All animals come with their own set of pros and cons. And, it is the same way with ferrets and cats. They have some incredible pros, and some unique drawbacks as well. That’s why it is hard to choose the best option between these two creatures. Because most people don’t know which pet is more friendly, easy to maintain, and good enough for their children.
Let’s find out which one is a better pet for your family.
What If You Leave Your Pet Ferrets or Cats Alone?
Well, there will be hundreds of situations when you have to leave your pet alone. You can’t take a ferret or cat with you everywhere, and you will eventually leave them in someone else’s hands, or by themselves entirely.
Leaving A Cat Alone:
Cats enjoy their independence more than many other common pets like dogs or ferrets. They clean themselves often and like to stay clean all the time. So, even if they get themselves dirty, you don’t have to worry about all your furniture getting ruined.
If you clean their litter box, fill their food and water bowl then you don’t have to be concerned about their needs. You can leave cats without supervision for a day without any problem.
In some cases, when cats get in a playful mood, they might end up scratching your furniture or break something, while chasing their friend or toy. But it is a rare situation. They usually don’t break or scratch your furniture and try to stay busy with their friends and toys.
Leaving A Ferret Alone:
Ferrets are mostly taken in pairs, because owners typically realize that these pets prefer the company of other ferrets. They won’t feel as bored when they have a partner in crime.
Surprisingly, ferrets are not so messy pets. You can even leave them alone for a week!
Of course, that means you have to make sure they get proper food and water during that time. They should have a clean litter box too, or else they will even make your floor dirty.
Ferrets prefer to lay low most of the time and require a few hours of playtime. If you ferret proof the room then you can leave them without supervision for a decent amount of time and return home without any problem.
Neutering Your Ferrets vs. Neutering Cats
Neutering or spaying is extremely important; depending on the pet you are getting and whether you are ready for having baby pets around your house.
Neutering protects your pets from several diseases and aggressive behaviors habits. In a way, the neutering process isn’t just about keeping the babies away.
Neutering A Cat:
Cats are not usually neutered even if you take them from a pet store. When you take in a cat, you will have to pay the cost of neutering it by yourself.
Neutering your cat is not exactly a need, because it doesn’t temper with their health. If you don’t opt for this process, the only thing you need to worry about is a lot of kittens. You have to take care of them if they get born.
Neutering A Ferret:
Neutering or spaying ferrets is important. It can change their life and drastically improve their health.
In fact, spaying is so impactful on a ferret’s health, that not spaying your female ferret is actually life-threatening for them. It invites a lot of diseases, such as Aplastic Anemia, which happens when female ferrets go to heat and can’t find a male ferret to mate with them.
Male ferrets are safe without being neutered but it makes them aggressive in other ways. They start biting and scratching other ferrets or their owner if they are in heat.
However, it is a good thing that most ferrets are already neutered and spayed when they are still young, so you don’t have to worry about the consequences. But still don’t forget to ask about this thing if you are buying a pet ferret from a pet store.
The Homing Instinct of Cats Compared to Ferrets
Homing instinct is when a pet is familiar with the place they live at and can get back there if they ever get lost. If a pet does not have a homing instinct then you will have to arrange search parties to help get your pet back.
Homing Instinct Of A Cat:
Cats have a good homing instinct. A lot of cats go outside to mate and come back to their home easily. Male cats go out often to mark their territory by fighting other cats in the area.
However, even if your cat does not go outside, they still have a good homing instinct. An adult cat can find its way back home if they haven’t gone too far away.
If you want to build your cat’s homing instinct more, it will be good if you take them outside for a walk to help them get familiar with their area.
Homing Instinct Of A Ferret:
Ferrets don’t have a homing instinct at all. They are not the kind of pets that can roam outside freely without supervision and come back home on their own.
They mostly stay within the house territory. If somehow they accidentally get out then you can’t expect them to be back. You will have to organize a search party for your ferret if you want them back. And, it won’t be easy to get them back either, as they are small creatures and hide them easily in an open field.
Noises Made by Cats and Ferrets
Animals make loud noises often at night. This usually gets you complaints from the neighbors, because the constant noise disturbs not only you but also the people around you.
Cats:
Cats are walking balls of disaster, and this disaster seems to get more active at night. You will see your cat running around the house in the middle of the night while knocking things over.
They get in fights with other cats too and make very loud noises while doing so.
Ferrets:
Ferrets on the other hand are really quiet pets. You will never see them making loud noises even if they get in a quarrel with other ferrets.
The most they can do is make a light squeaky noise when they are irritated. You can learn more about the various types of ferret hisses here.
Conclusion: Which Pet Is Better?
Both animals are extremely loved and adored by people so the decision is only yours to make.
Before getting any one of them, keep in mind who you are getting the pet for. If it is for an elderly person, then you will have to think about the life span of the pet, their needs & habits, and whether they are high maintenance.
Ferrets are not great pets for small children but they are amazing for elderly people as they don’t require much time as compared to cats. Considering these small details can change your whole perspective about both pets.
With that said though…we unfortunately have to make a decision. And you might have guessed by the name of this site. We side with team ferret!