Live Life Team
Ferrets are meticulously clean animals, and are the most content in well-kept cages or enclosures. Properly housing ferrets — whether indoor or out — requires fastidious maintenance to ensure health and happiness. Ferret cages must be cleaned regularly to avoid undue stress on the animals, and health problems that can arise from unsanitary living conditions.
Cage bedding should be removed and washed at least weekly with detergent free of dyes or fragrances. If using fabric to line sleeping areas, always check for signs of tearing or chewing. Damaged bedding should be replaced immediately to prevent chocking or intestinal blockage from ingested fabric or stuffing. If the ferret is litter trained, the litter should be scooped out at least twice a day. Ferrets will not relieve themselves in a litter tray that is too dirty, and this can cause gastrointestinal problems and unnecessary accidents. Food and water dishes must be cleaned daily, especially if the ferret is fed any raw food, to prevent spoilage of uneaten items. Toys should also be cleaned or replaced regularly, so that bacteria do not accumulate.
Once a week, the cage should have a major cleaning. Using cages with “easy clean” features like removable floor trays and quick access doors makes this a simple job. Scrub floor trays, litter pans, food bowls and ramps. Wash bedding, hammocks and hanging sleep sacks. Replace litter fill and wipe down cage bars, nesting boxes and toys. Avoid using disinfectant wipes, harsh cleansers or bleach solutions, which contain chemicals that can harm ferrets; antibacterial dish soap and warm water work perfectly well. For accidents or quick clean-ups between major tidying, baby wipes are an excellent choice.
