With the proper training, ferrets can learn to use puppy pads, which are a great alternative to kitty litter.
Ferrets most likely won’t naturally take to using pee pads, so it’ll take some time for them to use them confidently. It can be a challenge. However, it’s a rewarding experience for owners to have their beloved ferret roaming the house without having to worry about any accidents.
We’ll cover all there is to know about using pee pads so that ferret owners can get started with training as soon as possible. So can ferrets use puppy pads or pee pads?
Can You Use Puppy Pads for Ferrets?
Owners can potty train most ferrets. It may take some time and patience, but it’s possible. Most ferrets either use a litter box or puppy pads.
Do Ferrets Need Pee Pads?
Ferrets don’t necessarily need pee pads in their cages. However, pee pads are a more convenient option for potty training.
There isn’t a trail of debris to clean up, and they save time from having to clean out a litter box routinely. Puppy pads are also excellent for traveling with ferrets.
Best Puppy Pads for Ferrets
Ferret owners who decide to use puppy pads should make sure to buy safe ones for their ferrets. When ferrets first use a pee pad, they might try to chew it. Therefore, it’s essential to check what materials make up the pee pad before buying it. In addition, the pee pads should have a “non-toxic” label on them.
There are also eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pee pads. Manufacturers usually use safe materials to make these kinds of pee pads.
If a ferret constantly chews through the puppy pad, the owner can try using a grate litter pan. The grate can go over the puppy pad so that ferrets will go on top of it to do their business.
How Do You Train a Ferret to Use a Pee Pad?
The key to potty training ferrets is to do it incrementally. Owners shouldn’t expect to let their ferrets have the full range of the house right from the start.
Potty training should start in the ferret’s cage. Owners can begin by placing a litter box or pan in a designated corner and line it with a pee pad.
Then, they can put other items, such as toys, food, and water, in other areas where the ferrets shouldn’t relieve themselves. Ferrets don’t typically like going to the bathroom where they do other activities, such as eating, sleeping, and playing.
Next, owners should try to catch and reward ferrets whenever they use the pee pad correctly. The best time to do this is right after they wake up from a deep sleep. They typically have to go to the bathroom within fifteen minutes of waking up.
Owners should keep an eye on their ferrets until they relieve themselves. Then, they should immediately reward them with praise or treats. The ferrets should receive a reward only when they’ve actually gone to the bathroom. If they receive a reward for standing on the pee pad, they’ll learn that it’s just an area where they can get treats.
The owner should immediately take their ferrets out of the cage once they’ve finished going to the bathroom. This step will help them to understand that they can play outside after they use the pee pad.
Ferrets can typically play for a couple of hours before they have to relieve themselves again. The ferrets should go back into their cage once they’ve finished playing and start to get sleepy.
Then, the process can repeat. The ferrets should wake up and relieve themselves. Then, they can play outside the cage.
Owners should keep track of their ferrets’ progress until they use the puppy pads consistently for a week straight before expanding their boundaries.
The boundaries should expand in small increments. Owners can let their ferrets out in a playpen or small room. When they successfully use the pee pad for a week, they can move on to more rooms until they can roam around the whole house.
The best way not to lose track of your ferret is a collar with a bell. With it, even the craftiest escape artist will not get far.
The pee pads should be at convenient and noticeable places around the house. Potty training should be a process that’s as easy as possible for the ferrets. We want to set them up for success!
If the ferrets are used to kitty litter and the owner wants to switch to puppy pads, they should follow these same steps. They can also try scattering some litter on top of the potty pad to encourage the ferrets to use it.
Ferret Ate Puppy Pad
Ferrets are curious animals, so they might investigate and chew through a pee pad when they first see it. However, owners shouldn’t feel discouraged or punish their ferrets for this.
Instead, it’s essential to identify the reason why the ferrets are chewing up the pad. It could be due to boredom or hunger.
Owners can also try taping the edges of the pee pad down to discourage ferrets from burrowing and clawing. Another alternative is to place a grate over the pee pad.
Owners should call their veterinarian right away if they think that their ferret ate a piece of the puppy pad. It’s better to be safe than sorry. They should monitor the ferret’s condition and look for any abnormal behavior. They should also follow any instructions that their veterinarian provides.
Tip: Puppy pads aren’t the only feast that can land you at the vet. Also, ferrets should never eat avocados, as they are toxic to the little critters.
Are Pee Pads Good for Ferrets?
Overall, pee pads are a convenient option for ferret owners. They’re easier to clean up, and they allow more time for ferrets to roam around the house.
Owners just need to monitor their ferrets for safety when they first begin to use a puppy pad. Training is always a great bonding experience with ferrets, so it’s important to remember to enjoy the process and the challenges that come with it. Time flies, and there’ll be a potty-trained ferret in no time!
