The #1 Ferret Playpen: We Found It

Written by Alan Lemus
Updated: March 7, 2023
© iStock.com/Delecrouix

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Ferrets have the intrinsic ability to fit into the oddest of places, thanks to their slinky, flexible, fast-moving bodies. Allowing these little pets to run free is a recipe for disaster.

On the other hand, keeping ferrets caged for too long will get them agitated or bored such that they’ll try to escape.

Agitation or boredom gets ferrets depressed, and they can harm themselves trying to free themselves from the confinement. That’s why buying a quality playpen for your pet is imperative. The unit will give your ferret a safe environment for adventure and relaxation. After all, we want to have our cuddly pets around for as long as we can.

Caring for your ferrets can be tough sometimes, so we have vetted the best ferret playpens that will meet the needs of these fun-loving creatures.

  1. Tespo Pet Playpen, Portable Large Plastic Yard Fence Small Animals
    • Features 12 large plastic panels
    • 28-inches-tall
    • Affordable option
    • Sturdy and durable
    Check Amazon
  2. Zampa Pet Folding Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen
    • Super-comfortable
    • Can be used as a permanent or temporary pet home
    • Comes with reinforced corners
    • Features a detachable roof for easy cleaning
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Small Animals C&C Cage Tent
    • Easy to assemble
    • Bottom is waterproof
    • Ample ventilation
    • Easy to clean
    Check Amazon
  4. Kaytee Pet-N-Playpen Small Animal Pen
    • Simple to set up
    • Can be folded for easy storage
    • For indoor and outdoor use
    • Includes plastic mat
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Outback Jack Happy Habitat Cat Playpen Tent
    • Features 30-square feet of space
    • Made from durable nylon
    • Keep pet safe from predators
    • Lightweight
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for Ferret Playpens

#1 Best Overall: Tespo Portable Large Plastic Pet Playpen

In our review, the best overall ferret playpen is this sturdy and expandable Tespo Portable Large Plastic Pet Playpen. This playpen features anti-slip pieces and cable ties that help build doors. The anti-slip pieces are designed to prevent connectors from slipping on the floor.

With this 28.35″ x 60.63″ x 60.63″ playpen, you won’t worry about your ferrets getting bored with the design. The translucent white materials will help you unleash your creativity by paneling materials into different shapes. Thus, you can put the playpen in other rooms.

When it comes to portability, the Tespo playpen has it all. The unit is made of lightweight (10.75 pound) and durable plastic material to carry around. With the transparent panels, you can interact with your pets at any time and from any angle.

Some pet parents, includes those with ferrets, said that the unit, including the connectors, was “flimsy.” We recommend that you read the negative reviews for this and any other playpen you’re considering. After all, actual users can explain experiential issues in greater detail than we can due to space limitations.

Pros and Cons of the Tespo Portable Large Plastic Pet Playpen

ProsCons
This playpen features anti-slip pieces and cable ties that help build doors. The anti-slip pieces are designed to keep connectors from slipping on the floor.Some pet parents, includes those with ferrets, said that the unit, including the connectors, was “flimsy.”
The playpen measures 28.35″ x 60.63″ x 60.63″ and you can arrange the panels into a variety of shapes so your pet won’t get bored.
The panels are transparent so you can watch your pets and interact with them.
Best for Multiple Animals
Tespo Pet Playpen, Portable Large Plastic Yard Fence Small Animals
  • Features 12 large plastic panels
  • 28-inches-tall
  • Affordable option
  • Sturdy and durable
Check Amazon

2. Premium Choice: Zampa Pop Up Foldable Ferret Playpen

The Zampa Pop Up Foldable Ferret Playpen balances affordability with class. The super-comfortable unit is commonly chosen as a permanent or temporary pet home, though we wouldn’t recommend it as the former. It features reinforced corners and protected seams for maximum pet safety.

The stylish Zampa playpen is designed with ample interior and exterior side pockets for placing small pet supplies.

Not all pets are obedient, especially ferrets, which are pretty adventurous. The cage is explicitly designed for super active four-legged animals. The reinforced corners are smartly protected to prevent pets from chewing seams.

This super spacious house is made of sturdy, water-resistant materials to keep your pet safe. It weighs 3.19 pounds and measures. 19″ x 14″ x 3″.

Additionally, the detachable roof can be removed easily to clean the base and provide more aeration.

