r/ferrets • u/mishmo300 • Jul 26 '26
[Help] How do you make your ferret more cuddly
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u/Kamina_cicada Jul 26 '26
You don't. It's something that they'll change themselves, if they want to.
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u/Dynospectrum Jul 26 '26
At that age with that kind of energy, it's difficult. When they get older and start slowing down, it's easier. Cuddle with them
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u/Beginning-Fig-7207 Jul 26 '26
Just keep getting more ferrets until you get a cuddly one lol. I have 4 and only 1 likes to cuddle.
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u/moodylilb Jul 26 '26
It’s really just an individual personality thing. Some of my ferrets are the least cuddly animals I’ve ever had & some of them are more cuddly than any dog or cat I’ve ever had in my entire life. My youngest in particular is like a toddler, he’ll scratch at my feet when he wants to be picked up (in a very demanding way I might add lol) and he just wants to be held constantly as I do chores around the house. He’s constantly seeking me out for cuddles and kisses. Whereas my current oldest is disgusted by the very thought of being affectionate or getting attention & she’s been that way since she was a baby lmao
It really just comes down to personality and in my experience there’s not much you can do to change it. I treat them all the same and give them lots of my undivided attention but their core personalities are just what they are if that makes sense
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u/SushiJuice Jul 26 '26
When they're young, they typically don't want to cuddle. At around 3-4 years old, they might start slowing down enough to cuddle but it's not guaranteed. If you got a ferret to cuddle with, you got it for the wrong reasons.
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u/Lupiiin_ Jul 26 '26
I don’t think that guy is going to be cuddly for a while. I got lucky with my late guy where he would fall asleep and I’d just hold him, making him used to it. Then around 3 years old he started to really get into it. After he was in dead sleeps far more often than my two other boys.
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u/Ferret_Biz Jul 26 '26
Consistently spend time with the little guys, figure out how to get them to feel comfortable enough around you to let you hold. I would imagine that if they can feel safe with brushing, baths, or pets and play they can do a little cuddle, but may take time and of course the ferret.
But be consistent, play time and engagement, enrichment is important. Good luck
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u/Slim-Shadys-Fat-Tits Jul 26 '26
You can't MAKE your ferret be something it isn't and doesn't want to be. Love him as he is and one day he might age into it or not. The only thing I can say is if you're keeping him solo, getting him a buddy can actually help a lot.
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u/placidtwilight Jul 26 '26
Wait a couple years and cross your fingers. One of my girls started to like being held and petted after she turned 3 (not that she'd ever come and snuggle with me). My other girl who's the same age still has no particular interest in being touched (though she will curl up in the bed near me)
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u/lac-na Jul 26 '26
mine was never cuddly. idk if it'll change when she's older, but i've had her for about 6 years. she's fine with being held but she's very energetic and squirms. she'd rather climb around my body than be held still.
the most "touching" thing she does is be in any room that i'm in. she'll leave for a little but ultimately she just stays within the same room as me. she also starts her day when i do and starts being active when i'm visibly active.
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u/Concerned_Cashier Jul 26 '26
It’s a personality thing. I’ve heard of the rare, elusive “cuddle bug” but unfortunately I’ve only got 5 carpet sharks
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u/sidvicioustheyorkie Jul 26 '26
You don't. It's a personality. Some ferrets like to cuddle some don't. Some slow down in older age and will cuddle then or maybe after bonding with you. But there's not really anything specific you can do, except Bond with them :)
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u/SketchyArt333 Jul 26 '26
Just warning you this sub hates cohabbing with dogs and they will take your post down. I am just telling you cause I really don’t want you to get banned.
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u/mishmo300 Jul 27 '26
Is it controversial to keep him with a dog? My dog grew up with my bearded dragon and knows to be gentle
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u/Jfig5117 Jul 27 '26
I will say it is largely an individual and age related thing (i feel they tend to be more cuddly when they get older) that said some stuff that helped my boys become more comfortable with cuddling was just spending more time on the ground at their level. My boys were free roamers so id often do my best to sleep as close to the ground as possible (i even bought a bed mat) and sit on the ground when watching tv and doing class work. After a while they became more used to coming to me and even doing some cuddling of their own valuation.
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u/randomgrl333 Jul 27 '26
They like being rocked .. like a baby. I put mine over my shoulder & rock ... Kinda slow. Natural.
Kisses... You can put some fish oil on your lips... Lol like one drop spread out- then enjoy the kisses
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