Are Ferrets Good Pets for Kids? Experts Weigh In

Ferrets can be cuddly and fun, but they also nip, hide, and require supervision. This begs the question: are ferrets a good match for families with children? Here are some pros, cons, and precautions to consider from experts.

Pros of Having a Ferret Around Children

They’re Highly Social

Ferrets are social creatures, so they tend to gravitate toward humans rather than shy away from them. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they belong among young kids.

“Ferrets can do quite well in a family setting, but only if the children know how to respect them,” says Iryna Smyrnova, a Veterinarian (DVM) at Meowoff. “They are social and high-energy pets that, if placed in the right situations, can make great family pets.”

They’re Extremely Playful

In addition to being social animals, ferrets also have a playful side that can mesh well with some children. 

“Ferrets could fit the bill, as kids who like hands-on, active pets tend to bond really well with them,” Smyrnova explains. “Ferrets love games like ‘chase,’ exploring tunnels, and interactive toys, allowing their natural curiosity to be stimulated.”

They Teach Kids Responsibility

Ferrets can teach children responsibility—but only if the children are old enough to respect the pet.

“While ferrets can form strong bonds with their owners and be very entertaining companions, they are best suited for adults or families with older, responsible children who can understand their unique needs and handle them gently,” says Dr. Ann Murata, Exotics Veterinarian at Thrive Pet Healthcare Urgent Care in Torrance, California.

Specifically, Smyrnova recommends ferrets only to families with older kids, usually over eight years of age. 

“A ferret can teach responsibility through daily feeding, cleaning, and supervised playtime,” Smyrnova says.

Cons of Having a Ferret Around Children

They Have Unpredictable Behavior

Though they can be fun and playful, ferrets can also be unpredictable, which isn’t always the best for families with young kids.

“Young children under five generally have difficulty with boundaries, and ferrets can be unpredictable with quick movements or loud noises,” says Smyrnova.

They Have a Tendency to Nip

According to both Smyrnova and Murata, ferrets naturally nip during playful interactions, especially if not properly trained.

“Ferrets have sharp teeth, and even a playful nip can break the skin, especially on small hands,” says Smyrnova. “They are also known for stealing and chewing on small objects.”

Additionally, Murata points out that ferrets prefer to explore and generally dislike being held. This can frustrate young children, who may try to pick them up despite the ferret’s resistance, which can lead to nipping.

They Require a High Level of Care

Smyrnova points out that ferrets require more care than most pet owners realize. For example, they need frequent cage cleaning, enrichment activities, and veterinary care, which might be overwhelming for some families.

Murata shares a similar sentiment, explaining that ferrets should be spayed or neutered and de-scented before being kept as pets.

“Unspayed females can develop life-threatening bone marrow suppression, and unneutered males can develop prostate disease,” she says. “Ferrets are fascinating, affectionate, and highly intelligent animals that make wonderful pets. However, they also demand a lot of time, attention, and special care. For these reasons, they’re generally not the best fit for families with young children.”

Precautions to Take Before Bringing a Ferret Into Your Family

1. Don’t Leave Ferrets Alone with Children

Both Smyrnova and Murata warned against leaving ferrets with children unsupervised. Oftentimes, children will become rough with the animal, causing it to act out.

“Rough or unsupervised play can quickly lead to bites or stress for the ferret,” says Murata. 

However, it’s not just the children who are at risk during these interactions.

“On the flip side, the ferret itself is vulnerable to harm,” Smyrnova says. “A dropped ferret can suffer serious injuries because of their long, delicate spine, and rough handling can lead to fractures or internal trauma.”

Of course, children also might be unintentionally neglectful, leaving a cage door open and allowing the ferret to escape. 

“Loose ferrets can get behind appliances, chew electrical cords, or slip into unsafe areas of the home,” Smyrnova says.

Because of this, ferrets should be kept away from children unless an adult is present.

“They need to be safely caged or kenneled when unsupervised, but allowed time out daily to explore and exercise,” Murata says.

2. Teach Children How to Handle Ferrets

If you do plan on bringing a ferret into your family, make sure you prepare your children by teaching them proper care and handling.

“I advise clients to teach children specific ways of handling ferrets: to support the chest and hindquarters, never to reach down and grasp from above, which frightens them,” says Smyrnova. 

3. Create a Ferret-Proofed Area

Before bringing a ferret into your home, make sure you “ferret-proof” the environment so they’re not at risk.

“A ‘ferret-proofed’ area for play is important; ferrets can slip through an opening as small as one inch, so parents need to block off furniture, cover over vents, and pick up objects small enough to be swallowed,” says Smyrnova. “I also suggest that quiet areas be established for the ferret; overstimulation can quickly lead to stress or self-defense.”

Should Your Family Adopt a Ferret?

Before deciding whether to adopt a ferret into your family, first know that it is illegal to own ferrets in California and Hawaii. 

If you reside in a state that legally allows ferrets as pets, consider the above information before continuing.

“Ferrets are loving, intelligent, and engaging pets, but they require time, commitment, and special care,” says Murata. “For most households, especially those with young children, they are not recommended. They thrive best in adult homes where their needs and boundaries can be fully respected.”

If this doesn’t sound like your home, it’s best to adopt a better-suited pet for your family.