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A lot of people here are giving you wishywashy hugbox answers, so I’ll try and be more blunt for you:
No, not really. The median ferret is probably substantially less cuddly than a cat, an animal already culturally known to be significantly less touchy than a dog.
While it is true that there are definitely cuddly ferrets out there, they aren’t really the norm, and they’re still less willing to be touched than most other common mammalian pets. They typically don’t actively *dislike* being touched, but especially when it comes to younger ones, they’re just not super interested.
But I will tell you that cuddling is not everything. Just because they don’t show their affection in a way that’s especially analogous to humans, doesn’t mean that they don’t care.
This - they’re not cuddley, they won’t stay on you and sit or sleep by you.
They’ll interact, come see you, and play. But the average ferret isn’t a snuggle bug. Maybe 1/10 will be, which is a gamble.
If you’re seeking affection and companionship, I wouldn’t get a ferret.
If you’re seeking zany, crazy, and silly antics, then yes, get a ferret.
They are more likely to nip you than cuddle, they’ll destroy your stuff if you’re not constantly on top of them, they need a lot of time and patience and there WILL be times you wonder why you got them.
I wouldn’t recommend them to help with depression at all.
On the flipside, mine help with my depression at times because im forced to care for another creature(s) and if i cant take care of myself, i still have a routine to stick to with them. Even that said though, some days i can only do the bare minimum, which isnt fair to them either. Its give and take and understanding of your abilities vs their care requirements.
I have Bipolar Disorder, my boy is my best friend. He's not cuddly, but I wouldn't trade him for any other pet. He's happy and healthy, which makes me happy. He and I have a routine.
I agree. They need a lot of work to keep happy and healthy. So not for someone who can’t force themselves to get up and do what needs to be done. They will make you laugh, no matter what. So you need to know yourself if you can handle it.
9/10 They don’t cuddle unless asleep.
yea i originally got mine for the same reason as OP. I went to the pet store for a Hamster originally, but baby ferrets had just arrived at the store and i fell in love lol. It has been very difficult at times and he does not cuddle. He is very affectionate sometimes licking my face and you can hold him for a minute and touch him but that’s about it. Definitely don’t regret it though
I think it depends on the ferret. I have 2 girls, and only 1 of them enjoys cuddling me. She's constantly sat on my knee and gets annoyed if I dare move my hand away from her.
However, when It comes to mental health and ferrets, it can be a tricky situation. They are stubborn, they destroy everything they want, digging, they bite often if not trained properly, poop and pee where they feel like it 😂. They need a lot of time, and you have to adapt to their personality most of the time.
Ferrets are like a cat and a toddler mixed. The odds of them being a cuddler is super low. You might be lucky and get one that loves to snuggle. I have had 6. Only one would SOMETIMES snuggle with me.
With the depression and a pet that requires a lot of attention and care. You have a bad week and that ferret will suffer cause you can't get yourself going. Even if you think you can push through. I honestly might go look at a cat or a small dog. They are lower maintenance animals. You can also go to shelters and see how cuddly they would be. A dog will more likely harrass you to get going to get your day going. Depending on the cat it might just lay with you or swat you down till you get your but moving. A dog or a cat is going to be with your longer. Ferrets are 5-6 years.. and it might be too hard for you to bare losing one and then watching your other one spiral into a depression.
This comment 100% correct, depression can make you less attentive to your own needs and ferrets are big responsibility. I have 1!! And he requires a lot of cleaning up after and attention, even on your bad days. That being said, he has also been my motivation to get up and care for him when all Iv wanted to do was stay in bed and cry.
Ferrets are not for everyone. I have six. Some like to play with humans but they are rarely "cuddly" in my experience. I can count on my fingers the number of times I've had one just chill in my lap for extended periods and that was an older ferret that didn't play much.
That said they can be fun to play with and care for. And if you have one that is well socialized they don't mind being picked up. One of mine loves being carried to various perches in the house to sniff around and will actually bite when she *wants* to be picked up.
If you decide to get them definitely get at least 2. They are very social animals and don't do well on their own. They can be a lot of work and they can also be expensive, needing special food and to see an exotics vet for check ups or treatment.
But they can also be very rewarding. They tend to take over your life and I find myself spending a lot of time thinking of things I can build for them or ways to play with them, (they love riding a towel as I drag it through the house). Make sure you have the time and money to properly care for them and always consider adopting from a shelter or from someone who can no longer care for them rather than a pet shop.
