Ferrets are becoming one of the more popular companions and house pets for people wanting something different from a cat or a dog. Ferrets are cute and cuddly. At the same time they are can be domesticated and loyal to their owners. The best thing about a ferret as a pet is that it does not eat as much as cats and dogs do. However, a ferret can still be a great pain if you plan to allow it to habituate inside your home. It can smell really bad. It can be more pungent than the average dog or cat. To avoid having to suffer from the unpleasant ferret aroma, there are several steps you can take aside from the regular bathing routines.
- Food. For most house pets, feeding them quality food is the most important factor in avoiding development of a pungent aroma. In fact, if you feed them the right type of food, you will almost never ever smell even a tinge of stench. For ferrets, it is important to find the right quality kibble. The kibble you should look for is one with at least 34% protein and 10% fat. Avoid food that contains fish, corn, and artificial preservatives. These ingredients can greatly increase the stink on your pet. It is equally important to have some limitations on treats as well. Remember to choose treats with minimal sugar and fiber content. If you want to stay on the safe side, use small pieces of meat as treats instead of buying commercial treats.
- Litter. Ferrets are similar to cats in the aspect of excretory practices. You will need to have them go potty in a litter box. Choosing the right litter is another effective way to control bad odor. Cheap litter pellets may be convenient for you in cost perspectives but this will do virtually nothing to control the smell. You should opt for plant-based litter instead. Do not ever use artificial or silicone-based litter. These are terrible in containing odor. Remember to scoop the litter often as well to mix the dirt with the litter to absorb the smell.
- Bedding. Ferrets sleep on beddings. For these sleeping accommodations, use blankets made of soft fleece. Purchase two sets so that you have an extra blanket when you wash the other one. You will need to wash the beddings more often. In fact, the trick is to wash the beddings every 2-3 days. At the same time, you should bathe the ferret less. This is a great trick to having your ferret smelling good despite not adhering to regular bathing routine. Wash the beddings often and make sure to use unscented detergent to avoid possible allergic reactions with the ferret.
- Cage. If your ferret is not allowed to roam freely inside your house, get him a cage. Pick out a cage where he can run around in. Make sure that it is made of a screen or bars to ensure air comes in. This can saturate any odor. For the cage flooring, use fitted linoleum pieces or plastic trays. These are easier to clean and disinfect. Some people opt for an aquarium instead of a cage. This is a terrible idea as it will concentrate the odor into a small space. Since there is no air passing through regularly, the odor will never saturate.
A ferret is a wonderful pet to have especially if you like exotic animals. The problem of odor can easily be avoided by simply cleaning regularly and choosing the right materials needed to take care of your pet. Diligence and smarts is the key to make your ferret odor-free.
