Ferrets are related to many odiferous animals in the family Mustelidae. Skunks, badgers, weasels and minks are all members of this group which have scent glands that emit a musky odor. Ferrets are certainly not as pungent as skunks, but the odor can be annoying to some pet owners.
While the ferret’s natural odor cannot be completely erased, there are ways to control it so it is not overpowering.
Ways to Control Ferret Odor
- Occasional baths
- Keep the cage, accessories, toys and litter box clean
- Avoid fish-based food
- Try ferret spray deodorizers or animal-safe room spray
- Sterilization
Ferret Cleanliness
A ferret’s skin produces natural oils which soothe and condition their skin and also emit a slight odor. However, bathing a ferret too often will actually make the smell worse because the oil glands will start working overtime to compensate and the ferret may also develop a rash or dry, itchy skin. But as with any animal, sometimes a bath is necessary. Only use a shampoo made specifically for ferrets and then bathe the animal only once every month or two.
Items which should be washed weekly are the ferret’s cage, toys and other accessories. When cleaning, only a non-toxic, animal approved cleaner should be used. Many household cleaners, like Lysol, can be toxic and fatal to ferrets. Scrub the cage and toys and be sure to rinse well with water and allow items to dry before returning them. Bedding and towels should also be washed weekly.
Clean out the ferret’s litter box daily and always add fresh litter. Once a week, empty the litter box completely and clean it thoroughly along with the cage and toys. Also be sure to clean up any “accidents” as soon as they occur.
Another option is to try a deodorizing spray made specifically for ferrets. These can usually be sprayed on all cage items and also directly on the ferret as needed. Many sprays will condition the ferrets coat as well. Also, avoid fish-based foods as these seem to add to the ferret’s natural odor.
Surgical Odor Control For Ferrets
One mistake many pet owners make is not sterilizing their ferret. For one, it controls complications that occur with female ferrets that go into heat. Prolonged heat can kill a female ferret. Also, the hormones involved with both male and female ferrets that are not altered will produce a much stronger odor than in altered ferrets. Male ferrets will actually produce more musk and groom themselves with urine when they come into breeding season. Surgical sterilization prevents this and the ferret will smell much nicer.
Many ferrets that are found in pet stores will already be both sterilized and descented. However, if the ferret is not already descented, there is some debate over performing this procedure. Descenting a ferret means that the anal glands are surgically removed. But these glands do not really make the ferret’s natural smell any worse. The only thing this eliminates is the ferret’s ability to emit a defensive smell. They cannot spray like skunks; it is more like a flatulent which will dissipate after a few minutes.
This mechanism is usually not bothersome to most pet owners, so the descenting many be unnecessary. As with many surgeries, the risks of complications are great. And if the procedure is not done correctly or completely, the ferret can suffer from infections, abscesses, reactions to anesthesia or even death. Always talk to a veterinarian first if you are unsure or have questions.
If a person chooses a ferret as a pet, they should be prepared for and willing to deal with the ferret’s natural odor. Using these simple guidelines, the odor can be managed, making owning a ferret a fun and pleasant experience.
Jennifer Zambri-Dickerson - Jenn Zambri-Dickerson works as a freelance writer and photographer and also as a part-time school teacher. She enjoys travel, sports, ...
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