Can I trust my ferret with a kitten?

Question

OK so my cat recently gave birth to some kittens and they are around six weeks old now, still feeding off the mom. I've seen videos on YouTube of ferrets playing with kittens but I'm still a little unsure. When I introduced them the first time my ferret, 1 year old, was a little unsure of the kitten but then after a couple minutes of sniffing around and a bit of headbutting my ferret jumped on the kitten and bit on to the back of its neck and I had to pull her off. I am aware that ferrets play rough but could she be attacking him or should I have nothing to worry about? Also, she is the only ferret in the house, the only other animal she plays with is my dog.

Answer 1

it all depends on what exactly you mean by "trust."

yes, ferrets play hard...and part of their play demeanor is to grab the neck of their playmates and hang on for dear life. if they can flip the "victim" over in the meantime, all the better in their eyes. nothing ferrets do is halfway...they sleep hard, the eat hard, they play hard. so, with the current behavior shown, i seriously doubt the ferret is doing anything in an attempt to intentionally harm the kittens.

having said that, i also believe it would be extremely easy for a playful ferret to injure or otherwise traumatize a baby kitten. the fact that it would be out of playfulness rather than intentional doesn't stop it from being a bad thing to happen...on top of the physical injuries that may occur from sharp ferret teeth, feline body language is totally different from ferret body language. and the kittens are at the age right now where they are learning social behavior from their mom & surroundings. the last thing they need is a ferret teaching them that rough attacks are a good way to play and that hissing is a pleasant way to initiate a round of horseplay, which is what ferrets do.

i'd suggest holding off a couple weeks (until they're approx 10-12 wks old) on letting them play together unless it's a larger kitten with a "bruiser" mentality. you know the kind - they are the first to check out new things, aren't afraid of anything and are willing to take on any challenge, lol. an 8-10 wk old kitten like that may be okay with the chaotic energy of a curious ferret. otherwise, keep them separated in the name of the kitties' safety and their learned social skills.

Answer 2

I'd watch them ALOT before I'd leave them alone together. I wouldn't want to risk it and end up with either of them hurt.

Answer 3

yes, it is best to introduce them when they are both young though, i had a ferret and cats, the ferret though he was a cat. in your case i believe the ferret is older than the kitten. chances are that they will be interested in each other. ferrets are very curious animals. but sometimes play a bit to rough. i would watch them together for a few days and let them get use to each other before you leave them alone together :)

Answer 4

Hi Bobby,

  I don't know that much about Ferrets, but if yours is biting the kitten on the back of his neck i think it would be wise to keep your Ferret away from the kittens until you have placed them in new homes. Your Ferret may be a little jealous of the kittens especially in the house. Be safe and keep them a part My Friend.

Your Friend,

poppy1