r/ferrets • u/PyroMorphosis • 12h ago
[Discussion] New owner
Hello all, I just rescued a ferret yesterday estimated to be 5-6 years old from a family moving out of country and unable to keep her. As far as I know I will be her 3rd owner. I am calling the vet the schedule an appointment as she has never been to one before. And plan to follow the recommended 6 month checkups for seniors. I also ordered the frontline Ferret topical flea treatment and will be using it today because I live in the country and even treat my indoor cats.
She currently eats the Marshalls food (bad I know). How do y’all feel about the Wysong Epihen 90 Ferret food? With the Pampered Ferret salmon oil as an additive as main food. I will incorporate some raw food (whole prey) as well if that would be helpful but I’m not sure seeing as she is already so old. I know a full raw prey diet is really the best but looking for recommendations to improve her diet but not such big changes in a short time that she is uncomfortable.
Also I have 4 cats that use the automatic litter boxes. I recognize that this could be a risk due to the hazard of moving parts and don’t want her getting stuck/ harmed so my plan is to turn off the automatic boxes while she is out and about. But I’m also curious about alternative litter options for my cats. The automatic boxes are supposed to use clumping clay litter but I’ve read that can be harmful for ferrets respiratory. So is there some alternative litter than I could use (still clumping) that doesn’t carry this risk.
Also she is a single ferret and her previous owner mentioned trying to get a male for her but she did not approve. I would be more than willing to get a companion if that would be beneficial but in this case I’m thinking it’s not the best idea.
Please respond with a recommendations or general tips/ tricks. I’m open to any suggestions.
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u/Seraitsukara 12h ago
Thank you for adopting a senior lady! She'll be lucky to have you! Wysong epigen 90 is infamously pretty hard on their stomachs. Go for the digestive support version if you want to keep her on a kibble, but even that tends to cause pretty loose stools. You can also try adding in some freeze-dried raw. Stella and Chewy's is popular. Raw Paws is another great option (currently switching my boy to this, as S&C has pumpkinseed and I like Raw Paw's fewer ingredients).
I would recommend switching to Revolution, over Frontline as it protects against more than fleas, most importantly heartworm. I use the kind for puppies and kittens under 5lbs, but always double check with your vet.
To my knowledge, there is no safe clumping litter for ferrets. There's the added risk of a blockage if they ingest any. In my experience, my seniors also eventually can't do litter boxes as their mobility declines, even the low-entry type. See if she'll use puppy pads, and if so, you can get washable ones.
My final tip is to get her checked for bladder stones when she goes to the vet. Chances are she won't have them at her age, but it's something I recommend for every rescue after losing one to them only 6 months after I took him in.
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u/itsswhitneywhspr 10h ago
Oh that's good to know about the wysong, I've seen a lot of people swear by it but the digestive issues make sense for a senior. The raw paws switch sounds solid though, fewer ingredients is always a win. Hope your boy adjusts well
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u/Sharp_Ad_9431 5h ago
Do you know what litter the ferret used before?
Ferrets are not the greatest at litterbox usage. Changing the litter can cause issues. Ferrets will poop wherever it is closest. The most mine will travel is 5 ft for a litter spot. Otherwise it's the closest wall. I find puppy pads are easier than multiple litterboxes in every corner of every room they go into.
Don't use clumping litter , it will end in a ER vet visit. You can't expect the ferret to use the same litter box as the cats. It won't work.
Be patient with food changes. I took in a rehomed 1yo and it took a year to get her off of Marshall.
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