How to Handle and Clean a Ferret

Ferrets are lively pets that can live for several years if their owners care for them properly. Ferrets are clean in that they groom themselves and use a litter box. However, unlike cats, ferrets have scent glands that give the animal a strong odor many people find offensive. Learn to handle and clean your ferret to manage the health and hygiene of your pet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ear cleaning solution
• Cotton swabs
• Nail trimmers
• Ferret shampoo
• Kitten toothbrush
• Bristled finger cap

1. Pick a ferret up by firmly clasping it on the scruff of its neck. The scruff is the loose skin behind the neck and below the head. Picking a ferret up by the scruff doesn't hurt it.
2. Support a ferret's bottom when you pick it up by the scruff of its neck. This is more comfortable for the ferret than letting its feet dangle and gives a measure of safety if the ferret squirms loose from your grip.
3. Clean a ferret's outer ears to prevent problems with ear mites. Squirt some ear cleaning solution manufactured for cats onto a cotton swab and gently remove crust buildup from the ears.
4. Trim a ferret's nails with human or cat nail trimmers. Ask an assistant to hold the ferret by the scruff, supporting the bottom and trim only the white part of the nail. Stop short of the pink nail quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
5. Bathe a ferret with kitten or ferret shampoo. Some ferrets like the water and enjoy playing in the sink sprayer, while others require a bathing helper to hold the ferret by the scruff during bathing.
6. Remove tartar from the ferret's teeth weekly. If your ferret tolerates it, you can scrape the teeth with your fingernail. You can also use a kitten toothbrush or a bristled cap that fits on your fingertip.

Tips & Warnings

• Minimize ferret odor by spaying or neutering your ferret, which reduces its desire to mark its territory by spraying oils from the scent glands.