Ferrets: Housing

What type of cage does my ferret need?

Ferrets have a well-deserved reputation as escape artists, so they should be housed in a cage that can be securely closed and locked. The cage should be as large as you can afford.

• Suggested minimum cage size is 24 inches wide x 24 inches long x 18 inches high (60 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm).
• The cage should be well ventilated.
• Cage floors can be solid or wire. 
• Choose a sturdy, solid floor. Plastic flooring is preferred as it is easy to clean and disinfect. Avoid wooden flooring because it absorbs urine and feces, causing an odor that is difficult to remove. 
• Multilevel cages, commonly called “ferret nation” cages, are preferred for up to three or four ferrets in one enclosure.

Should I control the temperature in my ferret’s cage?

Ferrets are very sensitive to heatstroke. Keep the cage well ventilated and the temperature at or below 80ºF (27ºC). Ask your veterinarian what temperature range is best for your ferret.

Should my ferret spend time out of the cage?

Ferrets should be let out for at least two to three hours a day, and more time is beneficial. They are intelligent, curious, and socially interactive animals. They need a safe, ferret-proofed play area or room where they can explore and investigate under supervision. This area should contain things to occupy them, such as boxes, paper bags, blankets, and plastic tubes or PVC pipes. Provide places to climb into, over, and under.

Be careful with heavy furniture that your ferret could get trapped behind. Ferrets can also get under couches and upholstered chairs and tunnel into the padding.

What does “ferret-proofing” mean?

Ferret-proofing means blocking places your ferret could enter or escape through and removing objects they could chew or swallow. Swallowed objects can create a gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage), a serious emergency that may require surgery and can be fatal.

• Block all openings (holes) that lead to areas you cannot reach. If your ferret can put their head through an opening, their body will fit, too. 
• Ferrets can burrow into the foam inside couches, chairs, and mattresses. They may also climb into the backs of speakers, closets, and drawers. Block access to these areas with thin plywood or hardware cloth. 
• Keep foam, plastic, and rubber objects out of your ferret’s reach. These include shoe inserts, earplugs, rubber bands, balloons, and foam from speakers or headphones. Check children’s and pets’ toys, too. A ferret may tear open a toy and swallow a squeaker or other small part.

What kind of bedding should I put in the cage?

Towels, blankets, or T-shirts can be used for bedding. Recycled paper bedding is generally safe but must be replaced often if the ferret urinates or defecates in it. Woodchips are not recommended because they can be dusty and messy.

What else should I put in my ferret's cage?

Provide food and water dishes, a dark sleeping area, toys, and a litter box.

• Food and water dishes. Ferrets are naturally playful and often tip over their dishes. Use heavy ceramic dishes or bowls that attach securely to the cage. Sipper bottles can also be useful but are difficult to disinfect properly.
• A dark, enclosed sleeping area. Ferrets sleep 12 to 18 hours a day. In a multilevel cage, you can place a hammock on an upper level and keep food, water, and a litter box on the lower level. Your ferret may also sleep inside a T-shirt, towel, blanket, cloth bag, or ferret tent. If you see your ferret chewing on its bedding, remove it immediately.
• Toys. Ferrets enjoy cloth pet or baby toys, balls, boxes, paper bags, and tubes they can crawl through. Check toys regularly and remove any loose or damaged parts that could be swallowed.
• A litter box. Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box with a recycled paper, pelleted-type litter. They tend to back into a corner to defecate and urinate, so place a box with reasonably high sides in a cage corner. Ferrets defecate frequently, so provide another litter box in your ferret’s play area. Clean and disinfect the boxes daily to prevent odor and bacteria buildup. Do not use cat litter, as ferrets may eat it, leading to serious intestinal upset and ulceration that may be life-threatening.

How should I maintain my ferret’s cage?

Clean the cage frequently to help keep your ferret healthy.

• Remove all feces, urine, and uneaten food daily.
• Clean the cage with soap and water at least weekly, and rinse well. 

Your veterinarian can help you choose a cage and set it up to meet your ferret’s needs. Ask them if you have questions about bedding, temperature, or keeping the cage safe and clean.