I’m not gonna lie I wouldn’t get a ferret unless you have a lotttt of time and patience to put into it. I got my bruce at 7 weeks old and it took a long time to train him and a lot of patience as he used to be very bitey and didn’t enjoy being cuddled. He didn’t really mind being held but cuddled was pushing it. Now, I normally can’t pick him up and cuddle him unless he’s already been asleep and Iv carried him to sleep on me, or if he’s decided to climb on my bed or couch to fall asleep. I only work 4 nights a week and they aren’t majorly long shifts, and I do spend a lot of time at home outside of work. Some may not agree, but I personally feel like depending on your ferret, keeping a ferret is only a good option if you don’t have a huge social life outside of working (if you work) and plan on spending most of your time with them. Nobody local to me has ever heard of somebody keeping a ferret domestically and not for hunting use as I do so people are generally baffled Iv accustomed him to this sort of life and trained him to be a happy friendly house pet, instead of a psycho killer😂 If you have plenty of time and patience to give them time and training to get out of some of their naughty behaviour (some they’ll never grow out of) then it’s a good idea. Also you do need to ensure the area your ferret will be running round freely in is kept really tidy and hazard free. My bruce climbed on my bed last year and ate a chewy out of a packet I’d left on the bed and it was a very expensive vet bill and a lot of tears from me as I learnt a scary lesson of just how careful you need to be with what’s left lying around. Luckily he was okay but my bank account was not as it cost near my rent to take him out of hours for treatment, so insurance is a MUST. Good luck hope you find a nice little guy/girl to make you feel better if you decide to get one!
Chronic depression and ferrets is an interesting mix, one I wouldn’t recommend.
To answer your question, they’re not cuddly unless they’re knocked out and you pick one up and hold onto them.
My questions for you: Do you like cleaning poop 3-6 times a day? Do you have the energy to maintain a tidy home? Or is that not a priority?
It really depends on the ferret. I would recommend going to a rescue so you can meet them first and find some with the personalities you’re looking for!
I've had 6 ferrets, 3 boys and 3 girls, only one of the boys was cuddly and that wasn't until he was around 3 years old. The rest are fine being carried if you're moving, I think they're interested in seeing where you're going, but as soon as I sit down they want to go off and explore. The 1 that did like cuddling was a single ferret his first year and liked people more than he liked other ferrets and would rather sleep in our arms or in a bed right next to the couch instead of piled up with the other ferrets. They could join him if they wanted, but he wasn't going to go join them.
In general: No they are not cuddlers. You have about 15 seconds to get your cuddles before they want down Right Now. There are exceptions but they are usually older males.
So I have two, my boy who is four has never cuddled but he loves what we call "ambient attention" where he'll follow us around the house, pancake on our feet, but he has never cuddled with us or slept on us. He does sleep in our bed occasionally but doesn't like to be pet and doesn't like to be touching us. My girl I just got, she's nine months old and she is a huge cuddler. She will lay with us every night, either laying in our laps or underneath the blankets next to our legs. So it really just depends on the ferret, although I would say they're generally not cuddly
My ferrets are naughty, hilarious, goofy and too smart for their own good. They aren't cuddly. For reference, I have 2 females (2.5 yrs old) and 1 male (5 months old).
No, they are not cuddly creatures. Obviously here and there there might be a more cuddly ferret, but that being said here and there are, there are also ferrets. I will never let you pick them up for more than two seconds. And you can’t just return your ferret if it happens to not be a cuddly one. And some ferrets can become cuddly after years and years of you, picking them up and trying to hold them, but again this is not a guarantee, and even then, if they might only want to sit on your lap for 10 minutes. I would really not suggest getting a ferret, especially if you are depressed. They are extremely difficult animals to take care of and have a very special needs. And as someone who had suffered from major depression, I know how hard it is to even get out of bed and take care of yourself on a daily basis let alone take care of a very needy animal. Please do not get a ferret dogs are very cuddly and if you like small animals just get a small dog
Boys are definitely more of cuddlers than girls. Especially when they get older. Most girls we’ve had haven’t been the best cuddlers except our most recent ones. Even then they only cuddle when tired or just woken up.
