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Whether you live in the city or out in the country, In a small home or an apartment, it’s always good to know whether the pet you’re intending on getting will be a good fit for your home.
When it comes to ferrets, many people believe that since they are small animals, they would make the perfect pet for someone who lives in a smaller home, like an apartment. But is this really the case? Let’s find out!
Are Ferrets Good Pets For Apartments? Yes!
Whilst ferrets naturally live outdoors, they are becoming increasingly popular as indoor pets.
This is because they are tiny animals that do not require a lot of space, even to play.
Ferrets are also relatively easy to care for and easily adapt, which makes them a good choice for people who live in smaller homes, like apartments.
Their diet is fairly simple and consists of mostly raw meats and are relatively quiet animals and do not bark or make any loud noises, which makes them ideal for people who live in close quarters with others, like in an apartment.
The only downside to having a ferret as a pet in an apartment is that they are escape artists and will try to find any way possible to get out of their enclosure, so it is important to have a secure area for them to play and explore in.
Laws and Regulations
Ferrets are legal to keep in most US states and Canadian provinces. You can check here and here respectively for your state or province’s laws and regulations on keeping ferrets.
You will also need to be sure the rules and regulations of your building management or landlords allow you to keep ferrets as pets.
(Check out our guide on how to have a stealth ferret)
Some states may require you to have your ferret vaccinated or even registered.
Generally speaking, as long as your ferret is healthy and you are taking good care of it, there should be no issue with keeping a pet ferret in an apartment.
Outdoor Time
Ferrets require no outside time as such, However, it’s always nice to let them out to play and explore in a safe area.
A small fenced-in yard or balcony or even just a sunny room that can be set up with some toys and tunnels for your ferret to explore will suffice.
As long as you provide your ferret with enough playtime and enrichment, they will be happy living in an apartment.
Smell Could Be A Potential Issue
Ferrets are synonymous with having a musky smell, which some people find to be unpleasant.
This is due to their bodies producing a high amount of oil, which gives them a distinct smell.
Litter training is also highly advised when it comes to keeping ferrets in an apartment as accidents will happen and the smell could potentially linger.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce the smell, such as:
– Bathe your ferret regularly (once a week is enough) using a ferret-specific shampoo
– Use an air purifier in your home
– Keep their sleeping area and litter box clean
– Avoid feeding them smelly foods like fish
They do require some effort to keep them smelling fresh and clean, but it is definitely possible to do so if you are willing to put in the time and effort. If done right your neighbors should never even know they are there.
