Cats and ferrets?

[Halogen]

Hi all,

My boyfriend has a male white cat, he's about 18 months old. He recently bought a ferret about two months ago.

So far, this cat has gone out of his way to stalk and attempt to harm the ferret. He'll swipe at her, stand on her bed when she's in it, etc. The worst was this morning, when the cat had the ferret in his mouth!

My boyfriend used to have a pet rabbit, and the cat attempted to kill that too.

Is this normal cat behavior? Should we have his cat come and live with me for a while? I'd love to have him, and I don't have any other animals.

Thanks for your help!

[Traci]

It all depends on the cat, and the owner. Generally, when aquiring a ferret, you want to keep the ferret in his playpen and allow the cat to acclimate to the pen, the ferret's scents, etc, and only allow contact when there is CLOSE and constant supervision between them. A harness/lead specifically for ferrets is ideal for this, so you can lead the ferret away from the cat if the cat appears agressive. The cat also must receive supervision and accompanied by vocal "NO"'s for aggressive or chasing behavior, or trained with a squirt bottle so he recognizes that a squirt from the squirt bottle is associating unwanted behavior.. Scheduled play times/activity should be allowed seperately so that each pet is allowed to play without harm by the other. On the otherhand, if consistent, playtime sessions can be combined for both pets AS LONG AS there is direct supervision between them and that the ferret is not in harm's way. Much like training a dog to respect a cat's boundaries.

On that note, if the owner has attempted this, and the cat still views the ferret as "game", then it's possible the cat may never interact safely with the ferret. The cat came first though, so the owner needs to consider that and ask himself how fair is it to "rehome" the cat when the cat was first and totally acclimated to HIS OWN environment before the owner brought in a new pet. This happens all the time, owner has a pet, gets a new one, it doesn't work out between the pets, and the first pet is relinquished to another home or worse, a shelter. How fair is that??!!

Many cats get along with ferrets and vice versa, but it takes committment on the owner's part, and direct supervision at all times.

What do you mean, take the cat to live with you "for awhile"? What is this going to accomplish, other than the cat in a new home, new environment and subject to all the stresses that come with that.

[Halogen]

The cat also must receive supervision and accompanied by vocal "NO"'s for aggressive or chasing behavior, or trained with a squirt bottle so he recognizes that a squirt from the squirt bottle is associating unwanted behavior..

That is his discipline style with this cat. It usually deters him from doing the usual things, but he is not fazed by the squirt bottle when it comes to the ferret.

Scheduled play times/activity should be allowed seperately so that each pet is allowed to play without harm by the other.

That happens quite a bit. Admittedly, the cat has way more free time than the ferret, but she gets a fair amount as well.

On that note, if the owner has attempted this, and the cat still views the ferret as "game", then it's possible the cat may never interact safely with the ferret. The cat came first though, so the owner needs to consider that and ask himself how fair is it to "rehome" the cat when the cat was first and totally acclimated to HIS OWN environment before the owner brought in a new pet. This happens all the time, owner has a pet, gets a new one, it doesn't work out between the pets, and the first pet is relinquished to another home or worse, a shelter. How fair is that??!!

I don't disagree that it isn't fair, but on the other hand, it's much easier for me to take the cat to my home where he won't be provoked by the ferret than it would be for me to take the ferret. Quite honestly, I don't WANT the ferret. I'd much rather care for the cat.

What do you mean, take the cat to live with you "for awhile"? What is this going to accomplish, other than the cat in a new home, new environment and subject to all the stresses that come with that.

I didn't word that correctly. The cat would be with me indefinitely.

Are male cats usually this territorial?

[Traci]

Is the BF totally cool with that? I assume he's had kitty since he was a kitten, he's just willing to give him to you? And, what happens if you break up, is he going to demand to get kitty back?

If you can provide a loving caring home for him and can afford his vet care etc and truly feel your home is a better environment for him, then I guess that would be one way to solve the problem. Although I hope the BF isn't in the habit of this. Having a pet means being responsible for the pet for his/her lifetime, no matter what. How bonded is kitty to the BF?

Regarding the territorial issues, I assume kitty is neutered?

I wouldn't think kitty would be territorial with the ferret, it sounds more like he just isn't used to other species (is unsure how to interact with) and perhaps the BF doesn't have the time or commitment to acclimate and create a harmonious environment. In any regard, if he has attempted to attack a rabbit, and now a ferret, then it wouldn't be a good idea to have any other pocket pet or small pet with the kitty. (although a feline companion would probably be suitable, providing you have the same level of commitment to introduce them properly, etc).