How Ferrets Are Dangerous? Ultimate Ferret Saftely Tips You Needed

It may sound weird or uncomfortable- how ferrets are dangerous?

Buy, yes true that your lovely pet ferret can also be dangerous on some occasions. As a proud ferret owner, you must know all ferret danger traits.

In, this article, I will give in-depth knowledge- how ferrets are dangerous? I will also be sharing ferret safety tips and tricks with my personal experience.

So, read until the end for practical knowledge of ferret danger and safety.

How ferrets are dangerous?

If you are still wondering or questioning- are ferrets dangerous? then the clear answer is yes, ferrets are dangerous.

The socially active, cute, curious, and adorable pet becomes dangerous. When your ferret gets annoyed or angry then they become quite dangerous to everything around.

The strong jaws and sharp teeth make it easier for ferrets to give any surprise bites and scratches.

So, as a ferret owner, you must be taking care of your furry friend which involves good ferret treats, playing time and space, cages, and more.

All these things required proper guidance and supervision to ensure healthy and safe companionship.

Are ferrets dangerous?

Yes, ferrets are dangerous not all the time but sometimes.

There are various reasons behind your furry friend getting dangerous. Ferrets’ dangerousness is exhibited in various ways to the different thing.

On that note, here are things that can be under ferret danger mood and mode:

• Ferrets can be dangerous to small kids and babies at your home.
• Ferrets also show anger toward other pets like cats, dogs, rabbits, and more.
• They can be dangerous to your important papers as ferrets like biting and tearing.
• Most importantly they can be dangerous to you as they bite and scratch in anger.

Ferrets can also give you a sudden bite if they are accidentally hurt. So, you have to manage the risks of being handled by ferrets.

Why and how ferrets are dangerous to humans?

Whenever your pet ferret isn’t getting things like good food, owner’s attention, playground, and more.

Such things are major reasons for your ferret getting unsatisfied which comes into dangerous from of activities.

The lack of these things makes ferrets angry which turns your ferrets dangerous in multiple ways. Be ready to know precisely and practically- how ferrets are dangerous?

Following are the activities or things your furry friend will do when he/she gets angry that are dangerous humans.

Ferret bites

There can be various reasons for the biting of ferrets. Like if the ownership of the ferret changes then it needs time to adjust to new places.

In such cases, if you’re holding a ferret and he/she wants to play or run, then your ferret might bite.

Like any new pet ferrets too need time and space to adjust and become familiar with any new places. Ferret bites also take place when there is noise around and in such time he/she makes an effort to be in quiet places.

If you are still holding against their desire then there are maximum chances that your ferret will bite you.

It took time to build the comfort of the relationship so the same goes with ferrets as well.

Ferret scratches

If you’re an old ferret owner then you must know that ferret has sharp nails which help them in digging.

Their nail claws are such sharp and strong that they dig at one place and come out to another and digging is one of the favorite things of ferrets.

So, you must be extra careful while holding ferrets, you can wear thick full-sleeved clothes so that ferret scratches can’t hurt you.

It would be much better if you cut the extra nail growth of your ferret from any groomer.

Ferret rabies

I’m talking about- how ferrets are dangerous? but, don’t forget that ferrets a fragile animals which makes them easily get rabies from other pet animals.

Once your pet gets rabies-infected then there is a strong possibility that you will get rabies from your ferret. In such cases, the right vaccination under a ferret veterinarian will help you be cured.

It would be best if you vaccinate your furry friend under a ferret veterinarian which will keep your pet from getting rabies from other animals or pets.

So, ultimately you will be safe from ferret rabies.

Influenza

Influenza is probably the only disease that you can get from your pet and vice versa.

These diseases easily transfer from your furry friend to you when you have a close bond with your pet. It’s good that the ferret can recover from mild influenza.

But it could be quite risky for small kids in your home because it can easily transfer from ferret to smaller kids.

The other important point to notice is that it contains HIN virrus which can’t easily beaten by smaller kids due to lesser body stamina and resistance power.

Ferret diet

Mentioning it in last for knowing- how ferrets are dangerous? but, it is the initial reason and probably the biggest thongs that make your ferrets dangerous.

As the ferret is a carnivore animal so feed them accordingly. Meat is the prime food of ferrets which they can eat in raw and cooked form.

Ferrets need high protein food which gets fulfilled by the meat of their prey like chicken, mouse, rabbit, etc.

