(^68) AnimalTales
HABITAT
Ferrets prefer cages with multiple levels.
Their house should have ramps or stairs
for climbing and shelves or hammocks for
perching. Ferrets also like to nestle and
burrow, so consider throwing in a blanket
or an old t-shirt for added comfort. For
the safety of your pet, make sure you buy
a cage that is designed specifically for
ferrets. The cage must have bars that are
spaced 1 inch or less apart. If the bars
are any wider, your ferret may be able to
squeeze through them and escape.NIKOLAI
TSEVETKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK;
IVANONVA
N/SHUTTERSTOCK;
THOMAS
LESTER/GETTY;
BLUERINGMEDIA/GETTY
Pet Care
These fun-
loving fur balls
make entertaining
pets! Here’s what
you need to know if
you’re thinking
about gettingSo You Want to Get aFERRET!
PERSONALITY
Ferrets are zany and playful. They are inquisitive, social animals withmaintenance than their canine and feline
counterparts — you’ll need to supervise
them whenever they’re out of their
cage because they can be quite
mischievous!SLEEP
SCHEDULE
Like cats, ferrets
enjoy their naps
and will often sleep
between 18 and 20
hours per day. They’re
crepuscular, so they’re
up at dusk and dawn.
Once they’re awake,
ferrets like to be super-
active, so get ready
to play! The more you
entertain them, theVET VISITS
Ferretsrequirevaccinationsat 8,
11 and 14 weeksold.Theyalso
needa rabiesvaccinationby the
timethey’re 12 weeksold.After
that,ferretsundertheageof two
shouldvisitthevetforregular
check-upsoncea year.Older
ferretsundergoa wellnessexam
at leasttwicea year.(Whileyou’re
there,askyourvethowto clip
yourferret’s nails—it’s a task
you’llregularlyneedto perform!)