Can a Ferret Kill a Rat?

Being a ferret owner if you’re wondering, can a ferret kill a rat? the answer is yes! Your ferret can kill a rat.

Last year, there were lots of rats at my old place and I started to visit there for renovation with my pet ferret. On its very first visit, my ferret hunted three rats and on some visits, my pet cleaned up my place from rats.

Although, it wasn’t a conscious decision, but turned out favorable for my ferret as well as myself.

In this article, I will give you an exclusive guide about ferrets killing rats, ferrets eating rats, rats’s fear of ferrets, ferret training for rat hunting, and much more.

So, read it fully to know everything in, about, and between rats and ferrets.

Ferret kill rat

A ferret is a predator and a rat is a rodent which means a ferret is the killer and a rat is the victim. The predator nature of ferrets is as good as that of dogs and cats.

Rats destroy a lot of things like cutting important papers, eating vegetables, and more. So, a pet ferret is your friend in cleaning your place from the destruction of rats.

Even the smell of ferrets makes rats uncomfortable and they find a safe place to hide. But, it’s the hunting capacity of ferrets that killed rats.

Other than rats, ferrets can kill rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, and more pets.

Will a ferret eat a rat?

Yes, a ferret can eat a rat. Both ferrets and rats are opposite to each other and are enemies when it comes to hunting and eating.

Ferrets can easily hunt and eat small mammals like rats, rabbits, snakes, mice, and other rodents. Because of its predator nature, your pet ferret likes to hunt and eat rodents same applies to rats as well.

Although, it’s also true that, on rare occasions, ferret was seen eating dead animals including rats, rabbits, and so on.

One important thing to note is that rats are larger and more aggressive than your home mouse. So, always, maintain the safety of your pet during hunting.

If you want to add rats to your ferret diet make sure it is pre-killed rats. So, that it could easily eat.

Can a ferret kill a rat?

Yes, a ferret can kill a rat. There are maximum chances that both creatures can’t live together in open space.

In all cases with some exceptions, rats get killed and eaten by ferrets. Even my pet ferret has finished all the rats from my surroundings.

Even now when I take him for a walk, he does search for rats. Its predator nature keeps him awake to look for the rats.

Are ferrets better at killing rats than cats?

Both ferrets and cats are one of the most favorite pets, they are predators in nature. When it comes to killing rats both of them are capable of hunting rats.

However, there are differences in the hunting and killing styles of both pets which makes one more effective than the other.

Here, are various factors to consider before declaring which one is better for killing rats.

1. Physical appearances and strength

This is the most crucial factor that decides who is better at killing rats whether it’s a ferret or a rat.

Generally, ferrets are small in size with long bodies and short legs, which makes them ideal for chasing and killing rats. Ferrets also have the advantage of great physique flexibility which enables them to hunt rats even in tight spaces.

On the other hand, Cats are larger with higher muscular than ferrets. The big perks for cats are their sharp teeth and feet nails, which they use to kill their prey rats.

2. Hunting instinct

Both ferrets and cats hunt the same rodent prey because of the same nature.

Ferrets have a higher persistence capacity for killing rats. They chase and play with their prey rats for a long time before killing them. This makes ferrets better at killing rats than cats, which give up on their prey rats very soon.

3. Size and behavior of rats

Along with the two above factors hunting for rats, there are other important factors as well. It’s true that both ferrets and cats are capable of killing rats.

For both pets, the success of hunting and killing rats depends on the size and behavior of prey rats. The skills and experience of each individual also matter.

For a new ferret and cat, it would be hard to chase, catch, and kill a rat. Other than these factors, the environment in which hunting is taking place also plays a vital role.

Do ferrets and rats get along?

Definitely not, ferrets and rats can’t get along. As one is a predator and the other is prey. Ferrets will attack at the very first chance they get.

However, if you are fed up with excessive rat destruction at your place like me, then for sure you can leave your ferret-free and soon it will kill and eat all the rats.