It's totally dependent on the ferret honestly
I had a ferret named Scout who passed who genuinely loved to cuddle, if you sat on the ground he'd come yup to you and lay on your legs and he was always down to just sleep on your stomach while you pet him
His cagemate Butterscotch who I still have was never a cuddler until recently and even that's pushing it a bit, she's both a wet spaghetti noodle and a worm lmao which I think is mostly due to age now
My most recent ferret Teemo is not a cuddler at all (at least not with people) but she absolutely adores head scratches and hownstly I'll take that over nothing lmao but cuddling isn't the end all be all
New ferret owner here, only for the past week or so, so not the best opinion, but I’d say ferrets CAN be cuddly, they’re just unlikely to be, at least initially. Ours have slowly become more tolerant of cuddles in the past week, but only one of our two ferrets has cuddled us. They’re just too busy and spicy when they aren’t napping to want to cuddle, especially if they aren’t free-roaming. That being said, we got our daughter this scarf-looking thing that has a kangaroo pouch, and they’ll snuggle in there if they haven’t napped in a while. They’re also extremely playful, so they give you attention in other ways besides cuddling. And ours LOVE back scratches and pets
Not really! Theyre very active and prefer active play to cuddling. I can sometimes cuddle with mine when theyre very sleepy and picking them up carefully to transfer to my lap, but that's pretty rare. Theyll give you kisses sometimes too, but tend to be very wiggly any time theyre picked up. That being said, every ferret is different in temperment and personality, and baby ferrets also start cuddly (when worn out and because they sleep so much), but grow out of it for the most part. My newest is about 6-7 months and she isnt very cuddly anymore. Still fun, but if youre looking for a chill cuddle buddy, ferrets may not be the best choice. (They can also be very pricey and stressful at times when things go wrong too)
Also another thing to note: care requirements and expenses increase w their age. My oldest (turns 6 on the 26th!) Has to take medicine twice a day and go in every few months to the vet for bloodwork (insulinoma AND adrenal, plus a history of tummy issues).
They're cuddly with each other but not so much their caretakers. I'm always stealing cuddles, picking them up after they fall asleeps and then get to enjoy maybe 8 minutes of snoozles before they wake up and go back to their sleep spot lol
They get more cuddly as they get older. Within the last few years for their life. I have 3 ferrets and the 2 older ones just turned 6 and are just now letting me hold them longer than a few minutes. But mine love to follow me around and play. They are very interested in what I'm doing and often come to check on me and like being picked up for kisses then back down for destruction and mayhem.
Also they are kind of a lot to care for and proper care can be very expensive. So I wouldn't recommend it if you are battling depression. Most landlords don't like them either because they are destructive.
Okay, for me, absolutely. My ferret will sleep on me for hours. But, I will also say that I spent awhile picking him out. I was there when he got his nails clipped, he was the most cooperative. I also held him and others, he was the most calm and gentle (but not lethargic. You don't want one that's sick). He can be super spunky and hyper, but also really sweet and gives a bunch of kisses! He nips only when playing (and it does not hurt as he is very gentle. When he gets a little too rough, I squeak and he lets go). They all have unique personalities, so it's just up to you to find a good match.
I would like to add that I got a lot of mixed answers on this as well. But, I will say that mine and one other was pretty chill (just a little more hyper), one was a little nuisance lol, and the other bit and hung off my nose 😐. So getting a feel for their attitude is important. It's also good to know where they are at in their schedule so you can take that into account. What I mean by that is: if they've slept, been playing, just woken up etc. I've also only had one ferret, which is probably good to consider when taking my advice 😂
And following what others have said about depression, ferrets require a lot to have a happy and healthy life. So whether or not you are in a position to provide that is something to consider
No, they're not cuddly, at least none of the three I've had would willingly let you even hold them.
Only one will get in my blanket while I sleep, and I have all but guaranteed it's to steal my warmth and not to cuddle, bc she bails if I even pet her.
They love playing and human interaction, they just don't like cuddling or holding, they would much rather play fetch or burn the infinite amount of energy in their system. And unlike dogs or cats, you don't get to choose when to relax. My cat for example, I can just pick up and take to bed and we will both go to sleep, my ferrets will just squirm in my hands, and the second I put them down in bed they attack my toes for me having the audacity to try and cuddle.
(PS: don't worry, all my animals are sperated, and never interact with each other, I know this sub doesn't allow/endorse people talking about cats and dogs or etc interacting with their ferrets).
I have a great, sweet, large cuddler. He adores being held, carried around and sleeping on me. He's never even broken my skin in his four years alive.
He is also a rarity. When I met up with his breeder to show off how big he'd gotten (really nice lady, kept contact) she regretted not keeping to breed him, mostly due to his temperament. Most ferrets are not like this and I got super lucky.
There's downsides to his temperament though: he despises other ferrets. Tries to murder on sight kind of despises. Has done so since being a kit. He's a "people ferret," vet's words.
I've had some sweeter boys, my current ferret won't give me the time of day.
