Complete Guide to Ferret Harnesses
Ferret harnesses are quite simple products, but as with anything else we buy for our fuzzballs, there are reasons why you might favor one type over another.
Types of Ferret Harnesses
All the products we reviewed fit into one of two types — H-style and vest. Which option is right for you and your ferret will definitely be the biggest decision you make. Learning more about their similarities and differences can be helpful.
H-Style
These types of harnesses (like this one) are so named because when looking at them from the side, the loops and connectors form the shape of the letter H. One loop goes around the neck, while the second goes behind the front legs and around the torso. These usually have little material and simply consist of the straps and buckles.
Vest
Using a similar design to the H-style harness, vest harnesses like the Kaytee Comfort Harness & Stretchy Leash wrap around the neck and behind the front legs, usually connecting with Velcro, but they are made with mesh or fabric that forms a vest when placed on the ferret.
In both cases, the harness fits around the neck and torso of the critter and allows a leash to be connected to the back. This serves two key functions. First, it more evenly distributes pressure on the neck, shoulders, and torso; if ferrets are walked only using a collar and leash, all pressure is placed on the neck. Second, if harnesses are properly fitted, they keep ferrets safe and secure when outside.
There’s one other type of harness that is on the market, but it’s generally not as comfortable for ferrets and may be less secure. The 8-shape harness is so named because it’s made of a single strand or piece of rope that is wrapped around the ferret’s body, forming a figure 8. This is a popular method for ferret owners who may want to make their own harness, which is a fairly simple process.
Regardless of the style you decide on, testing the harness and leash out in the house before taking your ferret outside is crucial so you can be sure your fuzzy friend won’t escape. Check out some tips on that.
Proper Harness Fit
Ferrets are small, sleek animals, with adult females weighing only about 1.5 pounds on average and adult males averaging about 3 pounds. They also are extremely fuzzy, and these coats can make them seem larger than they are.
So it’s important that before choosing a harness that you physically handle your ferret, measuring their torso circumference if you can, so you can get a sense of their girth.
This can help you eliminate guesswork when buying a harness, which could save you from having to return something that won’t fit.
A proper-fitting ferret harness should be snug but not tight to the animal’s body. Pay special attention to how it fits around the neck, as that’s an especially sensitive area. You should be able to get your pinky finger under the harness. If it’s a struggle, the harness is too tight. If it’s too easy, or if you could fit more than one finger’s width under the harness, then it’s too loose.
Generally, harnesses that are made explicitly for ferrets will give you a better chance of finding one that fits your pet. There are some exceptions, and even harnesses made for cats and dogs could fit the bill.
Safety Considerations
Anybody who’s ever tried to ferret-proof a home knows that these little guys are masters of finding a tiny gap and exploiting it. They may use their claws or teeth to create openings, or may spin around like mad, flailing against obstacles until they get their way.
Ferrets’ claws don’t retract like cat claws, so it’s important to make sure that your ferret can’t get their claws stuck on any material in the harness, such as wide-woven mesh or nylon seams.
Another major issue with walking ferrets doesn’t have anything to do with harnesses but rather with walking a ferret in the first place. Unlike dogs, ferrets can’t handle long walks. A typical ferret will be exhausted after walking for 15-20 minutes, and these tiny critters are highly sensitive to temperature extremes.
So, an ideal walk for a ferret will be when it’s between 55 and 75 degrees in an open, grassy area away from bushes or low trees where a ferret might find an interesting smell and try to dig their way to it.
Also, while ferrets can see in the dark, their night vision isn’t as good as a cat’s or a dog’s, so it’s probably best to avoid walking after dusk.
Training a Ferret to Use a Harness
All animals need to be trained to use a harness, but ferrets may require especially patient training. Other animals, such as dogs, may be more naturally inclined to understand how to use a harness and walk on a leash.
While we’re on this subject, you shouldn’t expect your ferret to heel or follow you closely the way a well-trained dog will do while on a walk. Ferrets certainly can be trained to stick to a path and not stray too far, and there are lots of things you can do to get them comfortable with the harness and leash themselves, but walking a ferret is very different from the experience of walking a dog. And some ferrets will never enjoy it.
Here’s a look at the steps you need to take to train your ferret to walk with a harness and leash, keeping in mind that all training should start in your home:
- Step 1: Once you’ve found a harness that fits perfectly, put it on your ferret and let them walk around the house for a while. Keep an eye on them to be sure they don’t begin flailing around and trying to get out of it. If they do manage to escape, try a tighter fit next time. You’ll want to try this several times over the course of a few days. If they tolerate the harness, leave it on for a few minutes and observe their behavior, providing positive reinforcement like a treat or a bit of food.
- Step 2: When they’ve gotten used to the harness, it’s time to clip on the leash. Again, the ferret may object to this initially, so if they begin flailing about, be careful that they don’t become tangled up in the leash and injure themselves. It may be helpful to continue your positive reinforcement by giving another treat as you clip the harness on.
- Step 3: If your ferret responds well (or doesn’t react at all) to having the leash clipped on, you can try walking around your home so that the ferret becomes accustomed to what the harness feels like and the sensations involved in having you tugging on their leash. Don’t try to control their movements too much and give positive reinforcement if they walk without pulling against the leash. An adjustable leash, like this one, can be helpful with that. Remember that ferrets are small, and it doesn’t take much food before they get full, so it may be wise to space out training sessions to coincide with when they typically eat. If they get full, they may respond less to the treats as a positive reinforcement tool.
