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About Cindy Petrauskas
Expertise
I have owned these little weasels for over 15 years. While I cannot diagnose a condition, I feel confident to have gained enough knowledge to answer most questions concerning general health, nutrition, training, safety, cage requirements, games, grooming, vaccination, behavior, nipping, adoption, care of ill and elderly, and common symptoms of diseases. I have personally witnessed adrenal tumors, malignant cancer and liver failure in my own pets, and have seem many other conditions at my job as a vet technician for four years. Now I am studying for my doctorate in veterinary medicine, but as previously mentioned, I cannot diagnose a condition. That can only be done by a licensed veterinarian. I will, however, do my very best to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

Experience
I have been a ferret owner (or owned by the carpet sharks!) for the past 15 years, as well as a shelter volunteer (Ferret Association of CT) for 5. I am now a first-year veterinary student in Louisiana, and I wish to specialize in these little guys!! There are so few doctors that will treat ferrets. I have my bachelor's degree in bio-molecular science, and I am currently enrolled at the the LSU College of Veterinary Medicine for my doctorate degree.

Organizations
Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Ferret Association of CT

Education/Credentials
Present: Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine: 2009-2013 (DVM Degree) Past: Farmington Valley Veterinary ER (ER tech): 2007-2009 Veterinary Specialists of CT (vet tech): 2006-2007 Central Connecticut State University: 2001-2006 (BS in Bio-medical)

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Exotic Pets > Ferrets > feeding ferrets

Ferrets - feeding ferrets

Expert: Cindy Petrauskas - 10/31/2009

Question
I ran out of ferret food and can't get out till morning is there something I can give her for the night? Cat food maybe? Thanks

Answer
Since it will be difficult to obtain ferret food tonight, I recommend offering the best quality food you can find by following some of the guidelines listed below. Ferrets need to eat every 4-6 hours to remain healthy due to their high metabolism. It is not wise to withhold food for this reason. Change back to your ferret's normal diet tomorrow by mixing some into the cat kibble you found. NEVER switch brands suddenly if you can help it. Always transition slowly whenever possible.

Guidelines for food:

Look for a cat or kitten dry kibble with a high fat and protein content. Generally look for 35-40 percent protein (I have found any higher creates soft stool) and around 22 percent fat. Whichever brands you choose, make sure the first 3 ingredients are meat-based and try to stay away from animal by-products since these are "filler" and contain little nutritional value. Stay away from fish products if possible. Make sure there are no vegetable additives and minimal carbohydrates, since ferrets are obligate carnivores and cannot digest plant material.

Do NOT buy anything with CORN, BARLEY or RICE within the first three ingredients. Ferrets cannot digest it and need meat as their protein source.

Remember, it is not a good idea to suddenly switch brands of food for any pet. It can cause all sorts of GI problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, etc. Another problem is any cat food you can get at this time of night is not the quality sufficient for a ferret. They need a very specific diet. More information regarding this can be found at the link listed below. Make sure you are providing the proper nutrition to your pet. Diet is VERY important and most ferret specific foods are NOT healthy and can cause serious health problems. Please read the information in the link.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ferrets-2277/2009/5/picky-eater-3.htm

Good luck! If you notice any vomiting or diarrhea, have your ferret seen by a vet ASAP. Ferrets get very ill quickly and severely dehydrated.

-Cindy P.

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