Understanding Your Ferrets Noises

Ferrets general aren’t too noisy. So they make great apartment pets or for anyone who likes a quieter pet than say a barking dog. But they do have a few noises and after getting to know them, you’ll learn to discern what each noise means. Here’s a little guidance to help you figure them out:

Clucking or “Dooking”

This is my favorite sound they make. Generally, it indicates that they are excited or happy. It’s often coupled with the Weasel War Dance or maybe just checking out a new area. They also make this sound when they are playing with their ferret friend(s) or their favorite human.

Whimper or Whining

This is a sound you most often hear from kits when they are overwhelmed or excited. We would also hear it from the newbie when they lost a wrestling match with established dominant ferret. No need to intervene, they will work it out!

Screaming or Screeching

This is your cue to intervene. Most often, they only make this noise when they are hurt or extremely frightened. Some ferrets will live their entire life and never make the horrible noise. We only heard it a few times and it is quite startling. If your ferret makes this sound, quickly step in and rescue him from whatever is scaring or hurting him.

Hissing

A ferret hiss is quite different from a cat hiss. Usually it means they are angry or simply frustrated by the situation they find themselves in. They will frequently hiss while in a play battle with other ferrets. It doesn’t mean you need to help them, just be aware of their state of mind and be cautious when handling an angry ferret. Sometimes I bite too when I’m angry!

Hopefully these descriptions will help you decipher your fuzzy’s language. Ferrets (like humans) are always happier when they are understood.