As with any pet, a routine for caring for your ferret assures him that his needs will be met and builds trust, rapport and a feeling of security.

Daily care routines should include providing a constant supply of food and water. Your ferret digests his food quickly, in about three hours, and his high-energy lifestyle requires a constant source of food and water. Premium quality, dry cat food that is high in fat and protein content is the best menu choice for daily meals. Supplement his diet with his favorite Linatone treats (vitamin drops, good for his coat and with a taste he'll enjoy) or other foods he finds especially delicious. If you have a new kit, he will need his food moistened for easier chewing. Once he is older, the dry food is fine.

Training your ferret is an important part of his daily routine. Consistent discipline is the most responsible way to love your ferret. You will both enjoy your lives together much better if he is trained to use his litter box and stay comfortably in his cage. He will learn to travel on your shoulder, or in a hood, to get used to a leash, and to know and understand your limits for play. Ferrets are tough-skinned animals and when roughhousing together, they learn how hard they can bite before the other is hurt. This can be much more pressure than our skin can handle. Your ferret is not trying to hurt you, or each other; they are not naturally vicious animals. They simply need to learn new limits with you.

Exercise and time for play should also be a part of your ferret friend's daily schedule. Ferret's are social creatures, and dislike being alone for long periods of time. Giving him time to explore his environment and play keep him alert, curious and happy. If you are away from home often, consider buying a second ferret. After a short adjustment period, ferrets will accept each other and become bosom buddies, preferring to be in the same cage and eat from the same bowls. You'll also find them curled up together when sleeping, no matter how much room they have in their cage. Despite their closeness, they will have time and energy to play with you too. Males or females will adapt to each other, but you should make sure they are spayed or neutered.

Ferrets do not need to be groomed on a daily basis, but occasional baths along with a nail clipping are recommended. Twice a year you'll notice your ferret will shed. He will change coats completely, once in the summer and again in the winter. The winter coat is thick and heavy, and when he sheds it for his summer coat, you'll want to brush him often to keep his old coat from spreading all over your house.

By providing this daily care and training routine, you are developing a trust and bond between you and your ferret and ensure that he has all he needs to stay the curious, happy, healthy pet you've grown to love.