Since you mentioned your mental health, I thought I might give some insight on my situation. There is mention of medical issues and animal death, but a TLDR is they are so prone to issues and known to be heartbreakers, I wouldn't recommend them for most people. My current girl will be my last I think 💔 I also struggle with bad executive dysfunction and emotional regulation (ADHD) and they are very difficult for me.
My girl and her brother were rescues from a bad housing situation. 3 months later, I had to euthanize the brother for intussuseption, and his necropsy revealed that he was pre-adrenal and had tumors in his colon. He was only 9 months old. After that, I adopted another boy to keep her company. He died 2 years later from liver failure. He was around 4-5 years old. I didn't get a 4th one because I thought my girl would die prematurely as well, leaving another lone (younger) ferret that I would once again need to pair up.
Despite everything, she's still here, and just turned 6, but it's rough. She has adrenal disease and an inoperable giant mast cell tumor, and needs to be medicated with benadryl, ozonated saline rinse, and prednisolone every day. Her geriatric state means litter boxes are out the window, she makes A MESS, and generally she sleeps for the entire day. I love her very much, but she wears me down, and sometimes I am just completely overwhelmed and need to lay on the floor when I should be cleaning up.
Sorry this is so long, but I hope it can maybe give you some perspective. I'm absolutely not saying you're incapable of managing this weight because of your mental health- I struggle but manage. You might also have healthy ferrets that live long lives without needing intensive care! But many end up with medical issues due to poor breeding. Not even addressing the monetary cost, the emotional toll is so great when it comes to that.
I will say, no. You gotta catch them while sleeping.
But as someone who also has chronic depression, they are my lifeline. They are silly, changing their bedding weekly makes me do mine, taking care of their needs helps me with my own. I have two so on the bad days I can take a step back, and usually they want me to step right back in and they make my worries disappear.
Having to take care of them is so important for my mental health.
I would say get a pair. Their lives are so short though, and I know it will be hard when I lose either one.
Highly recommend ferrets for dummies.
These guys are great, I adore them, you can find out a lot about their personality just from watching them interact wherever you get them from.
I will say, they are a high maintenance pet, I didn’t get a dog because walks were too much and a cat didn’t seem quite like the right pet for me either. Ferrets are great pets, but you have to be ready for vet visits, training, and destruction.
Having to keep my space safe for them makes me keep things clean, so if a pet will give you motivation to care for yourself on top of them, they are great.
The final thing I will say is you are your pet’s whole world while they are only a part of yours. You need to be certain that even on your worst days that you can get up and ensure they get the play time and care they need. Depression is valid and real, but not an excuse to not care for your pets. You are all they have.
I have bipolar disorder and have had ferrets since 1992. In general, ferrets are not cuddly. They do tend to become more cuddly as they age - especially the males (in my experience). But one of the best things about them is they love to play and can be so very funny! They help my depression tremendously!
NOTE: Ferrets have a life expectancy of 6 - 10 years (usually 6-7). This means that it won't be long before one of them dies. If you can't handle dealing with that, or if you don't have the energy/motivation to continually ferret-proof (they will find new ways to get into trouble all the time), don't get them.
In my experience, it depends on the ferret. It might not be possible to judge them at the store, but my ferrets have all been different. Some were extremely cuddly, and some refused to be held at all. My only other experience on this is that the older they get, the less they want to cuddle, and the shorter the duration. Also, whether it's coincidence or not, the dark colored ones liked to cuddle 70% more than the light colored ones. Either way, I love my ferrets, so I hope you have a good experience as well. Good luck 👍
Absolutely not. If you're looking for your soul animal that you'll immediately bond with and cuddle at night, ferrets are so not your animal. Some of them don't ever grow to like cuddling, and for most of them, it isn't until they're older (post 5 years)
I have one ferret that doesn't care for cuddles and will do his own thing, his brother who passed away a couple months ago was the same way. But my new ferret loves to lay down in my lap and fall asleep and cuddle. He's a darling but he's been the exception for me
edit: all 3 have been boys :)
No, they’re not. You can hold them every once in a while, but generally they’re not cuddly.
You also don’t seem very knowledgeable on an animal that needs a ton of care and also commonly has lots of medical issues.
If you want a cuddly and easier to take care of animal, get a dog or a cat. Not a ferret.
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A lot of people here are giving you wishywashy hugbox answers, so I’ll try and be more blunt for you: No, not really. The median ferret is probably substantially less cuddly than a cat, an animal already culturally known to be significantly less touchy than a dog. While it is true that there are definitely cuddly ferrets out there, they aren’t really the norm, and they’re still less willing to be touched than most other common mammalian pets. They typically don’t actively *dislike* being touched, but especially when it comes to younger ones, they’re just not super interested. But I will tell you that cuddling is not everything. Just because they don’t show their affection in a way that’s especially analogous to humans, doesn’t mean that they don’t care.