Only one critical review pertained to a ferret. The reviewer said, “Still haven’t figured out how to fold it up without feeling like I’m wrecking the frame. Very light, and portable. Not waterproof at all. Ferret peed over night and in the morning there was a giant yellow spot under the cage on the carpet. Also, the zipper got jammed on the roof mesh panel and I ended up having to repair it which wasn’t horrible. It still took time. Other than that it’s been very great as a temporary shelter.”

Pros and Cons of the Zampa Pop Up Foldable Ferret Playpen

ProsCons
This stylish, foldable playpen has ample interior space and side pockets where you can stash small pet supplies.One reviewer said, “Not waterproof at all. . Ferret peed over night and in the morning there was a giant yellow spot under the cage on the carpet.”
It’s designed especially for active four-legged animals with reinforced corners.
It weighs 3.19 pounds and measures. 19″ x 14″ x 3″.
The roof can be detached for extra ventilation and for easy cleaning.
Premium Choice
Zampa Pet Folding Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen
  • Super-comfortable
  • Can be used as a permanent or temporary pet home
  • Comes with reinforced corners
  • Features a detachable roof for easy cleaning
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Price: Amakunft Small Animals C&C Breathable Pet Playpen

If you’re shopping on a tight budget, the Amakunft Small Animals C&C Breathable Pet Playpen won’t break the bank. This pet playpen is constructed from polyester, net, and metal wire and measures 47″ x 47″ x 15″.

The use of transparent and breathable materials helps you observe and interact with your pet. It’s also safe for the animals as it ensures ample ventilation. And since adventurous pets like ferrets have the instinct to escape, you can keep them busy by providing toys and food inside the cage.

This simple playpen doesn’t require complicated assembly. The cleaning process also just takes a few minutes, especially if you’re using bedding. The bottom material is similar to a raincoat, so it minimizes water permeability.

Three reviewers said that they wouldn’t recommend this playpen for ferrets, with one saying that their ferret’s “nails got stuck.”

Pros and Cons of Amakunft Small Animals C&C Breathable Pet Playpen

ProsCons
This affordable pet playpen measures s 47″ x 47″ x 15″ and is made of polyester, net, and metal wire .Three reviewers said that they wouldn’t recommend this playpen for ferrets, with one saying that their ferret’s “nails got stuck.”
It’s transparent and breathable so your pets will get ample ventilation and you can watch what they’re up to.
It’s easy to assemble and cleaning is a breeze since the bottom is constructed of a water-repellent material similar to a raincoat.
Best Price
Small Animals C&C Cage Tent
  • Easy to assemble
  • Bottom is waterproof
  • Ample ventilation
  • Easy to clean
Check Amazon

4. Best for Durability: Kaytee FerretTrail Pet-N-Playpen

Keeping your pet secure has never been this easy, thanks to the Kaytee FerretTrail Pet-N-Playpen. The connectable small animal playpen is suitable for ferrets. It includes eight panels to help you design an enclosure of your choice. For example, you can choose to use four panels to create a square playpen that fits in squeezed spaces. It measures 30″ x 19.8″ x 2.8″ and weighs 3 pounds.

As a pet owner, you don’t need any skills to assemble the unit as it comes with easy-to-follow instructions. The foldable playpen is easy to carry and store. Besides, there is a plastic mat that makes cleaning seamless.

Are you worried about your ferret’s chewing habits? Worry no more since the wire panels are hard to chew. Having said that, several reviewers reported that their pets (including ferrets), chewed through the plastic mat in short order.

Pros and Cons of the Kaytee FerretTrail Pet-N-Playpen

ProsCons
This pet playpen features eight panels that you can arrange to suit your space and preference.Several reviewers reported that their pets (including ferrets), chewed through the plastic mat in short order.
It measures 30″ x 19.8″ x 2.8″ and weighs 3 pounds.
It’s simple to assemble and comes with easy-to-follow instructions.
It’s foldable and easy to carry and store.
The plastic mat makes cleaning easy.
Overall Best
Kaytee Pet-N-Playpen Small Animal Pen
  • Simple to set up
  • Can be folded for easy storage
  • For indoor and outdoor use
  • Includes plastic mat
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best for the Outdoors: Outback Jack Happy Habitat Ferret Playpen Tent

The Outback Jack Happy Habitat Ferret Playpen Tent allows your small companion to play safely outdoors. It’s a perfect playpen for everyday use on your balcony, lawn, and deck. Ferrets can enjoy 360-degree sunshine while remaining safe from predators.

