Litter is a vital part of ferret care. It helps to keep their environment clean and disinfected. Some ferret owners may suggest using a shredded paper-based litter made for cats or use a specially made brand for ferrets.
This sort of litter does not clump either, which can become problematic as you need to scoop the waste out often.
The litter you choose for your ferret should be safe and practical. In no way should you pick a litter that will not absorb liquids or control odors, but you shouldn’t choose something that will be harmful to your ferret either.
Without further due, here are the top 5 litters for ferrets.
- sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Litter – All-natural litter. Biodegradable
- Purina Yesterdays News Cat Litter – Made of paper pellets. No perfume added
- HARTZ Multi-Cat Litter – Recycled clumping paper cat litter
- Marshall Ferret Litter – Made of recycled paper. Absorbed and biodegradable
- Potty Pads – Use instead of litter! Easy to replace
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sWheat scoop Multi-Cat Litter
This is an all-natural litter suitable for both cats and ferrets. It is made of wheat. It contains no dyes or perfumes, is biodegradable, and scoops tidy.
Pros:
- flushable
- no dust
Cons:
- Smells like sawdust
- little ferret feet will carry it throughout the house
Purina Yesterdays News Cat Litter
It’s simple, really. If you’re looking for a litter that’s safe and practical for your ferret, then Purina Yesterdays News Cat Litter is the one for you.
It is made of paper pellets and contains zero added perfumes or chemicals (if you purchase the unscented one).
Pros:
- Dust-free
- Made of Paper Pellets
- bigger pieces
Cons:
- Some ferrets won’t step on it (you will need to give it a try)
HARTZ Multi-Cat Lightweight Recycled Clumping Paper Cat Litter
Hartz Multi-Cat Lightweight Recycled Clumping Paper Cat Litter is a wonderful product. It clumps well, and it doesn’t track throughout the house, making it perfect for ferrets.
Pros:
- clumps well
- keeps the odor down
- no dust
Cons:
- a little more expensive
Marshall Ferret Litter
Marshall Ferret Litter is made of recycled paper and dust-free. It is absorbed and biodegradable. The litter can be flushed, which makes it easier to dispose of when scooping out the waste.
There are also no artificial scents or dyes in this product, making it safer for your ferret to enjoy living in a healthier environment.
Pros:
- biodegradable
- flushable
- dust-free
Cons:
- a little bit pricier
What makes a good Ferret Litter?
The safest options for ferrets are recycled paper or wood-based
- safe for your furry friend
- easy to clean
- controls odor
- will not leave a whole lot of dust
- not too expensive
The Best Alternative: Potty Pads
Many ferret owners are using potty pads for their ferret’s bathroom habits. You could place it in the litterbox and place the pellets above it. A potty pad is easy to replace, and they are not expensive at all.
You could just use the potty pad and place it in a litter tray without any pellets. Soon, your furry friends will adjust to it – This is the brand that I recommend:
The main attraction to using potty pads is that you don’t have to spend time cleaning the litter box every day. They are also very convenient for traveling purposes.
However, they do not provide any odor control and may cause your ferret to develop a dislike of the litter box.
Can You Use Cat Litter For Ferrets?
You should not use clay or clumping cat litter for your ferret. Ferrets may experience breathing problems due to this dusty litter. Only cats can use it, not ferrets that will shove their cute noses into their litter boxes.
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When wet, clay becomes thick and sticks to your ferrets’ paws, eyes, and noses. If your pets eat it, it can cause a blockage.
So the answer is: It depends! – Make sure to pick a litter that is ferret proof!
Litters to Avoid
There are some types of litter you should avoid for ferrets. They are not appropriate for ferrets because they have specific issues, such as being too small or too dusty.
Litter made of clay
Clay litter is popular among cats, but it’s not suitable for ferrets at all. It becomes sticky and thick when wet.
If your ferret likes to dig around, they may mistake it as something to play with. This can cause digestive problems and lead to issues with your pet.
Additionally, ferrets cannot digest clay litter properly, which puts them at risk for various health issues.
Shavings of Cedar and Pine
Because of their often-present oils derived from pine trees and cedar trees, these should generally be avoided. Please read our article about the dangers cedar and pine hold.
These are added to the litter in bulk to improve its smell and to deter odors. Ferrets’ respiratory tracts, specifically their sensitive respiratory tracts, can be damaged by these poisons.
Litters based on Silica
Although they are not always advertised, there are many “silica-based” litters on the market. Many of them claim to be made from Silica, which may cause concern among ferret owners.
When in doubt, always do your research. Silica can cause silicosis, a respiratory disease that ferrets are susceptible to because of their sensitive respiratory tract.
Litter made from Corn
As a biodegradable litter, corn litter is becoming more popular. Even though it can be a good choice for cats, ferrets often eat it.
As you know, corn is something your ferret should not eat! Corn can result in intestinal blockages. Additionally, they are usually dusty and prone to mold.
Rabbit food
Rabbit food often looks like litter. It is sometimes made from the same material as litter, which can be confusing.
Although it looks like litter, alfalfa is not meant to be an absorbent. Ferrets can be both allergic and sensitive to alfalfa.
Conclusion
Ferrets have a short digestive tract and can become susceptible to intestinal blockages caused by eating dust or debris. That is why it is essential to choose a litter that is safe for your ferret. Your pet requires safe, non-toxic litter that effectively reduces odor and provides a clean, hygienic environment.
Alternatively, you can use potty pads – they are not expensive and will prevent leaving tracks around the house.