Pet ferrets are on the rise since they are curious, active and playful animals that can become a wonderful addition to your family, but before making the leap and choosing a ferret, there are a few important things to consider.

Ferrets can be trained and become quite a placid friendly pet, but they may not be the best choice around quite young children.

Older children can be taught how to hold the ferret properly and to be a bit more gentle, reducing the risk of a ferret bite, but it’s not just the kids to watch around a ferret, there are also other pets.

Ferrets run the risk of hurting small animals like mice and rabbits and vice versa. 

Cats and dogs can also harm ferrets, so if you already have pets they may need to be kept separate or introduced very slowly and always under supervision.

It is advisable to house ferrets in a special cage with food, water and bedding.

They still need to be active and have at least two to four hours of running around and play per day, and you have to be able to ferret-proof your home.

Alternatively, have a specific secure area where they can run around and play so they don’t get hurt or escape and get lost.

Ferrets are quite clever and can even be taught to do some tricks.

It is also essential to have your ferret desexed which needs to be done once they are mature, which is after six to 12 months of age.

A female ferret, known as a jill, is an induced ovulator; when she comes on heat she will remain on heat until she is mated.

If she is not mated the heat cycle can go on and on, which can supress her bone marrow causing aplastic anaemia, toxicity and often death.

Choosing the right pet is never easy, so consult with your veterinarian before making the decision about which pet is right for you.

Adults fleas survive by feeding on the blood of animals like our family pet and they can jump 50 times their body length. 

The adult flea only lives for two or three months and without a host only survives a few days, but the adult female flea can lay 5000 or more eggs over her life. The ideal temperature for the flea's life cycle is 21°C to 30°C and optimum humidity is 70 per cent.

Keeping the environment clean by washing bedding in hot water, mowing grass, vacuuming and steam cleaning your pet’s sleeping areas will help reduce the risk of infestation, and talk to your veterinarian about a suitable flea control for your pet.