The ferret is a fairly popular pet these days, completely unlike the usual dogs and cats. There are many nuances in the content of such a pet. In particular, an important point is the need to castrate the animal.
With the increasing popularity of raising ferrets as pets, many are wondering if these animals should be neutered / neutered, or if natural processes should be allowed to proceed without interference. Experts advise to carry out this procedure without fail (if breeding is not planned) in order to avoid health problems of the animal.
Why Neutering Male Ferrets Is Necessary
At seven to eight months of age, usually in the spring, males begin the rutting period, which can last up to ten months. The fact is that one or even two females are not enough for a ferret: it may take four or five. Until the instinct is satisfied, the rut will continue. At such a time, the animal smells very bad, begins to mark the territory with feces and urine, behaves restlessly and even aggressively. The need for a friend for an animal in these weeks overshadows everything, and if nature does not get its own, the ferret is likely to develop various diseases: from baldness to problems with the adrenal glands and oncology. Among other things, during a prolonged rutting period, the animal practically does not play, does not care for the coat, loses weight and can ruin its teeth on the cage bars or run away from the owners.
Ferret castration is a simple operation performed under general anesthesia. Complications are extremely rare, and this procedure brings many benefits to the health of the pet. Contrary to popular belief, the animal does not become lazy and fat after her. In contrast, a castrated ferret is more playful and friendly. It is better to carry out the operation before the onset of the first rut or at the beginning, but only after the animal is six months old.
Why neuter a female ferret
The teat is even more dangerous for females than the rut is for males. In the absence of mating, the animal cannot get out of this state on its own, which provokes irreversible physiological disorders up to death. If untreated, prolonged estrus is characterized by pet lethargy, thinness, and baldness. The only option is castration. The term "sterilization" is not entirely appropriate for female ferrets, as this is a tubal ligation procedure, and ferrets have their ovaries removed to avoid re-estrus. In some cases, the uterus is also removed. The ideal age for surgery is 6-8 months.
In order to maintain the health of ferrets that are not intended for breeding, it is necessary to neuter both males and females in time.