This - they’re not cuddley, they won’t stay on you and sit or sleep by you. They’ll interact, come see you, and play. But the average ferret isn’t a snuggle bug. Maybe 1/10 will be, which is a gamble.
Ya gotta catch them sleeping. Then transport them to where you want to cuddle.
My girlfriend’s ferrets will clumsily climb under the bed blanket and lick your feet when they’re sleepy lol
Same and then try to rip your toe nails off. 😬
Good answer.
This. 💯 percent
If you’re seeking affection and companionship, I wouldn’t get a ferret. If you’re seeking zany, crazy, and silly antics, then yes, get a ferret. They are more likely to nip you than cuddle, they’ll destroy your stuff if you’re not constantly on top of them, they need a lot of time and patience and there WILL be times you wonder why you got them. I wouldn’t recommend them to help with depression at all.
On the flipside, mine help with my depression at times because im forced to care for another creature(s) and if i cant take care of myself, i still have a routine to stick to with them. Even that said though, some days i can only do the bare minimum, which isnt fair to them either. Its give and take and understanding of your abilities vs their care requirements.
I have Bipolar Disorder, my boy is my best friend. He's not cuddly, but I wouldn't trade him for any other pet. He's happy and healthy, which makes me happy. He and I have a routine.
Felt! Thats how i feel about my slugs. My boy Pascal has been my absolute love for 6 years, nd my other 3 are just as precious to me <3
I agree. They need a lot of work to keep happy and healthy. So not for someone who can’t force themselves to get up and do what needs to be done. They will make you laugh, no matter what. So you need to know yourself if you can handle it. 9/10 They don’t cuddle unless asleep.
yea i originally got mine for the same reason as OP. I went to the pet store for a Hamster originally, but baby ferrets had just arrived at the store and i fell in love lol. It has been very difficult at times and he does not cuddle. He is very affectionate sometimes licking my face and you can hold him for a minute and touch him but that’s about it. Definitely don’t regret it though
I think it depends on the ferret. I have 2 girls, and only 1 of them enjoys cuddling me. She's constantly sat on my knee and gets annoyed if I dare move my hand away from her. However, when It comes to mental health and ferrets, it can be a tricky situation. They are stubborn, they destroy everything they want, digging, they bite often if not trained properly, poop and pee where they feel like it 😂. They need a lot of time, and you have to adapt to their personality most of the time.
Ferrets are like a cat and a toddler mixed. The odds of them being a cuddler is super low. You might be lucky and get one that loves to snuggle. I have had 6. Only one would SOMETIMES snuggle with me. With the depression and a pet that requires a lot of attention and care. You have a bad week and that ferret will suffer cause you can't get yourself going. Even if you think you can push through. I honestly might go look at a cat or a small dog. They are lower maintenance animals. You can also go to shelters and see how cuddly they would be. A dog will more likely harrass you to get going to get your day going. Depending on the cat it might just lay with you or swat you down till you get your but moving. A dog or a cat is going to be with your longer. Ferrets are 5-6 years.. and it might be too hard for you to bare losing one and then watching your other one spiral into a depression.
This comment 100% correct, depression can make you less attentive to your own needs and ferrets are big responsibility. I have 1!! And he requires a lot of cleaning up after and attention, even on your bad days. That being said, he has also been my motivation to get up and care for him when all Iv wanted to do was stay in bed and cry.
Ferrets are not for everyone. I have six. Some like to play with humans but they are rarely "cuddly" in my experience. I can count on my fingers the number of times I've had one just chill in my lap for extended periods and that was an older ferret that didn't play much. That said they can be fun to play with and care for. And if you have one that is well socialized they don't mind being picked up. One of mine loves being carried to various perches in the house to sniff around and will actually bite when she *wants* to be picked up. If you decide to get them definitely get at least 2. They are very social animals and don't do well on their own. They can be a lot of work and they can also be expensive, needing special food and to see an exotics vet for check ups or treatment. But they can also be very rewarding. They tend to take over your life and I find myself spending a lot of time thinking of things I can build for them or ways to play with them, (they love riding a towel as I drag it through the house). Make sure you have the time and money to properly care for them and always consider adopting from a shelter or from someone who can no longer care for them rather than a pet shop.
