Ferrets are playful animals that express their excitement in a manner that many people will find captivating. When it is time to play, ferrets will dash out of their cages, leaping, scampering, and twisting with evident joy that can be contagious to people around them. Their unusual movement of bouncing with their mouths open is a unique expression that can scare someone off.
Softly scratching and rubbing the belly of your ferret can make them excited. You can also carry your ferret on your chest while moving around the house to show affection and strengthen the bond. However, if your ferret backs away from you or tries to push your hand with their head, it means they want to be left alone.
How Much Care Should I Give My Ferret?
Ferrets do not require a lot of special attention to be comfortable. You will need to provide your ferret with fresh water and food frequently. A snug nest will be ideal for them to sleep in. You will need to provide them with a litter box, which you should clean at least once every day. Alternatively, place toilet paper on the floor as a toilet arrangement and clean it each day.
Allow your ferret to play for one or two hours daily in a room that is ferret-proofed. If your ferret is young, you can leave them alone over the weekend with enough water and food to last them the period they will stay unchecked. However, it is advisable to arrange for someone to check on them to ensure they are safe periodically.
How Can I Bond with My Ferret?
Like humans, ferrets have unique personalities that can range from energetic and curious to skittish and sleepy. While your ferret is adjusting to their new environment, be aware of their natural habits, and handle them appropriately. Do not be disheartened if, at first, your ferret is uninterested and shy because forming a bond with you can take some time.
Humans have domesticated ferrets over thousands of years and learned to tame them as pets. They can form a close relationship with their owners and be excellent companion pets. When handled and socialized well from a young age, ferrets can show great affection towards humans.
For you to create a strong bond with your ferret, the surest way is to create a great relationship with them, handling them appropriately, and socializing with them from a young age. Some of the effective ways of creating a bond with your ferret from a young age include;
- Enrichment– the more toys and games you provide for your ferret to play with, the happier and more excited they will be. Toys will also reduce biting and other unwanted behaviors, creating a positive relationship, and experience with their owners.
- Smell and familiarity– ferrets have a strong sense of smell and will explore various things to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. They can smell water, which explains why blind ferrets can still find their water bowl. Take advantage of this intense sense of smell and place your worn clothes in your ferret’s cage so that they can familiarize themselves with your scent. They will always have a sense of familiarity around you.
- Love and affection– if you show love, care, and patience in the way you handle your ferret, they will always have a sense of positive intentions from you and will most likely trust you. When the bond gets too deep, they will show you affection and be warm towards you.
- Spend quality time– if you keenly observe and read about your ferret, you will notice that they value playing and exploring. When spending time with your ferret, ensure you engage them in playing to stimulate their mind. Take them out for a walk, trick-train them, or provide them with several toys and games. While doing this, do not rush or force the bonding. Give time for the relationship to grow organically.
How Can I Tell That My Ferret Loves Me?
Ferrets have a unique way of expressing how much they love their owners. They will not sit on your laps, jump on you, yip, or wag their tail. Some of the ways through which you can tell that your ferret loves you include;
- Running to you– when you enter the room, your ferret will run to you, especially those on free-roam because they are not eager to get out and exercise. Some ferrets will run to you to cuddle them the moment you get back home.
- Kissing you– ferrets kiss by licking their owner on their ears, eyes, lips, hands, or arms to express their happiness.
- Grooming you– your ferret will clean your eyebrows, arms, ears, and legs just as they would clean another ferret or themselves. They groom you because they love you and that they want you to look your best.
- Seeking your attention– your ferret can jump on your legs, scratch your foot, or attempt to climb you to get your reaction. In such cases, they seek your attention so that you can pick them up because you are their favorite person.
- Trying to help you– if you are busy in the house doing washing, cleaning, fixing things, or moving things, your ferret will be interested in helping out. You will notice that he will try to take part in whatever you are doing.
- Following you around– ferrets like to be part of what the owner is doing and will follow them around the house. They want to see what you are doing and be part of it, too, even if you are pacing back and forth.
The Bottom Line
Whatever your ferret sees you doing, they will want to be part of it. They will collect socks, steal keys and shoes in the house and hide them in unreachable places. If you let them out to play, they can dance a little to express their joy. Ferrets will find your home their perfect place if you give them a few hours to play beyond their cage. They are used to waking up early and will enjoy a morning walk at sunrise.
Ferrets are not for everyone but can be excellent pets for the right people. Your ferret will bond with you and show affection for most of the day. They have their unique way of telling you how much they value you. Besides, keep in mind that their expressions of affection or seeking your attention can be short-lived because they are easily distracted.