Are Ferrets Good Apartment Pets or Should We Stick With Dogs and Cats?

Having a pet makes life a bit less lonely, don’t you agree? With everything going on in the world, it’s always comforting to have someone at home who will be ecstatic to see us every day. Ferrets, in particular, get attached to their owners and love playing around and cuddling. Yet, the question is — are ferrets good apartment pets at all?

We all know that cats and dogs are domesticated enough to live in harmony with humans (and often, some other animals). However, ferrets have only recently become quite popular as pets, and it’s safe to say some misconceptions still follow them. In fact, most people believe they are smelly and dangerous rodents! 

Luckily, nothing about that is based on hard truth. Though they seem like a lot more work than a small puppy, here are six incredible reasons ferrets are the perfect pets for apartment dwellers!

Let’s Get Our Facts Straight: Why Are Ferrets Good Apartment Pets?

Contrary to popular belief, ferrets are not wild animals that will destroy our homes and bite us every day. Time has shown that these little fuzzies are just as cuddly as puppies and sometimes even more intelligent than cats. Best of all, they thrive in apartments and may even be suitable pets for renters — here’s why.

1. They Are Actually Very Quiet

Is barking a pet peeve you really want to avoid and something your neighbors will have a problem with? Well, you’re in luck, as ferrets rarely vocalize after they pass six to eight weeks of age. They don’t really feel the need to cry out or screech, so keeping the peace in your apartment building will be a breeze.

Another advantage is that ferrets spend most of the day asleep. The only time they may cause some racket is when we come home from work. Often, they get so excited that they rattle the cage door. Otherwise, the only time we’ll hear any noise will be if they are injured or scared of something.

2. They Don’t Mind Being Alone in Their Cage

Are ferrets good apartment pets? According to most owners, they are, purely because they really don’t mind being alone.

One of the hardest parts about owning a dog, for example, is teaching them how to be alone at home. There’s always a chance they’ll become lethargic or anxious when abandoned during the day. That also leads to other behavior issues that may be difficult to resolve later on.

Fortunately, ferrets don’t really care about all that. They will be perfectly happy sleeping in their cages, even if we work long hours. It’s not uncommon for them to sleep 18 hours a day, so they don’t need constant attention. What’s more, even if they’re not asleep, as long as they have their needs met within the cage (there’s food, water, and a place to pee and poop), they’ll be perfectly fine!

3. They’re Excitable but Not Dangerous

One of the best things about ferrets is that they are rather social creatures. They love cuddling up next to their owners and playing around the apartment. In fact, as soon as they wake up, they’re ready to be amused or to entertain us. 

However, as everyone knows, when you have a dog, for instance, it’s not uncommon for them to get too excited and engage in some rough play. As it turns out, that is unlikely to happen if you have a ferret. 

They don’t bite as often as people think — it rarely happens at all. Adult ferrets almost never bite, and they may only react in that way if they get scared or hurt. They could engage in some playful nipping, however, but that can be easily remedied with some training.

4. They Don’t Need a Lot of Space

Now, don’t think for a second a ferret will thrive in a tiny cage. The bigger the cage is, the more comfortable the fuzzy will be. Still, in general, ferrets aren’t animals that need plenty of space for exercise or living, for that matter. 

Unlike some other types of pets, ferrets are actually pretty OK with staying in their cages during the day. They do need some playtime and exercise, of course, but there’s no need for us to take them to the park so that they could run around.

Just letting our ferret out of the cage to roam the apartment is enough to keep them entertained and satisfied. After all, they see the joy in the smallest of things, so even hiding our keys or climbing bookcases is enough to make them happy!

5. You Can Litter-Train Them

Yes, you read that right! As much as we love other animals, the fact we can litter-train ferrets does give them an advantage over some other species.

Since they are small and seemingly ready to please, we can actually litter-train ferrets to ensure our home stays spotless. It may take some time and plenty of patience, as some fuzzies do need a few weeks to figure out what we want them to do. However, once they realize that the litter box is a great place to do the deed, it’s unlikely they’ll have any accidents in the future.

Best of all, we can place the litter box in the cage as well, so while we’re away for work, the ferret will have everything it needs and be as happy as a clam!

Are Ferrets Good Apartment Pets? They Could Be — But They Still Require Proper Care

Even though ferrets seem like the perfect pets, it’s crucial to remember that they still need proper care and plenty of love. Just like in the case of cats and dogs, parrots, and turtles, we do need to pay attention to their basic needs and satisfaction.

Unlike some other animals, ferrets do need a bath every month or so to avoid them stinking up our apartment. Furthermore, they would need us to clean their ears, trim their nails, and ensure their teeth are in good condition. Dental care is especially important as poor hygiene may make them lose their (decayed) teeth, causing major health problems.

Finally, though they can sleep all day long in their cages, ferrets do love socializing, especially with their owners. We ought to let them out for about three hours a day so that they can have their playtime and enough cuddles to keep them satisfied. What’s more, consider taking the fuzzy outside from time to time. Just remember to use a harness, not a regular collar — ferrets are, after all, infamous escape artists!

Our Ferret Care Guide

As in the About Us page on this site, I described how my son Bobby and I are experienced, ferret keepers and breeders with a lifetime of knowledge.

We realized some time ago that there was NOT a complete guide to Ferret keeping.

So, what we did was to compile a comprehensive guide that covers all problems and healthcare-associated with ferrets.

Whether you are an experienced ferret owner or a newbie our guide is perfect for you. Just Click Here to gain immediate access now.

Final Thoughts

So are ferrets good apartment pets? We are happy to say they certainly are, even if you live in a one-bedroom walk-up! 

Ferrets could lead rather happy lives in an apartment, provided they also have a cage that’s comfortable enough for them to spend plenty of time in. Furthermore, they aren’t as fussy as some other types of pets; they don’t need regular walks, we can potty train them to use a litter box, and they’re also easy to feed since there are various brands of premade ferret food readily available.

Best of all, ferrets are small and super quiet, so we won’t get in hot water with our neighbors. Top that off with their love of cuddles and playtime, and you’ve got yourself a pet that will enrich your life while letting you stick to your schedule and lifestyle!

Ferret necessities

Some owners of ferrets can get confused about what they should have when buying a ferret. So, what we did was to carefully select everything you will need. Just have a look at what we have picked for you.