Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why do ferrets scratch so much? Is it normal compared to other pets?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Ferret | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 2.4 lbs

It seems like my ferrets scratch alot, especially one more than the other. They seem to scratch the most when they are excited. I have checked for fleas and their coats seem healthy. I also do not see dry skin or any irritations. I only gave them once a month with gentle oatmeal shampoo . They eat a very good cat food made with chicken from the pet store. Do ferrets just scratch more often then what seems normal for like a dog or cat?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 16th, 2019

Hello,

Ferrets do scratch more than normal dogs and cats! They tend to be itchier creatures, and this very well may be normal behavior. :)

They can get fleas, mites, and skin infections that make them more itchy though- usually hair loss, redness, and scabbing is associated with these (and obviously, if you see fleas!). If they are particularly focused on their ears, ear mites may be a concern. If you notice any hair loss, scabbing, or excessive black crusting in the ears, these would be signs to go to the veterinarian. These conditions are generally easy to treat with a course of medications, so nothing to panic about!

I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 14th, 2018
I am so sorry to hear that Jake is so uncomfortable. In addition to the ear mite treatment I often send my patients home with an ear medication that has some steroid in it to decrease the itching and make them more
comfortable. It may be worth asking your veterinarian for
Something similar. Another option would be an injection of steroids that would last a week or two. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Why are my ferrets scratching so much if they don't have fleas?

Hello. A ferret that is pruritic ( itchy ) without signs of ectoparasites ( fleas, lice ) is adrenal gland disease until proven otherwise. It is not uncommon for very itchy ferrets to have no obvious signs of hair loss. Occasional, cutaneous mast cell tumors can be very pruritic. These are almost always benign in ferrets & removal is curative. I would encourage you to have your ferrets evaluated by a veterinarian & have some diagnostic tests done to find the underlying cause of the itching. Then appropriate treatment can be started. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My ferret is extremely itchy, scratching, and losing fur. How can I help?

It is important to find out why they are itching first before putting anything on them. They could be suffering from a mite infection, a fungal or a bacterial infection. All of these cause serious itch and each of these is treated differently. Please take your ferrets to your vet for an exam to determine why they are itching. Mites itch terribly, the skin gets scabby and fur gets lost. Mites are easily treated with avermectin injections. A fungal infection may need oral medications or antifungal shampoo or both and a bacterial infection is usually treated with oral antibiotics.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 7-month-old ferret scratching so much? Is it fleas?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The very important first thing we need to do is make sure Stanley doesn't have fleas, as that would be the most common reason a ferret his age would be scratching. I typically advise applying Revolution - the product labeled for cats is safe for use on ferrets. If Stanley is still scratching, you should have him seen by your vet to determine the source of the scratching. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it normal for my new cat to scratch herself occasionally?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, just like people scratch occasionally, it is normal for cats to scratch a little bit. I'd say SEEING them scratch 1-2 times per day is probably normal. Excessive scratching can be from fleas, allergies, and infection. If she is losing hair, has bald spots or you are seeing her scratch a lot then I would have her checked by a Vet. I hope this helps and I wish you and Dana the very best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my ferret scratching non-stop? Could it be mites or fleas?

Hello, I'm sorry to hear Snowflake is feeling unwell. Scratching in a young ferret can be a sign of external parasites, such as fleas, scabies or ear mites. I would suggest taking her to a vet to check for the above, and perform a skin scraping test to check for scabies or demodex mites. I hope this helps, and your ferret is feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My new ferret scratches, bites, and shakes. Is she sick or stressed?

Thanks for reaching out about Lola. Microscopic parasites such as mites, can cause itching. Ferrets are fastidious groomers and will often itch themselves. If the problem persists, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my ferret scratching after eating beef? Is it an allergy?

Like most animals ferrets can develop allergies and intolerance. If you notice signs such as itching or hair loss then this is a possible cause. I would rule out other things such as parasites first though. You could try not feeding beef and see if it settles. Bear in mind there may be allergy to a few proteins. You could try an elimination diet where you feed just novel protein such as rabbit for 6 weeks. On the diet they should be fine, then after 6 weeks if you give normal food again and they flare up you know they have a food allergy.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share