Ferrets have the ability to bring down animals nearly twice their size. They look like small furry mammals, but they are very agile and search tunnels in the wild in search of their prey. But the real problem here is are there any animals that eat or harm ferrets?
It’s true that ferrets can defend themselves pretty well. Because we love our ferrets, though, we don’t want any predators to hunt them and leave it up to chance.
Unfortunately, many animals eat or harm ferrets, particularly living things that are carnivores; the only option they have is to eat other animals to stay alive.
Therefore, we have put together a list of 5 animals (mostly pets) that eat and attack ferrets whenever they get a chance.
1 – Can A Cat Kill A Ferret?
Cats usually don’t kill ferrets, but there are always exceptions.
If you have a cat and you want to add another furry addition to your household, it is very much possible. Cats and ferrets can get along. But it is in your hands how you introduce them both to each other. You can allow your cat to meet the ferret while it is still in the cage and check her response and repeat this meeting as many times as necessary until both are comfortable.
Or, let both animals interact while you are holding them in your hands. If both seem friendly and comfortable with each other, they can grow old together.
Some people think that in a battle between a ferret and a cat, the ferret will win.
It can happen if a ferret is small, and experts and the ferret owners who have cats as well reveal that a ferret can win even before a cat blink.
In fact, some ferrets can eat small cats for lunch.
So, don’t think only your ferret may be in danger. In the presence of a mature ferret, a cat or a kitten can be in danger also.
2 – Can A Dog Kill A Ferret?
Dogs can kill ferrets and they are very rough with them because they think a ferret is their prey and they need to hunt it. Though it doesn’t mean ferrets can’t be around dogs. With some training and supervision, both pets can get along.
Keep in mind, most of the time dogs tolerate ferrets because you are standing on their head. They don’t do anything wrong in the presence of their owner… Once you leave them alone with the ferret, they can attack and kill them.
If you have seen dogs with ferret buddies, it doesn’t mean you should have both in your home as well. It is a one-in-a-thousand example. We know we are coming off sounding like dog hater, but we want you to be aware of dog’s vicious behavior, especially when they are alone with ferrets.
3 – Do Eagles or Hawks Eat Ferrets?
Eagles or Hawks will attack and eat ferrets whenever they get a chance.
You have to protect your ferrets from these birds of prey, especially if you let them play in your backyard or lawn. Luckily, we don’t have too many incidents where eagles or hawks are attacking someone’s pet ferrets but many incidents have been recorded when eagles attacked small dogs and puppies. Their presence in the air can be dangerous for the ferrets.
We understand it is immensely difficult for an eagle to catch a ferret on the ground as ferrets are very quick. Even for the ferret owners, it is difficult to catch. However, the eagles can still take their chance if lots of ferrets are playing in your backyard.
If you are still interested in making your ferrets play in the backyard, stay with them while they are playing in the open space or install a shade to block the view of the air predators.
The ASTEROUTDOOR Store offers a great backyard shade that prevents flying predators from attacking your small ferrets. It blocks their view entirely and doesn’t give them the courage to even sit on the wall or go under the shade. It is a 100% high-density fabric that is breathable and also has 95% UV block. Your ferrets will also love to play under the shade as it protects them from the direct light and heat and keeps the airflow comfortable.
4 – Do Badgers Attack Ferrets?
This question is for the wild ferrets as badgers aren’t domestic pets.
Badgers are very well known for killing and eating ferrets. They have a destructive temperament and aggressive behavior that pushes them to see wild ferrets as their enemy. The presence of ferrets in any way around them causes discomfort to them.
In the wild, badgers are perhaps the worst enemy of ferrets. Though ferrets give them a tough time in the fight for survival, due to size, badgers win and kill ferrets.
5 – Can Snakes Kill Ferrets?
Poisonous snakes like rattlesnakes can kill ferrets.
But ferrets often kill a small snake easily. If you have small pet snakes like Western Hognose, Antaresia Childreni, Dasypeltis, or Kenyan Sand Boa, at home, you have to be extremely careful as they can be hunted, dragged, and killed by your pet ferret.
In case you have giant snake pets in your home, such as Royal Python, then you have to protect your ferrets as large snakes can easily grab and swallow the entire ferret.
Conclusion
These are a few animals and birds that eat both wild and domestic ferrets. It is possible to train some of these animals (cats and dogs) but there is no guarantee they won’t attack or eat your ferret. Cats, dogs, and even ferrets have many different breeds as well; not all of them are the same or will respond the same way.
We don’t know which animal breeds you have and how they act in the presence of ferrets. For example, most cat breeds are calm and playful, but there are certain breeds like Korat, Egyptian Mau, and American Wirehaire that are aggressive and considered the meanest.
You can’t expect the meaner, more violent breeds to always kind to your ferrets.
Some pet breeds are the most territorial. Their jealousy doesn’t allow them to have any other pet around them. They can hunt, kill, and eat the ferret to prove their dominance. In any of these cases, it’s best to play it safer when bringing a new pet into their environment or vice versa.