Home Safety (Ferret-Proofing)

Ferret-proofing directly affects ferret health. Ferrets are very curious by nature and can get injured or even killed by their natural attraction to all the wrong human things. Although it is impossible to completely "ferret proof" your home, certain things can be done to make sure your ferret stays safe. Ferrets are less destructive than cats, but they love to get into EVERYTHING, so if you keep them loose you'll need to make sure they can't hurt themselves or your possessions.

They love to steal small (and not so small!) objects and stash them under chairs and behind furniture. They like to chew on spongy, springy things, which must be kept out of reach or they'll swallow bits. Accessible boxes, bags, and trash cans will be crawled in, and houseplants within reach are liable to lose all their dirt to joyful digging. Watch out for rubber toys! These can very dangerous as the ferret may eat the pieces resulting in intestinal blockage that is life threatening!

Hidden dangers:
-- block off spaces behind major appliances in kitchen, baths and utility rooms no matter how small
-- cover open cabinet corners and spaces under cabinets where the base doesn't meet cabinet itself
-- store cleaning supplies and medications stored in top/childproof cabinets
-- keep soap bars at tubs and sinks out of reach
-- keep toilet lids down - ferrets have been known to drown
-- ban all styrofoam, foam rubber or soft rubber items like hand weights, shoe inserts, rubber bands, sponges
-- keep house plants out of reach (poisonous)

PLEASE ... if your ferret has free roam of the house, check:
-- inside all closets and cabinets before you close them
-- under the sofa cushion before you sit down
-- in the rug wrinkle before you step on it
-- under the reclining chair before you recline
-- around/in the dishwasher or dryer before you start it