Cleaning and disinfecting the ferret cage

A ferret is a clean animal that likes to use a fixed toilet corner, but its cage does need regular maintenance. Urine leaves a deposit on plastic and bars, and dirt can build up in corners. By scooping out daily you keep the toilet corner fresh; in addition, you clean the whole cage regularly. And sometimes, for example if a sick animal has been in the cage or if you start using a second-hand cage, you will also want to disinfect the cage.

In this category you will find a cleaning product and a disinfectant for animal enclosures for that purpose.

At a glance

• ✓ Cleaning removes dirt and deposits; disinfecting kills germs. They are two different steps.
• ✓ Always take your ferret out of the cage while cleaning and disinfecting.
• ✓ Follow the instructions on the packaging for dilution and contact time.
• ✓ Rinse with clean water and let everything dry thoroughly.
• ✓ Leave a little familiar scent behind, for example in the sleeping bag.

What will you find in the Care products category?

Koudijs cleaning product with eucalyptus scent

According to the product information, the Koudijs cleaning product is a biodegradable cleaner for cages and other animal enclosures, with a eucalyptus scent. You use it for the walls, floor, platforms and accessories. There is a 500 ml bottle and a large 2 litre bottle.

Halamid-D disinfectant

Halamid-D is a well-known disinfectant in the animal sector, from livestock farming to pets. According to the product information, it is intended for thoroughly disinfecting the surfaces of animal enclosures and transport. It is supplied as a powder that you dissolve yourself; follow the instructions on the packaging exactly. Available in 200 grams and 1 kg.

Food bowls

The Food bowls subcategory will contain food bowls for ferrets. For a ferret, choose a heavy ceramic or stoneware bowl, or a bowl you can fix to the cage, so it does not get pushed over.

Cleaning: how to go about it

Take your ferret out of the cage and put it in a safe room or a carrier. Remove all the furnishings: hammocks, sleeping bag, litter tray, food bowl and bedding. Wash the textiles separately in the washing machine. Clean the floor, bars, platforms and litter tray with warm water and the cleaning product. Then rinse everything thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely before you furnish the cage again.

Ferrets have a sensitive nose. A strong smell of cleaning product can mean your ferret no longer recognises its litter tray or chooses a different corner. So rinse extra thoroughly and, after cleaning, put a little used bedding back in the litter tray.

Disinfecting: when and how

Disinfecting is not necessary every time you clean. It makes sense if a sick animal has been in the cage, if you start using a used cage or carrier, or if you are settling a new ferret into a cage where another animal lived before. Clean the cage first, because disinfectant works best on a clean surface. Then apply the Halamid-D solution according to the instructions, leave it for the prescribed time, rinse with clean water and let everything dry thoroughly. Wear gloves and keep your ferret away until everything is dry.

How often do you clean?

You scoop out the litter tray every day. You wash fleece and blankets every few days or as soon as they are dirty. You clean the whole cage thoroughly on a regular basis; how often depends on the number of ferrets and the size of the cage. You only disinfect when there is a reason to.

Handy combinations

• Bedding for ferrets, including Zooply cotton, cardboard and hemp, to furnish the cage again after cleaning.
• Corner litter trays and litter pellets, including a litter scoop and a spray against urine stains.
• Ferret cages with large doors that are easy to clean.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cleaning product with eucalyptus scent suitable for a ferret cage?

Yes, as long as you rinse thoroughly. According to the product information, the Koudijs product is made for animal enclosures and is biodegradable. Because ferrets sniff a lot, rinse with clean water so that no strong smell remains.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleaning removes visible dirt, deposits and odour. Disinfecting kills germs on a clean surface. For daily and weekly maintenance, cleaning is enough. You disinfect when there is a specific reason, such as illness or a second-hand cage.

How do I get hard urine deposits off the litter tray?

Leave the litter tray to soak for a while in warm water with cleaning product. For dried-in urine, an enzyme cleaner, such as the spray against urine stains in the toilet pellets and corner toilets category, also works well. If you can no longer get the deposit off, replace the litter tray.

Can I use ordinary household products?

Preferably not. Bleach, ammonia and strongly perfumed products can irritate your ferret's airways and keep smelling. Use a product intended for animal enclosures, follow the instructions and rinse thoroughly.

Where can I find care products for the ferret itself, such as nail clippers?

This category focuses on the hygiene of the enclosure. For other ferret products, take a look in the main Ferrets category. If you are unsure about caring for the claws, ears or coat, you can also ask a vet with knowledge of ferrets for advice.

Care products for ferrets at Knaagplaza

With a good cleaning product, a reliable disinfectant for when it is needed and a fixed routine, you keep the ferret cage hygienic without burdening your ferret with strong smells.