How to Ferret Proof Your House

In this article you will learn where and how to ferret proof your house. Want to learn about the most likely causes of danger to your ferret? Check out What is Ferret Proofing?

If you’d like to learn how to ferret proof a different section of your home, click one of the links below:

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Bedroom
• Around the House

You need to decide what spaces you will allow your ferret to free roam and which spaces will remain off limits. Will your ferret be allowed in your living room and office?

Ferret Proof Your Furniture

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Remove Recliners: Reclining furniture terrifies me as a ferret owner. Ferrets are so insanely talented at squeezing into impossible spaces and reclining furniture usually has large openings into their mechanical parts. These dark, snug places are so enticing to your ferret. But what happens when somebody sits down and cranks the chair back? I can’t tell you how many times somebody has lost a ferret that way. I would recommend getting a stationary piece of furniture instead.

There may be ways to optimize recliners for life with ferrets but I do not know of any myself.

Remove Furniture Legs: Ferrets love to sleep in dark, cozy places. That is why they will try to create a hole in the underside of your sofa and crawl inside. This is dangerous because they can ingest foam located inside the sofa. You can also sit on them by accident. We recommend removing the feet on your furniture so they sit flush with the ground.

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Prevent Climbing: What may seem like an ordinary bookshelf to you, will actually look like the perfect agility course to your ferret. Though ferrets aren’t quite as agile as cats (they don’t land on their feet), they are just as determined. You’d be surprised how brave your ferret is, considering how truly clumsy they are. Try to think of how your ferret could make it from the floor to a dangerous shelf and break up the path.

Block Off Dangerous Areas

Build Ferret Proof Barriers: Are there areas in your home that are too difficult to ferret proof? You can build a Plexiglas pet gate to prevent access.

Block Off Your Fireplace: The fireplace is a danger zone for ferrets. They will love digging in the sand and hiding in the dark, quiet space. We recommend you officially turn off your fireplace for the foreseeable future or invest in a strong grate to block off your ferret.

Prevent an Escape

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Block Door Gaps: How big is the gap between your bedroom door and the floor? If it’s bigger than 1 inch, your ferret can (and will) slip under it. To keep your ferret from escaping, we recommend this door gap stopper.

Check Your Screens: Before you leave a window open, double check that there are no holes in your screen. If you aren’t careful, your ferret may escape.

Locate Ferrets Before Leaving

Locate Your Ferrets Before Leaving: How do you get out of the house? Is your front door secure? Do you have a screen that can be gently pushed open? Make sure to secure your doors and windows to the outside before letting your ferret explore.

Do you know the top 7 ferret dangers hiding in your kitchen?

Did these ferret proofing tips help you get you ferret proof your house? Do you have suggestions for new owners? Comment below!