.
1. Cage
Every ferret needs a high quality cage since it’s where they’ll be spending a good portion of their time!
The cage should be plenty large enough to keep it feeling roomy and comfortable for multiple ferrets, while also being accessible and well-built.
A cage with multiple levels creates a very diverse environment that provides lots of floor space and tons of ways for your ferrets to explore and play.
To learn more, check out our comprehensive guide on the best ferret cages!
2. Litter pan
Ferrets poop a lot, so you’ll need to provide something that will contain all of that! Fortunately, ferrets are fairly easy to litter train, so litter pans are very effective.
Get a pan that locks onto the corner of your ferret’s cage so that they can’t move it around or flip it over. Also, get one with a high back to help prevent misses.
3. Food dish
Since ferrets eat constantly throughout the day, you’ll need to supply them with a food dish that can handle that use.
Get a dish that locks onto the side of a cage to prevent ferrets from spilling it easily. It should also be quite deep so that it can hold a good amount of food.
4. Water bottle
A constant water supply is extremely important for ferrets, so you’ll need a reliable way to supply that water.
Once again, you’ll want this water bottle to lock onto the side of the cage to keep it in place and prevent spills. It should also hold a good amount of water so that you don’t have to refill it every day.
Glass bottles tend to be recommended due to their higher quality and durability.
5. Hammock
Ferrets love to sleep, especially in hammocks. Hanging a hammock from the ceiling of a cage is a great way to provide a comfortable diverse sleeping place for one or more ferrets.
Most hammocks are machine-washable and very durable to put up with the abuse that ferrets can put it through.
Ferrets will curl up together to sleep, so one hammock for 2 or 3 ferrets is more than acceptable.
6. Bed
While you may already provide a hammock, ferrets like to have some choice with their sleeping arrangement.
By placing a bed on the floor of the cage, you’re giving your ferret two comfortable options for rest. You’ll likely find that your ferret uses both the hammock and the bed equally.
Like the hammocks, many small critter beds are machine-washable and durable.
7. Carrier
If you’re ever taking your ferret anywhere, you need to do so with them safely contained within a carrier.
Since ferrets are so energetic and squirmy, it’s much safer to transport them in a carrier that they can’t escape from and get into trouble.
As at least one vet visit or road trip is in your future, it’s important to have a carrier on hand.
8. Plush toys
Ferrets are such curious and fun creatures that absolutely love all types of toys. Among the most popular ferret toys are small, durable plush toys.
Different shapes and sizes of toys help to keep things interesting, and it takes it to the next level if the toy makes sound.
There are a plethora of other ferret toys that you can find online or in pet stores, too!
9. Food
It’s very important that you supply your ferret with a high-quality diet that meets all of their nutritional needs. Fortunately, there are several foods available that do just that.
Note that ferrets have specific dietary requirements, so you need to ensure that their food meets those standards.
Many owners combine several types of food, often including a pellet kitten food, to really diversify their diet and to keep a ferret from getting attached to one specific food.
10. Litter
Since ferrets use the bathroom so frequently, you need to fill their litter box with a high-quality ferret litter that’s also quite affordable.
Two main types of ferret litter exist, and those are paper litters and clay litters. Both are very effective, but paper litters are typically safer and better for the environment.
While small animal litter is available, some owners also opt to use cat litter. Ferrets aren’t picky when it comes to litter.
11. Treats
Like many creatures, ferrets absolutely love the occasional treat to diversify their diet. While there are many treats available, most of those are unhealthy for ferrets.
Many treats contain way too many fillers and harmful ingredients. Therefore, a supplement/treat combo such as Ferretone is a great healthy choice.
Ferretone tastes great to ferrets, and it also helps to keep their skin and coat healthy.
12. Nail clippers
Ferrets do have little claws, so you’ll need to cut them down every once in a while to keep them in good shape.
You’ll need a small pair of clippers that’s easy to hold and even easier to maneuver around your ferret’s small toes.
Poor clippers can result in a bad trim job that can result in a poorly-cut claw followed by a little blood.
13. Brush
Ferrets shed, so it’s necessary to supply them with a brush that can clear up any loose hair from their coat.
A durable brush that’s easy on a ferret’s skin but still effective at removing loose hair is something that every owner should have.
Since you’ll be using it frequently, about every week or so, you shouldn’t skimp on quality.
14. Shampoo
Many people aren’t aware of this, but ferrets don’t need to be bathed very frequently at all. In fact, they only need a bath about once per year!
Ferrets have a natural smell to them, and too much bathing will actually make this smell worse.
You’ll need a shampoo that doesn’t dry out a ferret’s skin and helps to keep their coat healthy and clean.
