Why won't my ferret use his litter pan?
Are you about to pull your hair out in frustration? Does your ferret refuse to use the litter pan? Don't lose hope! It is possible for ferrets to be litter trained, but you have to have the right methods and the right ferret litter supplies.
You can read all about Litter Training Your Ferret at FerretFacts.com. The article covers the following topics:
- Choosing Litter & Litter Pans
- Unsafe vs. Safe Ferret Litters
- Training Methods Inside the Cage
- Training Methods Outside the Cage
If the methods outlined in the article don't seem to be working for your ferret, the problem might be with the ferret litter or litter box. Some common reasons that ferrets don't take to litter training are:
- The litter pan isn't clean enough. Ferrets that feel their litter box isn't clean enough will often go next to it. To avoid this, scoop the litter pan daily or more often as needed if you have multiple ferrets.
- The litter pan isn't big enough. Ferrets like litter boxes that they can fit all four feet in comfortably. If they can't, many will choose to go outside the pan instead.
- The ferrets don't like the litter you have chosen. If you're using a recycled newspaper litter, try a wood pellet litter instead.
With some patience, you can get your ferret to use the litter box! However, don't be surprised if your ferret isn't 100% with the litter pan. Very few ferrets will go in the litter box every single time. Most ferrets will hit the litter pan about 85% of the time.
When your ferret does miss the litter box, be sure to clean up the accident completely. Move any feces into the litter box, and then use a cleaner such as Nature's Miracle to clean up the area. Nature's Miracle is a good cleaner because it completely eradicates smells. Ferrets find their litter box by smell, so if they can still smell the accident, they'll continue to go to the bathroom there.
Good luck!
Pictured above is the Marshall Lock-On High Back Litter Pan. Don't you hate it when your pet "re-locates" the litter box then decides not to use it? Put an end to it with the Marshall Lock-On High Back Litter Pan specifically designed for ferrets. The low front entrance allows your ferret to enter easily while the high back prevents excess cleanup. An innovative schew mechanism easily secures the pan to any wire cage and unscrews easily for cleaning. Measures 14" x 14" x 9". You can find the Marshall Lock-On Litter Pan along with other ferret litters and ferret litter boxes at The Ferret Store.