With 30-square feet of space (dimensions: 36″ x 74″ x 63″), this outdoor playpen provides maximum space for play activities. To maximize playtime, there’s enough space for toys and food.

The breathable nylon mesh keeps your ferret closer to nature while protecting them from annoying insects. It weighs just 4 pounds, so it’s easy to transport.

Some reviewers reported issues with the zipper and with the quality of the seams.

Pros and Cons of Outback Jack Happy Habitat Ferret Playpen Tent

ProsCons
This playpen tent is designed to be used outdoors so your pet can enjoy sunshine safe from predators and other dangers.Some reviewers reported issues with the zipper and with the quality of the seams.
It provides 30-square feet of space (dimensions: 36″ x 74″ x 63″.)
It’s made of breathable nylon mesh to protect your pet from insects.
This tent weighs just 4 pounds.
Best for the Outdoors
Outback Jack Happy Habitat Cat Playpen Tent
  • Features 30-square feet of space
  • Made from durable nylon
  • Keep pet safe from predators
  • Lightweight
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Ferret Playpen: What to Look For

Getting a suitable playpen for your ferret is essential. The enclosure needs to be strong and spacious to give your pet ample space to play. A mat and a cover are often beneficial features to consider.

Here are things to consider when purchasing a playpen:

  • Safety
  • Size
  • Design

Safety

The market is flooded with many playpens “designed for ferrets,” but not all of them are safe for these mischievous little escape artists.

Ideally, you want a cage that will contain the animal without turning the materials into shreds. Therefore, choosing materials such as a strong metal would be ideal.

Additionally, look for a pen that’s easy to assemble and fold.

Size

Although ferrets are small, that doesn’t mean you can or should limit their space.

Get a playpen that’s spacious to accommodate their energetic movements. Look for one that can accommodate toys and food to keep your ferret engaged.

Moreover, playpens should be high enough to prevent the ferret from jumping or climbing over.

Design

Check the overall design of a playpen to ensure it’ll suit your pet’s needs. Be careful with cages that are designed without bottoms. When you keep ferrets outside, they can easily dig, burrow or tunnel through anything.

The Different Types of Ferret Playpens: Pros and Cons Compared

Although the market is saturated with ferret playpens, these products serve the same purpose—to keep your pet caged. However, you might notice a difference in design and material used. For example, some are made of metal while others are designed with sturdy plastic.

The table below highlights the pros and cons of each ferret playpen type:

Metal Ferret Playpens 

ProsCons
Highly durable due to its sturdy materialsIt might rust when exposed to moisture
Hard to chewMay be too heavy to transport for vacations and other travel
Stable

Plastic Ferret Playpens

ProsCons
Lighter compared to metal playpensFerret might chew plastic panels
Ideal for traveling since they’re airline-approved
Easy to clean
Rust- and corrosion-proof

Verified Reviews: User Experience

Pet owners are full of praise for the vetted playpens. Here are a few verified buyers and what they had to say.

Tess, a verified buyer, had this to say about the Tespo Portable Large Plastic Pet Playpen: “…the greatest product ever…It took me less than 10 minutes to assemble all together.”

The Zampa Pop Up Foldable Ferret Playpen is another great playpen. Vicky, a pet owner, and verified buyer, had this to say: “This pen is absolutely fantastic, easy to clean, also easy to fold away when not needed.” Amakunft Small Animals C&C Breathable Pet Playpen is your best bet, as R.S, a pet owner and verified buyer, found out: “Waterproof, so no urine leaks, which is a must on our carpet. Very pleased with this economic purchase.”

About the Author

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

The #1 Ferret Playpen: We Found It FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are playpens ideal for ferrets?

Yes. The weaselly little animals are known for their fast-moving bodies and adventurous habits. They’re incredibly active pets, and a playpen will confine them without infringing on their dynamic nature.

Can ferrets climb fences?

Definitely! Ferrets climb fences, walls, and other obstacles. They’re also adept jumpers and will slither through spaces you wouldn’t expect. So when you’re buying a playpen, ensure it’s high enough or comes with an enclosed top.

How do you clean a ferret playpen?

First, empty any litter tray in the cage. Then use warm water and a mild cleanser to clean the cage’s bottom, panels, and bars. Dry off using a dry, clean cloth. Also, clean toys, bowls, and drinking bottles thoroughly. 

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.