- Step 4: Try putting on the harness and leash and walking your ferret around inside your house for 5-10 minutes a couple of times a day for a period of days until you feel they are acclimated to it or, ideally, enjoying it.
- Step 5: Walking inside the house is a very different prospect from walking around outside, so if your ferret is not accustomed to being outside and experiencing all the wonderful smells, sights, and sounds the outdoors have to offer, it may be wise to carry them outside in your arms a few times before trying a leash walk. This way, being outside won’t be a totally new experience for them. Ferret owners who are concerned about keeping tabs on their curious critters outdoors might want to consider a harness that includes a safety bell. This is a great option for safety-conscious owners.
- Step 6: Once you feel your ferret is enjoying the outdoors and doesn’t seem skittish or fearful about being outside, it’s time to try a short, leashed walk. If you have a yard, even if it’s unfenced, it’s wise to try a short walk here before heading off down the street. This is another opportunity for both you and your ferret to acclimate to this new activity. Plus, you can provide more positive reinforcement when your ferret responds to commands or walks without tugging on its leash. Some ferret owners may stop at this step, only walking their ferret around their yards or common areas outside of their apartment buildings.
- Step 7: If you’re ready to take your ferret-walking skills into the world outside your yard, remember to keep walks on the shorter side. Most ferrets will start to get tired after about 15-20 minutes of walking, and if you get too far from home, you may end up needing to carry your little fuzzball home.
- Step 8: Those who plan to walk their ferrets regularly outdoors will need to be sure their pets are properly vaccinated. All ferrets should be vaccinated against canine distemper, but this is especially important for ferrets who venture outside on walks. Distemper, which is 100% fatal to ferrets, is airborne and easily transmitted if your ferret encounters or gets near an infected dog. You can learn more about the shots your ferret needs here.
Ferret Harness FAQs
Here’s a look at some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to ferret harnesses.
Do Ferrets Need to Go Outside?
Unlike dogs, most ferrets are trained or accustomed to relieving themselves inside the house, so in that sense, ferrets don’t need to go outside. But they are animals, and most animals are drawn to the outdoors.
While you should never let your ferret run outside without supervision, or being tethered by a leash or lead, most ferrets would probably enjoy some outdoor time. After all, these are curious critters, and the inside of their room or cage could bore them before long.
What Temperatures Are Unsafe for My Ferret to Be Outside?
Ferrets are quite sensitive to extreme temperatures, but they generally are more tolerant of cold than heat. Temperatures over about 78-80° can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for a ferret. These furry critters don’t have sweat glands, so once they get hot, it’s hard for them to cool down.
On the other end of the thermometer, most ferrets love cold weather and even snow, especially if it’s deep enough for them to tunnel and chase each other through. For those whose ferrets are normally housed indoors, remember that these ferrets will have thinner undercoats because they live primarily inside. So be sure to keep a close eye on how much snow romping they’re allowed, and if you see signs of shivering, bring them inside right away.
If you live in a climate where it’s regularly near the high end of the range of safe temperatures, it’s probably best to consider an H-style harness, which won’t have additional fabric, or be sure to find a vest harness that has lightweight, breathable fabric. This one and this one are great vest options for those who are concerned about overheating.
How Much Exercise Do Ferrets Need?
For ferrets, exercise is more about stimulation and enrichment than weight, though less-active ferrets can become overweight. According to the American Ferret Association Education Committee, ferrets need at least four hours per day of time outside their cage (more is better, of course), and at least two of the four hours should include human interaction.
Most ferret owners have various methods of entertaining and stimulating their ferrets, including tunnel-type toys, while others may rely on decidedly more low-tech methods like spare boxes.
Check out this resource for some more creative ways of adding enrichment to your ferrets’ lives.
Do All Ferrets Like to Go on Walks?
Definitely not. If you’ve tried and failed to get your ferret used to a harness and/or a leash, your dream of walking your ferret down the street is probably not meant to be. If you’re trying to train or walk your ferret, and they simply refuse to move, that’s a sign they aren’t enjoying the activity.
And some ferrets may grow to like walks more as they age, so don’t be afraid to keep trying. Just pay attention to your ferret’s physical and emotional signals, and let those guide you.
How Do You Put a Harness on a Ferret?
Very carefully. Kidding aside, all ferret harnesses, or harnesses that can be used for ferrets, come with detailed instructions about putting the harness on and ensuring it’s properly fitted. Be sure to follow these closely to ensure your ferret can’t wriggle their way out while you’re strolling down the street.
Can I Use a Cat Harness for My Ferret?
If it fits your ferret well and allows a leash to be attached to the back rather than the underside of the neck, a cat harness or even a small dog harness could be appropriate. Few products are made exclusively for ferrets, but that doesn’t mean they won’t work just as well or maybe better for your situation.
Should I Make My Own Ferret Harness?
There are a couple of methods for making your own ferret harness. (This one, in particular, is pretty tried-and-true.) As long as you’ve done your proper preparation to make sure that your ferret is comfortable walking in the harness and that they can’t escape from it, this could be a great option. Many ferret owners may be inclined to make their own harness so they can extend their own creativity to that area.
That’s not tough to understand since most ferret harnesses aren’t exactly pretty. But there are some options that could give you second thoughts about making your own, whether you’re into traditional styles or something more otherworldly.
Final Thoughts
Humans and ferrets have a long history together, but these crafty creatures are still considered exotic pets. To be fair, even among exotic pets, ferrets are quite rare. Nearly three times as many households are home to rabbits compared to ferrets. Given the niche popularity of ferrets, it can be quite a challenge to find products that work well, but hopefully, you can reduce your guesswork.