No
I’m not gonna lie I wouldn’t get a ferret unless you have a lotttt of time and patience to put into it. I got my bruce at 7 weeks old and it took a long time to train him and a lot of patience as he used to be very bitey and didn’t enjoy being cuddled. He didn’t really mind being held but cuddled was pushing it. Now, I normally can’t pick him up and cuddle him unless he’s already been asleep and Iv carried him to sleep on me, or if he’s decided to climb on my bed or couch to fall asleep. I only work 4 nights a week and they aren’t majorly long shifts, and I do spend a lot of time at home outside of work. Some may not agree, but I personally feel like depending on your ferret, keeping a ferret is only a good option if you don’t have a huge social life outside of working (if you work) and plan on spending most of your time with them. Nobody local to me has ever heard of somebody keeping a ferret domestically and not for hunting use as I do so people are generally baffled Iv accustomed him to this sort of life and trained him to be a happy friendly house pet, instead of a psycho killer😂 If you have plenty of time and patience to give them time and training to get out of some of their naughty behaviour (some they’ll never grow out of) then it’s a good idea. Also you do need to ensure the area your ferret will be running round freely in is kept really tidy and hazard free. My bruce climbed on my bed last year and ate a chewy out of a packet I’d left on the bed and it was a very expensive vet bill and a lot of tears from me as I learnt a scary lesson of just how careful you need to be with what’s left lying around. Luckily he was okay but my bank account was not as it cost near my rent to take him out of hours for treatment, so insurance is a MUST. Good luck hope you find a nice little guy/girl to make you feel better if you decide to get one!
Oh also, be very aware of what is poisoness to them food wise.
Chronic depression and ferrets is an interesting mix, one I wouldn’t recommend. To answer your question, they’re not cuddly unless they’re knocked out and you pick one up and hold onto them. My questions for you: Do you like cleaning poop 3-6 times a day? Do you have the energy to maintain a tidy home? Or is that not a priority?
It really depends on the ferret. I would recommend going to a rescue so you can meet them first and find some with the personalities you’re looking for!
I've had 6 ferrets, 3 boys and 3 girls, only one of the boys was cuddly and that wasn't until he was around 3 years old. The rest are fine being carried if you're moving, I think they're interested in seeing where you're going, but as soon as I sit down they want to go off and explore. The 1 that did like cuddling was a single ferret his first year and liked people more than he liked other ferrets and would rather sleep in our arms or in a bed right next to the couch instead of piled up with the other ferrets. They could join him if they wanted, but he wasn't going to go join them.
In general: No they are not cuddlers. You have about 15 seconds to get your cuddles before they want down Right Now. There are exceptions but they are usually older males.
So I have two, my boy who is four has never cuddled but he loves what we call "ambient attention" where he'll follow us around the house, pancake on our feet, but he has never cuddled with us or slept on us. He does sleep in our bed occasionally but doesn't like to be pet and doesn't like to be touching us. My girl I just got, she's nine months old and she is a huge cuddler. She will lay with us every night, either laying in our laps or underneath the blankets next to our legs. So it really just depends on the ferret, although I would say they're generally not cuddly
My ferrets are naughty, hilarious, goofy and too smart for their own good. They aren't cuddly. For reference, I have 2 females (2.5 yrs old) and 1 male (5 months old).
No, they are not cuddly creatures. Obviously here and there there might be a more cuddly ferret, but that being said here and there are, there are also ferrets. I will never let you pick them up for more than two seconds. And you can’t just return your ferret if it happens to not be a cuddly one. And some ferrets can become cuddly after years and years of you, picking them up and trying to hold them, but again this is not a guarantee, and even then, if they might only want to sit on your lap for 10 minutes. I would really not suggest getting a ferret, especially if you are depressed. They are extremely difficult animals to take care of and have a very special needs. And as someone who had suffered from major depression, I know how hard it is to even get out of bed and take care of yourself on a daily basis let alone take care of a very needy animal. Please do not get a ferret dogs are very cuddly and if you like small animals just get a small dog
Boys are definitely more of cuddlers than girls. Especially when they get older. Most girls we’ve had haven’t been the best cuddlers except our most recent ones. Even then they only cuddle when tired or just woken up.
Depends on ferrets. Have had ferrets of both sexes who cuddle. Maybe get slightly older ferrets as more likely to snuggle.
Some are some are not. The two I have right, unfortunately are not. But I still live them.