The only way they get along is by putting them in different cages under the same roof.

Mentioning major reasons why you can’t keep ferrets and rats together:

• Ferrets are hunters and rats are rodent
• Differences in sizes of ferret and rat
• Even the smell of ferrets makes rats scared

Are ferrets good at catching rats?

Yes, ferrets are quite good at catching rats. The predator nature of ferrets always makes them go after rats.

Ferrets have flexible bodies with small legs which give them extra advantage to chase and catch rats even in smaller places.

Also, ferrets have greater smelling power than rats which allows them to run and catch rats even before they realize it. However, rats also have good smell sense.

Alternative to ferrets killing rats

There are numerous alternatives to ferrets killing rats. Before looking into other options, here are reasons why you should be looking for alternatives.

when your ferret is not trained to hunt or the size of your pet is smaller, in such cases there could be reverse consequences. Even, in some cases, it could be even life-threatening to your pet ferrets.

So, here are other alternatives to ferrets killing rats include:

• Predators like Cat, Snake, Dog and more
• Ammonia-soaked cotton pads
• Oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint
• Citronella
• Cedarwood chips

How to train a ferret to hunt rats?

Inherently ferrets a good hunters because they are carnivore animals. Still, if you don’t want to take any chance to train your ferret to hunt rats.

Below are some steps by which you can train your ferret effectively to hunt rats.

• Purchase rodent rat toys from a pet store. The more realistic the toy the better it will work. For this, you can choose battery battery-powered moving rat toy.
• Give a treat to your ferret after chasing a rat toy. Make him/her feel he/she did something and needed to do it more.
• Involve yourself too when your ferret chases the rodent rat toy. This will keep engaging your pet ferret.
• Keep moving the rat toy at a distance from the ferret. As your pet makes an effort and catches it give her a special treat.
• Repeating these steps at regular intervals of time will fully prepare your pet ferret to catch real rats at your place.

How fast can a ferret kill a rat?

Depending upon the size of the rat, ferrets do kill a rat from a few seconds to minutes. The killing time also depends upon the age and experience of the ferrets.

The least time it will take to an adult young ferret to kill a eat a rat. Young ferrets have great flexibility, speed, and energy, which will be needed in chasing the rats.

On the other hand for a micro or baby ferret and an old ferret, it becomes challenging to chase and kill a rat.

How to introduce pet rats and ferrets?

The best and most effective way to introduce them is from their childhood.

In childhood, the predator nature of ferrets has not been developed so they wouldn’t attack on rats. Similarly, rats will not be as prey and can live freely together without any fear.

However, it’s not advisable to keep them in open space after some growth.

If you want them to live together, you can either put them in different cages or keep them under intense supervision.

Will the smell of ferrets keep rats away?

Yes, the smell of ferrets immediately alerts rats about predators and they run away.

So, if you have a question- do ferrets attract rats? And the answer is a clear no.

Rats have a great sense of smell which works in their favor to save them from ferrets and other predators (dogs and cats) as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Would a ferret eat a mouse?

Yes, a ferret can kill and eat a mouse.

Can ferrets eat whole mice?

Yes, as mice are small mammals and ferrets can comfortably eat whole mice.

Will rats go near ferrets?

No, even the smell of ferrets makes it uncomfortable for rats and they run away.

What smell does a rat hate?

A rat hates the smell of peppermint oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, or cedarwood chips. 

Are rats scared of ferrets?

Yes, rats are scared of ferrets.

Conclusion

Now I believe your question- can a ferret kill a rat? has been answered.

A ferret can kill a rat on the very first chance he/she gets. The reasons are their opposite nature ie ferrets are predators to rats and rats are prey to ferrets.

So, you should avoid keeping them in the same space. There is only one way to keep them together by putting them in different cages.

I believe my guide has answered all your questions. Still, if you have any doubts or questions feel free to comment. I would love to solve them.