Just like humans, certain species of animals are smarter than the others. This has been tested through studies conducted on common pet animals like cats, dogs, etc. Ferrets have shown signs of intelligence by bonding with their owners and seeking their attention.
How intelligent are Ferrets? Ferrets’ intelligence is reflected through their curious yet persistent nature. They enjoy solving problems and are surprisingly determined to find solutions to them.
A majority of ferret owners are of the opinion that domesticated ferrets indeed show signs of intelligence through their actions and reactions to different situations. Let’s learn more…
How Smart is a Ferret?
If you have ever owned or own ferrets then you would know that they are attention seekers. They hunger for their owner’s undivided attention and time.
And this has been confirmed by ferret owners. Many of these owners have shared some really wild stories about how their pet ferrets planned and did things to stop them from going to work or just leaving them behind. We all know that they are sociable, affectionate, and friendly, but how far they are willing to go for affection is unusual.
Another reason many owners believe their ferrets are more intelligent than they seem is due to their problem-solving abilities. They have been known to solve small problems in their daily life with knack and determination, for e.g., creating a path in a cluttered space, learning how to unlock doors, etc.
Apart from their intelligent antics, there are a few more reasons why people prefer to keep them as pets instead of dogs or cats and why you should adopt one as well.
Why Adopt A Ferret
The smarts are not all these adorable creatures have to offer.
Cuteness & Size
They have adorable sweet faces and mischievous eyes and are very affectionate. Their small size and furriness give them the look and feel of a stuffed toy.
Their size is also a source of attraction for many animal enthusiasts. A male ferret can grow up to 16 inches and weigh over 4 pounds if not neutered. A female, on the other hand, can grow up to a length of 14 inches and weigh up to 2.5 pounds. Learn the other differences between a male and female ferret here.
Another aspect is their lifespan. Ferrets are known to live up to 8 years. In some cases, these cuddly creatures have been observed to even live up to 12 years.
Playful & Sociable
Earlier we mentioned that ferrets carry out intelligent antics, but their lifelong kitten-like behavior will definitely win you over. You can spend hours and hours watching them play with toys. And that is not all.
You might have heard people advising you to always get at least two of these furry little creatures. There is a reason behind this notion. Ferrets like to socialize and owning at least two of them only adds to the fun.
Domesticated ferrets long for the affection of their owner. They can plan strange yet cute tactics to make sure they get your love and affection. A common way that ferrets show affection is by licking you.
Easy To Train
Dogs are harder to litter train which is the biggest reason many people prefer cats over them. If you are one of those people who would avoid a dog for this reason and cats are not your thing, then you will be glad to know that ferrets can easily be trained to use the litter box. If you are used to keeping your pets uncaged, then this is a big plus for you. Once trained, ferrets will not make as much of a mess as dogs do.
Easy To Feed And Exercise
Ferret food is now widely and easily available in pet stores and supermarkets. They can also be purchased via online retailers. The wide availability of high-quality ferret food has also made it easy to fulfill the nutritional needs of ferrets. Learn about the best diet for your ferret in this article.
Thanks to their mischievous and proactive nature, they get all the exercise they need just by playing around the house. Although if you want to, you can take them out for a walk.
Distinct Personalities
Not all ferrets are alike and this only adds to the entertainment value and companionship they provide.
Each ferret is unique and has a different personality. Some like to cuddle a lot while others enjoy their independence. If you do not own a ferret and wish to adopt one as your pet, you can explore their personalities by meeting a few of them.
Other Considerations
Ferrets Don’t Bite Unless Provoked
Some people believe that ferrets are vicious creatures. They also believe that they are dangerous and can bite. This cannot be further from the truth. If they have been brought up in a domestic environment under proper care, then they are very friendly if not the friendliest.
As we mentioned earlier, they long for affection. If they are punished or beaten for their mannerisms, they are bound to show biting behavior.
They Make Challenging Pets
Ferrets are a little more challenging than dogs and cats, but they do make ideal pets for many people. They are small in size, do not make much noise, and have a playful nature.
They are also very curious and get into things or places that are hard to reach. They often hide small things like car keys or dig up plants, but a lot of pets present such issues.
Our only concern is that they are rather expensive to keep and come with a unique set of obligations. If you are willing to dedicate your time and attention to them, they just might give you the best experience of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are ferrets rodents?
The cute face of a ferret resembles that of a rat, but it is not a rodent. Ferrets are descendants of the European Polecat and are commonly counted in the weasel family of animals that relate to otters, badgers, mink, etc.
Can ferrets give you rabies?
Research proves that ferrets are very unlikely to spread and catch rabies. Many states and local counties have an ordinance in place that requires ferrets to be vaccinated for rabies. Additionally, if you make sure your pet ferret gets regular veterinary care, it is less likely to harbor or even be exposed to rabies.
Can ferrets coexist with cats or other pets?
Ferrets are known to coexist and get along with both cats and dogs. This largely depends upon their upbringing and training. Cats generally do not enjoy the intensely playful nature of ferrets and will flee when ferrets get too playful. Also, there are a few dog breeds that cannot coexist with ferrets and are likely to kill them.
