The Ferret Budget
For a neutered, descented male ferret:
One Year Minimum Cost (Approximate)
Food and Treats
| 5 bags (3.6kg) high quality ferret food @ $20.00 |
$100.00 |
| 2 bottles of linatone per year @ $13.99 |
27.98 |
| Treats in limited quantities (no milk) |
20.00 |
| 3 tubes of anti-furball medicine per year @ $7.50 |
22.50 |
| 1 container of cat litter every 3 months @ $12.00 |
48.00 |
Veterinary Care
| Yearly visit - exam and vaccinations |
76.00 |
| 6 trips to vet for nail clipping @ $15.00 |
90.00 |
Vacation
| 2 weeks ferret care @ $10.00 per day |
140.00 |
| Subtotal |
$505.50 |
| GST |
$35.39 |
*Ferrets generally live 5 to 8 years. Annual blood tests are required after 3 years of age and as they grow older, ferrets require additional routine care.
One Time Costs:
| Neutering and descenting (spaying is more) |
$200.00 |
| Indoor housing (hutch, cage or kennel) - varies |
$100.00 |
| Food bowl and water bowl or bottle |
10.00 |
| Leash and harness |
12.00 |
| Blanket |
5.00 |
| Litter pan and scoop |
8.00 |
| Good book on ferrets |
10.00 |
| Toys - balls, cat toys, etc. |
20.00 |
| Subtotal |
$365.00 |
| GST |
$25.55 |
The above does not include emergency medical care. Ferret owners should plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours a day cleaning, handling and exercising the animal. A thorough cleaning of the enclosure should be done weekly.
Is it worth it? YOU BET IT IS!
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