Have you ever wondered if a cat could get along with a ferret? It’s not a very common question. But if you ever did have it for some reason, this blog post is for you!
If you have a ferret and would love to bring a cat home or vice versa, we will go over the process of introducing them, and how to avoid any problems. Quick heads up: cats and ferrets can get along if introduced properly!
They have proven to coexist well. However, there are many things to take into consideration to do it the right way. For example, if you have only one cat who is very territorial and jealous of his space it can be a long and hard process, even more so if the ferret is young since they can be very playful and mischievous, as ferrets love to tease by nipping at their tails or feet, which can result annoying to an uninterested cat, thus leaving the door open to end badly.
Quick Facts About Ferrets
- They belong to the weasel family, and it is very likely they descend from the European polecat
- They were domesticated around 2500 years ago, and they were used mostly for hunting rodents and even rabbits.
- they are more active at dawn and dusk
- Their average lifespan is 8 years
- Ferrets are not so uncommon to have at a household, they have gained popularity as pets since the 80-90s period.
Is it dangerous?
Only if you throw them into the same room and leave them at their will with the door closed! For ferrets to get along with cats you must be there not just to keep an eye on them, but to ensure a safe and methodical introduction process. Make sure that you have a ferret cage so that they can interact safely, as they won’t be able to attack each other. The first encounters should be slow but steady.
In case of a fight, cats have the upper hand; they are larger and can hurt a ferret with their sharp claws easily. This is unlikely though, even more if you stick around.
It is common to hear ferrets hissing; if this happens while with a cat, this should be your signal to end the encounter for now.
Can They Be Good Company To Each Other?
Absolutely! Cats and ferrets share many similarities: They are both crepuscular (they sleep during the day and are awake during the night), and they are also hunters and obligate carnivores. Both of them also like to play fighting, more than real fighting, so they will spend some time doing this once they earn each other’s trust.
How to introduce a ferret to a cat
As this is a cat’s blog, for the sake of the explanation, let’s assume that you already have a cat and you want to introduce a ferret to the house. If you would like to see the process in motion with a few ferrets and a kitten, watch this video.
- Ensure their safety: This can be a stressful moment for both of them, this is why you need to stay close during the first encounters. To avoid any fighting, you should keep the ferret inside their cage for the first few days (usually 3 to 4)
- Allow closer interaction: After the first few days, you should allow them to interact without the cage separating them. You will probably start seeing the ferret teasing your cat, and depending on your cat’s response, you should take a few steps back or just let them if it’s safe for both.
- Give them space: Don’t stay in the middle or just hold one of them, They will build trust only if they can approach each other naturally.
- Never leave them unsupervised: You may think things are going well, but they can be highly unpredictable. You must be there to intervene if necessary.
- Don’t have them eat next to each other: This can lead to food aggression and it can come from both sides. The same applies to toys; avoid play aggression at all costs by separating each other’s toys and do not let them play with one another’s toys.
Other considerations
It is best to introduce cats and ferrets when they are young, as they get used to being together from a young age. Adults can be harder to get acquainted with. But do not let this discourage you if this is your case! This is not a hard procedure, in most cases it just requires patience.
If the process gets hard and they do not seem to get along, ensure that each has a space they can call their own, ideally separated rooms. For cats, a high place can be enough.
Should cats and ferrets remain separated if I’m not at home?
In case you are still in the process of introduction, this is a no-brainer. But if some time has already passed and they seem to be getting along already, then it is safe to assume nothing bad will happen. You just have to be 100% sure that they already have a good relationship.
Conclusions
Cats do like ferrets! If you follow the steps for a successful introduction, they will surely be fine! After this stressful period (for them and maybe for you), cats and ferrets can be hilarious while playing together.
If you are thinking about how to get a free ferret, you can always adopt it.
Ferrets are very silly and they will surely make you laugh quite often; not only that, but they will hopefully make your cat amazing company.
Wow it is incredible!!!