Ferrets are tiny animals that have become increasingly popular. Ferrets are not the most conventional pets, but they are a lot of fun to have.

If you are thinking of buying or adopting a ferret but suffer from allergies and would still love to have one, read our article to learn the most important facts before buying or adopting!

The truth is, the ferret is not a hypoallergenic animal. Ferrets can cause allergic reactions like dogs, cats, or hamsters because they have fur. Studies show that proteins in the ferret’s fur, feces, and urine cause the allergy.

But being allergic to dogs, cats, or other pets doesn’t mean you’re also allergic to ferrets, or vice versa. It may be that, in your case, you get along well with ferrets.

Can A Ferret Make You Sick?

While there are no one hundred percent hypoallergenic pets, there are some that people with allergies can live perfectly well. And the ferret is one of them.

Many people with allergies to dogs or cats choose to have a ferret due to the false myth that ferrets are hypoallergenic, but this is not true.

Being allergic to dogs or cats or another pet generally doesn’t mean you’re also going to be allergic to ferrets or vice versa.

The truth is that there are people who have allergies and who get along better with some pets than others. For example, it may be that, in your case, you get along ideally with ferrets.

Ferrets Are Not Hypoallergenic

The truth is, the ferret is not a hypoallergenic animal. But, unfortunately, not much is known about ferret allergy. There’s little research done on this topic.

But it is known that ferrets can cause allergic reactions because, like dogs, cats, or hamsters, they have fur.

It is possible to be allergic to any pet, including ferrets. However, ferret allergy is probably widespread, as is a dog or cat allergy.

A few studies show that the proteins that cause allergy are in the ferret’s fur, feces, and urine. However, in male ferrets’ urine, we can find the most potent amount of allergens.

The truth is that there is no pet that humans cannot develop allergies. The length and type of fur of animals will never stop humans from having them. 

Can I Own A Ferret If I’m Allergic To Cats?

Some pets may cause fewer allergies than others, but this is person-to-person, and we cannot predict.

Suppose you are allergic to cats; that doesn’t mean that you will be allergic to ferrets. There is no scientific basis to say that. Because being allergic to cats doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to be allergic to all cats. There are cats different from each other.

In recent years more and more exotic pets, such as the ferret, have been gaining popularity. So naturally, the risk of exposure to potential new and unknown allergens increases.

What Should I Do Before Getting A Feret?

Before adopting a ferret, of course, you have to know a little about this animal. How it behaves, it’s basic needs (Cage, food, toys), and how much it will cost you to maintain it.

But the most important thing is to know if you are allergic to this pet or not. So to do a RAST test will be recommended.

Nowadays, it is straightforward and fast to do this test. It’s possible to do an online skin self-test or choose to go to a clinic.

The specialized laboratory will measure IgE antibodies’ concentration through a finger blood sample to perform the allergy test.

You will then receive a result report informing you how sensitive you are to the allergens. The results report also gives recommendations on reducing dust in your room or what to do if you suspect you have a food allergy.

How to Reduce Your Ferret Allergens?

Even if there are no allergy symptoms to ferrets or any other pet that lives in the house, you have to minimize the allergens.

The best way to avoid any health problem related to your ferret is to pay more attention to cleaning your house, your pet, and yourself.

Below we show you what you have to do if you want to keep your ferret, even if you have allergies.

House Care

Caring for Your Ferret

• Bathe regularly, only when necessary. Bathing will help prevent allergens from building up in the fur.

• Use a shampoo that doesn’t dry out the skin.

• Pay attention to the appearance of dermatitis and other illnesses.

• Clean the ears and trimming the nails. Perform every week this tasks.

• Brush them regularly to keep the coat clean and healthy. If possible, do it outdoors.

•  Take the ferret to the vet for a periodic checkup.

• Keep your ferret’s cage clean to prevent possible illness. Use only litter organic, safe and effective without fragrances to keep odor under control.

Personal cares

• Prevent your pet from getting close to your airways (nose and mouth) to prevent a respiratory crisis.

• Avoid spending too much time around them. A way to limit the ferret’s contact with allergens is not to let the ferret sleep in the owner’s bedroom.

• Wear gloves when cleaning the cage so as not to touch the droppings directly.

• Do not sleep with your pet so as not to turn your bed into an allergen hotel.

• Ask someone else to take care of your foot’s usual hygiene if yours can’t.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your hurricane. The face, nose, and eyes are mainly the most sensitive areas to allergens.

• Look for a doctor who specializes in allergies to accompany you and help you with this problem. He will give the best treatment and therapy to your case.

Despite the symptoms they experience, ferret owners need not stop having them. But, as we’ve seen, it may be possible to reduce allergy symptoms by following various preventative measures and remaining very happy with your little friends.