A ferret cage must be properly designed, set up, and furnished - right down
to the bedding.
Bedroom(s)
What should you put inside the cage? The most important words to keep in
mind are "soft" and "sturdy." Just about any soft durable
fabric will be ideal for your ferret's cage. Old T-shirts, sweat shirts,
blankets, and throw rugs make great hiding places. After all,
"ferret" means "thief," and a good thief needs a hideout.
Your fuzzies will love to burrow and hunker down in an old blanket or quilt.
You may want to stitch the fabric into a quick hammock and hang it from the
cage ceiling. You'll be surprised at how many ferrets can pile up into one tiny
hammock. If you don't have sewing skills, never fear. Most pet-supply shops and
websites will have pre-made ferret hammocks to order.
Walls/floors/windows
Most experienced ferret owners prefer to house their pets in a
"condo-style" cage. This is a multi-level wire cage that allows
maximum romping room while still taking up only a minimum of your floor space.
If you opt for a cage made of plastic-coated wire, check periodically to make
sure your ferret hasn't gnawed the coating, which could make your ferret sick.
Of course, the cage walls should be strong and thick enough to keep your
ferrets inside and everyone else outside. The door latch should be secure but
easy access for humans.
Remember that a wire cage's walls are also its windows. No one likes to be
"on-stage" all the time, even your ferret. Much as it loves you, your
ferret needs some privacy. So sometimes it's a good idea to use an old sheet or
blanket to cover the cage at night.
The cage's floors should not be made of wire or carpet. Wire can damage
your pet's paws, and carpet fibers can become lodged in ferret claws. And if a
ferret eats carpet, wool, or other material, it can lead to intestinal
problems.
Dining room
You will need two items in your ferret's dining room: a water source and a
food source. For the water source, some owners prefer to use a heavy, non-tipping
bowl while others prefer to use a water bottle. Both have their advantages and
disadvantages. A bowl makes it easy for several pets to drink at once. Plus,
it's fun to watch a ferret splash around in the water. However, the splashing
does make a mess that needs to be cleaned up. On the other hand, a water bottle
makes clean-up a breeze, but some owners find a water bottle is not as
convenient to check and refill as a bowl.
A heavy, non-tipping food bowl is best for food. You may opt for one that
attaches to the cage wall or one that stands alone. Whichever kind you choose,
make sure it is placed within easy reach of both your ferret and of the person
who cleans and refills the bowl.
Bathroom(s)
Of course, you will need litter boxes, but resist the temptation to use cat
litter. Use only dust-free litter made specifically for pet ferrets. They love
to burrow in litter, and the clumping varieties can clog up ferret nasal
passages.
Place the litter in a litter box designed to fit in a corner of the cage.
Ferrets tend to use corners, so a triangular-shaped box is easiest to keep
clean. You should keep one or two within the cage and also have an additional
litter box or two outside the cage for play time. Pay attention to your
ferret's preferred place to "go," and place the box there.
