Ferret News
Pet Ferret Care Tips
and Information
By Mary R. Shefferman & Eric Shefferman - along with Gabby, the ferret
www.ferretnews.com

Ferret News #41: Ferret Smell - How To Eliminate Ferret Odors
April 17, 2003

by Mary R. Shefferman and Eric Shefferman
along with Trixie, Koosh, and Gabrielle (ferrets)

contact: marymodernferret.com

In this Newsletter

- I Smell a Ferret
- Mother's Day
- Update on Modern Ferret Things

I Smell a Ferret

By Mary R. Shefferman

  You've tried bathing them, perfuming them, even washing their blankets twice-weekly, but you still hear: "I smell a ferret!"

  Darn! That telltale musky odor just won't go away. The more you bathe them, the more they seem to smell. You're not imagining it. Bathing ferrets too often can make them over-produce oils to replace the ones being washed away -- and those oils are chock full of ferrety aroma.

  Bathing ferrets less often can actually reduce the musky smell. We bathe our ferrets only a few times a year (and, boy, do they appreciate that!). But if your ferrets get into a lot of dust or dirt, it's all right to bathe them once or twice a month. Using a shampoo specially formulated for ferrets can help, too.

  Sometimes the problem isn't with the ferret so much as the ferret's ears. Ferret earwax collects a good amount of musky smell. Cleaning the ears once a week helps eliminate that smell. Weekly ear cleaning is also good hygiene. It helps prevent ear mites and other problems. Again, using a product that's designed for ferret ears works best in breaking up and removing the waxy, smelly debris.

  Many people think that de-scenting a ferret makes him smell better. In fact, a ferret's anal scent glands only affect how he smells when he actually uses them (often called "poofing"). The ferret's overall smell doesn't change because he's had his anal scent glands removed; it changes because he's been neutered (or she's been spayed).

  Frequently washing your ferret's bedding (blankets, hammocks, sleep sacks, tents) and tunneling toys (tubes) helps reduce musky odors. Cleaning litter boxes weekly and removing soiled litter daily keeps odors down, too.

  If you have carpets, vacuum at least weekly and have them cleaned every few months. The same for upholstered furniture or bed linens. Basically, anything your ferrets play on, in, or under can pick up the musky aroma. If you use an odor eliminating product, make sure it's safe for use around pets and that you follow the directions exactly.

  The truth is that all animals (even humans) have their own particular smell. It should be no surprise that ferrets will have a bit of a musky, ferret aroma -- just like dogs smell like dogs and cats smell like cats. With a little diligence and the right information, you can keep your home from smelling like a giant ferret cage.

Update on Modern Ferret Things

  The other night we washed the ferrets for the first time in a few months. They were miffed. They'd gotten to the point where they were making both Eric and me sneeze. We both have dust allergies and have found that after a couple of months the ferrets hit some trigger level and we have to wash them. But, Oh! How beautiful they are now! I had thought Trixie's fur was getting a little rough, but this bath made her coat just gorgeous.

  After the bathing ordeal, the ferrets got treats, of course. They always win.

  Happy Passover. Happy Easter. Happy spring!

  Stay tuned for more. You can always get updates by reading my blog (a blog is an online journal). I keep it sporadically and it usually runs to the more personal stuff. But you might like it. It's at

http://www.modernferretblog.com/mary

-Mary & the Fuzzies: Trixie, Koosh, and Gabrielle

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