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My ferret is lethargic and sleeping constantly. What could be wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Ferret | Male | neutered | 1 year old

My ferret hasn't been very energetic lately. He isn't running around or bouncing as much as he used to. He's still playing with our feet, but not as energeticly as usual. This has been going on for a few days and I'm getting concerned. He seems to want to sleep all the time, and doesn't come up to us when we pass his cage.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2017

Hi, I don't know your ferret's age but there are different illnesses that he could be suffering from. Younger ferrets can have GI signs if you see any vomiting or diarrhea or not wanting to eat. There is also a disease relating to the pancreas where they get low blood sugar despite eating, and that can make them tired. They also may have seizures, so be on the lookout for abnormal activity. i would take him to the vet for some blood work and maybe an x ray to see what is going on. There is nothing I can tell you to do from home for illnesses in a ferret. Good luck, i hope he gets better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebeccah Wood
Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist
Published on August 10th, 2017
Hello there! Ferrets do sleep 14-18 hours a day normally, but if you are noticing that Light is sleeping more than is normal for her, I'd recommend a visit to the vet. She could be developing an infection or have a parasite that is draining her energy, and I also worry that she's not eating and drinking if she's not urinating or defecating. This could indicate dehydration. I strongly suggest that you bring her to the vet tomorrow if she hasn't gotten up to eat and drink by that time. Here is an exotic vet near you:
Exotic Animal Care Center
2121 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 405-1777

Good luck, and I hope that Light gets well soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 4th, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea, especially with blood is cause for concern as it can be caused by parasites and viral infections which are contagious. George’s loss of energy can be caused by this condition or others such as an obstruction, or tumors such as an insulinoma which are very common in ferrets. I recommend having George seen by a vet, who may take blood and x-rays to determine what may be going on. If your other ferret is also not acting like himself, he should be seen by a vet as well. You can bring a stool sample from George in a disposable container to help your vet rule out intestinal parasites. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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