How to Potty Train a Ferret

Pet ferrets can be potty trained so they use a litter pan, similar to a cat. Potty training your ferret will also keep his cage cleaner, and allow him to get out of his cage for more exploring time, without the fear of an accident on the floor.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ferret litter pan
• Pellet litter

Instructions:

1. Purchase a litter pan at your local pet store. Choose from square shaped or triangular corner shapes. Options also include plastic or recyclable, disposable litter pans. Pick a size that will fit into your ferret's cage, without taking up too much space. Buy more than one litter pan if you plan to have multiple locations for your ferret to go potty.

2. Select a ferret safe litter. Choose a pellet style litter, such as aspen wood pellets or recycled newspaper pellets. Avoid clay cat litter, since it can be a choking hazard or create a blockage in the intestines if eaten by a ferret.

3. Investigate your ferret's cage to learn where he goes potty. Look in the corners of the cage and under hiding places. Place the new litter pan in the corner or area where your ferret tends to go to potty the most. Fill the litter pan approximately 1 inch deep with the ferret safe litter.

4. Place an existing piece of ferret feces in the litter pan. Put some urine soiled bedding into the new litter pan too.

5. Watch your ferret's activities in his cage. When you see him investigate the new litter pan, reward him with praise. When you see your ferret hunch over, getting ready to eliminate, put him in the new litter pan to go potty.

6. Praise your ferret when you see him use the litter pan. Reinforce his choice to use the litter pan by giving him verbal or treat rewards. Do this each time you see him use the litter pan, until he uses it every time he needs to go potty.

7. Keep the litter pan clean for your ferret. Using the litter pan on a regular basis will only happen if it is clean and ready for your ferret. You should plan on cleaning the litter pan if there are more than two piles of feces in it.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a ferret litter that is biodegradable. Ferret litter made from natural substances, such as wood pulp, newspaper, shredded wood, grains, paper or alfalfa are good choices. If it is accidentally eaten, it will break down and be able to be eliminated, unlike clumping clay-based litters.

• Never leave your ferret unattended while he is out of the cage. Ferrets can easily get trapped under appliances or get stuck in furnace duct work. Many ferret owners find it necessary to ferret-proof their homes for pets that will be allowed to roam freely with supervision.