Almost everyone has a busy schedule in their life. Adults have jobs and kids have classes to attend so staying with your pet most of the day is really tough. Because of this key reason, a lot of people don’t get pets. They don’t know whether their pet is independent enough to last a day without them.
Ferrets are not as common pets like cats and dogs, so you don’t naturally know their needs. People are always puzzled about their nature. They don’t know whether they can live without them for a day or not. Well, the good news is, they can live without you and inside their cage for a day.
If you don’t have a cage, be sure to check out our Top Ferret Cages Review, and if you’re a DIY-er, you can even consider building one yourself.
Should I Let My Ferret Out Of The Cage Before I Go Out?
Ferrets are the type of animals that should not be caged at all times. They need their personal playtime and being locked can make them stressed.
They are curious animals who will go and check every corner of the house. Therefore, if you are not at home, and they are moving freely inside the house, it will be really dangerous if they get in contact with something toxic or dangerous.
You probably have a ferret-proof house but that still does not mean you can let your ferret be the man of the house and let them out of the cage when you are not present at home. Besides, it is not only about the toxic material. Ferrets often destroy furniture too. You don’t want to come back home to see your furniture and wires chewed up.
That is why leaving them in their cage is indeed a good option. It definitely makes them anxious for a while, but it’s temporary. Keeping them inside the cage for a day is for their security.
However, make sure you aren’t keeping them inside the cage over and over again. Once or twice a month is fine. But don’t try to do that daily.
How To Set Up A Cage For Your Ferret Before You Leave?
You can leave your ferret alone for a day as long as its needs are being taken care of. Therefore, first, you should be aware of the daily habits of your ferret. Does your ferret often mess with the food and water bowls? Does it poop outside the litter box?
These are the main concerns of a ferret parent.
If you can handle these concerns and set up the cage according to the behavior and habit of your ferret, then all will be OK.
For example, if your ferret really is a messy eater then the first thing you should do is tie the water and food bowls to the cage. Make sure they are unmoved even with brute force and are not chewable. If they succeed in knocking the bowl over then they will have to stay without water and food for a whole day. And, that is something you don’t want.
Here is a perfect attachable food or water bowl for a ferret available on Amazon.
Snap’y Fit Stainless Steel Pet Bowl: This stainless steel bowl is available in three different sizes. It is specially made for small animals like ferrets. It comes with brackets that can be tied tightly with the cage. You can use it as both a water and a food bowl. It is made of stainless steel. You don’t have to worry about any chemicals getting into your ferret either due to rust because the material is rust-resistant.
Sleeping Essentials For Your Ferret Before You Leave
Ferrets sleep 14-18 hours a day so even if you leave them for a day, they might not even get in much trouble unless they spend the rest of the hours running and destroying their toys inside the cage. To make sure they spend those 18 hours peacefully, you need to offer them the best napping environment.
For instance, ensure that the lights are dim inside their room because ferrets don’t like bright places and they hate to sleep in them even more.
Next, you should make sure their cage is secure and not blazing with sunlight. Just leave a small space for light to reach their cage. However, their bed or hammock should be placed in the dark corner so that they can sleep peacefully.
Luckily, these days you don’t have to worry about their bedding, as we have many ferret hammocks and beds that have a cave-like shape. Ferrets love to sleep inside them, as they prevent light and high noise. They can just hide and snuggle inside them without any irritation.
Leaving Lots Of Toys For Your Ferret
Honestly, it is for the best if you take ferrets in pairs rather than alone. In a situation like this, when you have to leave them inside their cage, a companion can keep them happy and busy.
They won’t miss you if they have a group of friends.
Other ferrets are just like toys for them. They spend time together, sleep together, and play together. That’s why experts always recommend getting more than one ferret.
You can leave other ferret toys inside the cage too, in case if you have only one ferret as a pet. We recommend one or more climbing toys that will give your ferret a physical challenge and keep it occupied.
What If The Temperature Is Too High Or Too Low?
You can’t possibly leave your ferret under the blazing sun with the temperature above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or when it is really cold outside. No matter what the temperature is, make the right preparations and environment for them before getting out of the house.
If the temperature is hot then leave your ferret with more water. Also, try to make their cage cooler with the help of an air conditioner.
If the temperature is cold then you should cover the ferret’s cage with a large piece of cloth so no chilly wind gets inside. If the ferret catches a cold while you are away, they will be in a really bad condition by the time you are back.
Conclusion
Ferrets can be left alone for a day or even for a weekend as long as you take care of these things. But try not to leave them for too long because they can’t really survive inside a home forever without supervision. If it is possible, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check up on the ferret every once in a while. They can give them water and food or let them play outside the cage for a couple of hours if you are on a long tour. If this isn’t possible and no option you have, contact the pet shop owner. They will charge some money, but they can at least feed your ferret for a week or month.