How to Ferret Proof a House

Sleeping Ferret

Ferrets were first domesticated by humans around 2500 years ago. These little furry critters have been a joy for people to own for 25 centuries, but their size and curiosity ensures that houses aren't always safe for ferrets. Ferret proofing your house is not a difficult task; it just takes a little time and patience. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure that your little friend is around as long as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Ferret proof barriers
• Cabinet locks

Instructions

1. Ensure that all medications and cleaning supplies in the house are stored in their proper place. These items should ideally be kept in high cabinets. If you keep these items in other cabinets, ensure that the cabinets are protected with durable childproof latches.

2. Check the entire house for holes in the walls. These holes could lead into the walls or even outside. Both of these places are dangerous for ferrets. Also ensure that you block off all of the spaces under the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and cabinets. Anything the ferret could possibly crawl under should be blocked at all times, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Some spaces can be blocked with just a towel. If you find a hole, block it immediately and have it patched as soon as possible. While doing this, block off all unsafe rooms with ferret proof barriers.

3. Make sure your bathroom, which should be blocked, is still safe for your ferret if he happens to get in. Ensure that the toilet seat is down at all times, as the ferret may try to crawl in. Also, keep the soap out of reach of the ferret. Remember that some ferrets can climb up the cabinet, so it may be best to keep the soap up on a high dish.

4. Remember that ferrets like to play with objects that are not safe for them. This means you must keep sponges, Styrofoam products, foam rubber and soft rubber out of their reach. These items could include toys, shoe inserts, exercise weights, coasters, rubber bands, can holders or even buckets with foam rubber handles. Make sure these items are either in a high area the ferret cannot reach, or in a safe cabinet.

5. Specify one room for your ferret. This should be a room that the ferret can play in unsupervised. He can have toys in the room, but nothing he can hurt himself with. This includes couches and beds, as he can dig holes into them and eat their contents. Also, make sure that you keep your ferret inside of its cage while you are either sleeping or away from home.

6. Keep all house plants in areas that the ferret cannot reach. Some house plants can be toxic to ferrets and may kill them if eaten.

7. Ensure that the laundry room is always completely off limits to the ferret. It is very unsafe for him to be in this room. Just in case, however, make sure to check all of your clothes before putting them into the washing machine or dryer. Check the dryer for sleeping ferrets before putting clothes into it as well.

8. Remember that furniture is a potential hazard for ferrets as well. Always check where you are sitting before sitting down. Also, if you have a recliner, check under the chair before reclining in it. If your ferret is under the recliner when you lean back, he could be crushed. It is also a good idea to check for holes in couches and chairs and fix them immediately if you find any. If your ferret eats the insides of furniture, it could die. Also, if there are areas such as furniture or high shelves that your ferret can access, supervise the ferret around them.

9. Make sure you check the dishwasher before turning it on. You would be amazed where ferrets can get to.

10. Make sure that all wastebaskets and trashcans are kept away from your ferret. Also, when throwing away a toilet paper or paper towel roll, cut it in half (lengthwise). This will prevent your ferret from getting its head stuck in a roll and suffocating.

11. Ensure all of your ferret's toys are safe. Safe toys include hard rubber, plastic, tightly braided rope and sturdy stuffed animals. These stuffed animals shouldn't have any small pieces that the ferret may be able to chew off.

Tips & Warnings

• Your ferret proof barriers cannot be child or pet proof gates. Ferrets will try to climb these.

• Buy a ferret gate from an animal store or construct your own.

• Measure your door width and buy a piece of plexiglass or wood that is the width of the door, but 3 feet high. Wedge the piece into the door frame for your very own ferret barrier.