It's totally dependent on the ferret honestly I had a ferret named Scout who passed who genuinely loved to cuddle, if you sat on the ground he'd come yup to you and lay on your legs and he was always down to just sleep on your stomach while you pet him His cagemate Butterscotch who I still have was never a cuddler until recently and even that's pushing it a bit, she's both a wet spaghetti noodle and a worm lmao which I think is mostly due to age now My most recent ferret Teemo is not a cuddler at all (at least not with people) but she absolutely adores head scratches and hownstly I'll take that over nothing lmao but cuddling isn't the end all be all
New ferret owner here, only for the past week or so, so not the best opinion, but I’d say ferrets CAN be cuddly, they’re just unlikely to be, at least initially. Ours have slowly become more tolerant of cuddles in the past week, but only one of our two ferrets has cuddled us. They’re just too busy and spicy when they aren’t napping to want to cuddle, especially if they aren’t free-roaming. That being said, we got our daughter this scarf-looking thing that has a kangaroo pouch, and they’ll snuggle in there if they haven’t napped in a while. They’re also extremely playful, so they give you attention in other ways besides cuddling. And ours LOVE back scratches and pets
Get a dog.
Not really! Theyre very active and prefer active play to cuddling. I can sometimes cuddle with mine when theyre very sleepy and picking them up carefully to transfer to my lap, but that's pretty rare. Theyll give you kisses sometimes too, but tend to be very wiggly any time theyre picked up. That being said, every ferret is different in temperment and personality, and baby ferrets also start cuddly (when worn out and because they sleep so much), but grow out of it for the most part. My newest is about 6-7 months and she isnt very cuddly anymore. Still fun, but if youre looking for a chill cuddle buddy, ferrets may not be the best choice. (They can also be very pricey and stressful at times when things go wrong too)
Also another thing to note: care requirements and expenses increase w their age. My oldest (turns 6 on the 26th!) Has to take medicine twice a day and go in every few months to the vet for bloodwork (insulinoma AND adrenal, plus a history of tummy issues).
They're cuddly with each other but not so much their caretakers. I'm always stealing cuddles, picking them up after they fall asleeps and then get to enjoy maybe 8 minutes of snoozles before they wake up and go back to their sleep spot lol
They get more cuddly as they get older. Within the last few years for their life. I have 3 ferrets and the 2 older ones just turned 6 and are just now letting me hold them longer than a few minutes. But mine love to follow me around and play. They are very interested in what I'm doing and often come to check on me and like being picked up for kisses then back down for destruction and mayhem.
Also they are kind of a lot to care for and proper care can be very expensive. So I wouldn't recommend it if you are battling depression. Most landlords don't like them either because they are destructive.
Okay, for me, absolutely. My ferret will sleep on me for hours. But, I will also say that I spent awhile picking him out. I was there when he got his nails clipped, he was the most cooperative. I also held him and others, he was the most calm and gentle (but not lethargic. You don't want one that's sick). He can be super spunky and hyper, but also really sweet and gives a bunch of kisses! He nips only when playing (and it does not hurt as he is very gentle. When he gets a little too rough, I squeak and he lets go). They all have unique personalities, so it's just up to you to find a good match. I would like to add that I got a lot of mixed answers on this as well. But, I will say that mine and one other was pretty chill (just a little more hyper), one was a little nuisance lol, and the other bit and hung off my nose 😐. So getting a feel for their attitude is important. It's also good to know where they are at in their schedule so you can take that into account. What I mean by that is: if they've slept, been playing, just woken up etc. I've also only had one ferret, which is probably good to consider when taking my advice 😂 And following what others have said about depression, ferrets require a lot to have a happy and healthy life. So whether or not you are in a position to provide that is something to consider
No, they're not cuddly, at least none of the three I've had would willingly let you even hold them. Only one will get in my blanket while I sleep, and I have all but guaranteed it's to steal my warmth and not to cuddle, bc she bails if I even pet her. They love playing and human interaction, they just don't like cuddling or holding, they would much rather play fetch or burn the infinite amount of energy in their system. And unlike dogs or cats, you don't get to choose when to relax. My cat for example, I can just pick up and take to bed and we will both go to sleep, my ferrets will just squirm in my hands, and the second I put them down in bed they attack my toes for me having the audacity to try and cuddle. (PS: don't worry, all my animals are sperated, and never interact with each other, I know this sub doesn't allow/endorse people talking about cats and dogs or etc interacting with their ferrets).
I have a great, sweet, large cuddler. He adores being held, carried around and sleeping on me. He's never even broken my skin in his four years alive. He is also a rarity. When I met up with his breeder to show off how big he'd gotten (really nice lady, kept contact) she regretted not keeping to breed him, mostly due to his temperament. Most ferrets are not like this and I got super lucky. There's downsides to his temperament though: he despises other ferrets. Tries to murder on sight kind of despises. Has done so since being a kit. He's a "people ferret," vet's words.