However, if you’re a new ferret owner then there are chances that you may feed vegetarian food to your ferret, but remember don’t do it.

The only comfort is you can feed vegetarian food as a snack that is only once in a while not regular basis. You can read my new article about the best homemade ferret treats in 2024.

Ferrets are dangerous to other animals

In the United States, most houses have one or more pet animals like cats, dogs, ferrets, fish, and more.

It depends on the training of your ferret to if it’s dangerous to other pets or ferret or not. If you bring a new adult ferret then there are higher chance that he/she might get dangerous.

A ferret may be dangerous to rabbits, cats, dogs, and ferrets if you leave without any supervision.

Ferrets with rabbits

Rabbits are quite fragile and cute pets and they like to live in solitude. Possosite to ferrets they aren’t carnivore animals.

Whenever ferrets get angry, rabbits are one of the easiest and softest targets to express their anger. So, if you have rabbits at your place then never leave your ferret free without any supervision.

You never know when your furry friend start looking at rabbits as their meal.

Ferrets with cats

As both ferrets and cats are carnivore animals then never assume that they can be a good companion to each other.

In anger or hunger mode both are dangerous to each other. So, it’s best to never leave them free without any supervision.

If you bring a new ferret or cat then try to bond them slowly. To do so you can keep them in a cage close to each other so that they can see, smell, and observe each other.

After eight to ten days you can leave them free for some time under strict supervision.

Ferrets with dogs

Both ferrets and dogs share the same territorial and carnivore nature which means they can tolerate any other animals renter in their private space.

If a ferret is an adult and the dog is small then the ferret will power the dog by attacking and it could also be life-threatening as well.

If the dog is an adult then no matter whether it’s a kitten or adult ferrets they will attack. So, it’s best to cage your ferret when you aren’t available for monitoring.

Ferret with ferrets 

Probably this is the hardest and most competitive danger pair among all as both are the same animals.

One ferret can be highly dangerous to others to such an extent that their fight lasts for half an hour and sometimes more than that.

To build compatibility between your ferrets you need to introduce them gradually. First in the cage and then in a free open space under tight supervision.

So, never thought that since they are the same animals so would be comfortable with each other.

Ferret diseases to humans and how to cure?

You may wonder- what diseases can ferrets give to humans?

Well, several ferret diseases can be transmitted to human beings. Your pet ferret can easily transfer bacteria and parasites like Salmonella, Campylobacter Giardia, and Cryptosporidia into their intestinal tract.

Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis are temporary and may cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and fever. Usually, it took one or more than one week to recover from it.

These ferret bacteria are transmitted majorly during cage and litter box cleaning. Your pet can also carry ringworm fungus, fleas, and scabies mites.

So, must be aware during cleaning and dealing with other stuff. The best and ultimate solution to keep your ferret healthy and keep doing regular vaccinations and check with up ferret veterinarian.

Are ferrets dangerous for babies?

Not all but depending on the nature of individual ferrets they are dangerous for babies.

There have been several reports of ferret babies or kids attacks. Some of them were mild while some were quite dangerous.

One important thing you must know as a ferret owner, they usually attack babies who only can’t crawl or barely stand to walk or run.

The wound or attack of ferrets must be examined for rabies prophylaxis and infection in the first place.

What illnesses can ferrets get from humans?

So far we have talked about illnesses or diseases humans get from ferrets but, now we will see- what illness can ferrets fet from humans?

Ferrets can easily infected by influenza A and B viruses which are largely known as human flu. Flu spreads to ferrets through humans coughing, sneezing, and talking.

In coughing and sneezing, the droplets transfer from your mouth to the ferret’s mouth which he takes in breathing resulting in a catch of the flu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can humans pass colds to pets?

No, because ferrets have adequate resistance power.

Can ferrets catch human colds?

No, ferrets can’t catch human colds.

What is the wasting disease in ferrets?

Aleutian disease is a wasting disease in ferrets.

Is it cruel to keep a ferret as a pet?

No, it’s not cruel to keep a ferret as a pet. However, if you caged ferrets for a longer time then it is cruel.

Conclusion

So, now I believe you get the answer- how ferrets are dangerous?

Your pet ferret might get dangerous in many ways. He/she may bite, scratch, or infect you.

There are different reasons for different ways in which a ferret becomes dangerous to you. All danger and their cure are mentioned above.

Still, if you have any equation then feel free to comment, and I will help you out.

Thanks for your time.