Emma Jones
Ferrets have a life expectancy of five to eight years. From the age of four, the lively rascals become calmer and get used to some age quirks. Now it is important that you take special care of your grumpy friend.
As a ferret gets older, you can clearly see it. The fur becomes shaggy, thinner, and has sparse patches, the eyes become dull, movements become slower, teeth fall out and the animal puts on weight. All of these signs of aging are completely normal and natural. You can make your friend’s old age problems a lot easier with a few simple steps. If you put food and water bowls, litter box, and sleeping hut close together, then the oldie doesn’t have to travel long distances to reach the most important things.
Also, make sure that the entrances to the cage and the toilets for the animals are low enough. Older ferrets are particularly sensitive to heat and cold. Make sure the temperature in the ferret home is comfortable. If your little friend loses his teeth, a change in diet may be necessary.
Ferret grandpas and grandmas don’t just change on the outside. With increasing age, the little rascals become calmer and cuddlier. They can then often sleep for hours on their humans’ laps. Instead of chasing after your robbers collecting broken flower pots and bitten wires, you can now enjoy their intimacy. As is the case with age, ferrets also get used to their quirks. Old-timer ferrets love quiet and routine. If you stress them or disrupt their daily routine, they can become very grumpy and acknowledge your inattention with threats orbiting. Don’t blame the animals. Complaining is one of the privileges of old age. Always keep a close eye on your old ferret so that you can take him to the vet immediately if there are any health changes.
Farewell to the animal
If your old ferret won’t eat, sleeps outside of the crate, and is being rejected by the other animals, you should take him to the vet. He’ll tell you if your little friend can go on living free of pain for some time, or if each additional day will become agony. If the first case applies, you will one day find your animal peacefully asleep in the cage. However, if it is already in great pain, you can put it out of its suffering at an early stage. As difficult as the decision may be, it is often a huge relief for the animal to be put to sleep. Once your pet is gone, it’s time to mourn. You are allowed to bury ferrets in your own garden. Sometimes it helps to give your little friend a dignified farewell. If you don’t have a garden, the animal cemetery is an alternative. You can also leave your ferret with the vet, who will pass it on to the carcass disposal. If the ferret was also cared for by your child, the loss is all the more serious. The death of a beloved animal often comes as a shock to children. Let him say goodbye to his beloved friend. A funeral can also be helpful here. Take your child’s grief very seriously; a new animal straight away or silly distraction attempts will not cheer up your offspring at first. However, if your child wants a new friend after the initial grief, treat them to a new animal.
Farewell to partner
But not only you and your child will mourn. If you have kept two ferrets, one of your little rascals has lost his partner and is now sitting alone in his cage. You should also consider ways to make the loss of your second pet easier. If the surviving ferret is also very old, it may be difficult to set it up with a new friend. Then you are asked. You should then take special care of the lonely ferret and give him plenty of time in his last months. If your second ferret is still a few years old, you should make every effort to find him a new friend. Ask animal shelters and ferret helpers, there are bound to be a lonely soul or two who can help your abandoned darling get over the loss.