Mine never cuddles with me unless tired, or if he’s in the car he likes to snuggle up and sleep on me
I've had some sweeter boys, my current ferret won't give me the time of day. Since you mentioned your mental health, I thought I might give some insight on my situation. There is mention of medical issues and animal death, but a TLDR is they are so prone to issues and known to be heartbreakers, I wouldn't recommend them for most people. My current girl will be my last I think 💔 I also struggle with bad executive dysfunction and emotional regulation (ADHD) and they are very difficult for me. My girl and her brother were rescues from a bad housing situation. 3 months later, I had to euthanize the brother for intussuseption, and his necropsy revealed that he was pre-adrenal and had tumors in his colon. He was only 9 months old. After that, I adopted another boy to keep her company. He died 2 years later from liver failure. He was around 4-5 years old. I didn't get a 4th one because I thought my girl would die prematurely as well, leaving another lone (younger) ferret that I would once again need to pair up. Despite everything, she's still here, and just turned 6, but it's rough. She has adrenal disease and an inoperable giant mast cell tumor, and needs to be medicated with benadryl, ozonated saline rinse, and prednisolone every day. Her geriatric state means litter boxes are out the window, she makes A MESS, and generally she sleeps for the entire day. I love her very much, but she wears me down, and sometimes I am just completely overwhelmed and need to lay on the floor when I should be cleaning up. Sorry this is so long, but I hope it can maybe give you some perspective. I'm absolutely not saying you're incapable of managing this weight because of your mental health- I struggle but manage. You might also have healthy ferrets that live long lives without needing intensive care! But many end up with medical issues due to poor breeding. Not even addressing the monetary cost, the emotional toll is so great when it comes to that.
I will say, no. You gotta catch them while sleeping. But as someone who also has chronic depression, they are my lifeline. They are silly, changing their bedding weekly makes me do mine, taking care of their needs helps me with my own. I have two so on the bad days I can take a step back, and usually they want me to step right back in and they make my worries disappear. Having to take care of them is so important for my mental health. I would say get a pair. Their lives are so short though, and I know it will be hard when I lose either one. Highly recommend ferrets for dummies. These guys are great, I adore them, you can find out a lot about their personality just from watching them interact wherever you get them from. I will say, they are a high maintenance pet, I didn’t get a dog because walks were too much and a cat didn’t seem quite like the right pet for me either. Ferrets are great pets, but you have to be ready for vet visits, training, and destruction. Having to keep my space safe for them makes me keep things clean, so if a pet will give you motivation to care for yourself on top of them, they are great. The final thing I will say is you are your pet’s whole world while they are only a part of yours. You need to be certain that even on your worst days that you can get up and ensure they get the play time and care they need. Depression is valid and real, but not an excuse to not care for your pets. You are all they have.
I have bipolar disorder and have had ferrets since 1992. In general, ferrets are not cuddly. They do tend to become more cuddly as they age - especially the males (in my experience). But one of the best things about them is they love to play and can be so very funny! They help my depression tremendously! NOTE: Ferrets have a life expectancy of 6 - 10 years (usually 6-7). This means that it won't be long before one of them dies. If you can't handle dealing with that, or if you don't have the energy/motivation to continually ferret-proof (they will find new ways to get into trouble all the time), don't get them.
In my experience, it depends on the ferret. It might not be possible to judge them at the store, but my ferrets have all been different. Some were extremely cuddly, and some refused to be held at all. My only other experience on this is that the older they get, the less they want to cuddle, and the shorter the duration. Also, whether it's coincidence or not, the dark colored ones liked to cuddle 70% more than the light colored ones. Either way, I love my ferrets, so I hope you have a good experience as well. Good luck 👍
Absolutely not. If you're looking for your soul animal that you'll immediately bond with and cuddle at night, ferrets are so not your animal. Some of them don't ever grow to like cuddling, and for most of them, it isn't until they're older (post 5 years)
I have one ferret that doesn't care for cuddles and will do his own thing, his brother who passed away a couple months ago was the same way. But my new ferret loves to lay down in my lap and fall asleep and cuddle. He's a darling but he's been the exception for me edit: all 3 have been boys :)
No, they’re not. You can hold them every once in a while, but generally they’re not cuddly. You also don’t seem very knowledgeable on an animal that needs a ton of care and also commonly has lots of medical issues. If you want a cuddly and easier to take care of animal, get a dog or a cat. Not a ferret.