This is the first time posting (actually ever visiting this site) and I am just hoping to get a little help with introducing my ferret to a 3 year old cat that I am to pick up ("adopting"
tomorrow. It is only myself and my daughter int he household. We took in a ferret last month that someone was going to "let loose" and she adapted very quickly (of course, I tend to spoil my child and my animals a bit too much, I'm told 
). But the one thing my daughter has been wanting is a cat. We had just moved and had to go through a long process inorder to get the cat, andnow have foudn one that works perfectly to fit all of our wants. The only thing is is that she's never been around anythign but cats. and My ferret, I couldn't say how she'll react either. But I'm scared of how they both will react. Can anyone give me any tips that may have gone through this situation? (I know I've been told it'll be harder with an adult cat vs. a kitten, but a kitten really isn't what we wanted or needed right now. Please help!!!)
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Mom needs help with introduction of Ferret ("Sugar" and new 3 year old cat ("Princess"!
Replies (5)
Is the ferret in a cage or does it have free roam of the house all the time. If you have a cage for it. I would keep it in a the cage while the cat adapts to your house. Have the cage in a room the cat can not get into to. Other then that follow the rules that have been posted below on how to interest a cat to a cat. Introductions should be made very slowly. I am sure others will have more input for you.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker
Yes, SHe has a cage. I don't really like to leave her in it much though. I prefer to let her roam the hosue more or less, so last night I moved the cage into my bedroom, and for now, will just keep the door closed. I just picked upt he cat, and she's really nervous, so I'll proabbly wait atleast a few days to see that she gets a little more adjusted until I try any introductions. Thanks so much for your help, and reply. I will try to get all animals and children laid down soon so I can read some of the tips
Thanks ~Misty
Pethobbyist does have a small mammals forum which might better be able to help you. I am at a loss about how to deal with cat/ferret relationships, although I've heard that they can be worked out.
Good luck!
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My grandchildren had a ferret 2 or 3 years ago with my four cats. The older cats sort of ignored the ferret and acted like they wished that he would just disappear. Then we got the little stray kitten and that kitten and the ferret were constant companions and would always run and play together. It was so cute. Unfortunately the ferret died after a couple of years and then we gave the kitten to a friend.
Cats and ferrets can get along and actually enjoy each other's company. It sounds like your new cat is going to just have to get used to her new home before being introduced to a ferret though. I would keep the ferret in a cage when the cat is around, for a while, at least until the new cat gets used to another animal. When she gets used to the ferret's presence, you can let the ferret out around the cat and watch them closely until they get used to each other.
You might want to pick up some Feliway at the pet store to spray in your house, to hopefully help your new cat relax and get used to her new environment. Good luck on the cat/ferret introduction and with your new cat.
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Ruby and the Kitties
Simba, Samantha, Katrina & KatyKatt
Meow!! Meow!! Meow!! Meow!!
I have 3 cats and 3 ferrets. I've acquired each, and others that have sinced passed on, at various times throughout the course of several years and I'm afraid I never gave introductions a second thought. However, I've not brought in an adult cat. The kittens come in curious and bold poking at the ferrets in their cage and jumping into the playpen (I have dogs too, so the ferrets have supervised playpen time, not the run of the house)the kitten soons become overwhelmed by the exhuberance of the ferrets and decides they're just *too busy* for them and leave them be from then on out. The ferrets will harass anything and anyone no matter what species they are (I have pictures of one of my ferrets climbing on one of my dogs) and so require supervision at all times with other animals.
Your ferret needs to remain caged for a few days while the cat learns what a ferret is and then when out and about, supervised CLOSELY. Don't make the error in thinking that the ferret will be the only one hurt in a confrontation between the two.
Enjoy them both!
Valkyrie
