Working to ferret-proof your home is one of the very first things a new ferret owner should do, preferably before the ferret ever comes home from the pet store or shelter. Once your home has been ferret-proofed, don’t assume you’ll never have to do it again. Something as simple as rearranging the furniture or buying a new couch can lead to a whole new source of ways a ferret can get into trouble at home.
Get Everything Off The Floor
The first thing to do when you want to ferret-proof your home, or at least the part of your house dedicated to your pet, is to get everything off the floor. Wrappers, papers, rubber bands, sponges, erasers, even dustbunnies in the corners can be hazardous to an animal that explores every nook and cranny with its nose to the ground. (This of course will be no problem as you are a neat and tidy person anyway :) )
Nooks & Crannies
Speaking of nooks and crannies, you need to know that any hole big enough for your ferret to stick its head in is big enough for its whole body. Any hole you can stick a quarter into should be repaired or otherwise plugged in order to ferret-proof your home. Block any space your pet can use to crawl under doors. Use electric outlet covers designed for baby safety, and check from the ground up to see if you missed any place your pet might be able to wriggle into. Make sure all of your heating vents are properly covered as well, ferrets and furnaces are a bad combination.
Latches
Door latches designed to keep children out of cupboards and cabinets are a really good idea. Ferrets love to open and play in closets and other interesting spaces, including drawers. If your pet finds the stash of cleaners most people keep under their kitchen sink, your ferret might not survive the encounter.
Furniture
Take a good look at your furniture as you ferret-proof your home. Anything that moves and changes, like a recliner, rocking chair or a hideaway sofa bed can crush and maim a ferret exploring them. Ferrets have been known to drown falling in the toilet, or being tossed into the washer when they were sleeping in a load of laundry. Something as simple as a toilet paper roll can be deadly if it gets stuck on your ferret’s head.
Do the best you can to ferret-proof your home, then test what you’ve done by letting your ferret romp around. Watch your pet as it explores. If you missed anything dangerous, your ferret will find it for you.
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