Can A Ferret Catch A Human Cold?

Can ferrets catch a cold or anything from people? (Annemarie - Virginia)

Keeping your ferret healthy requires a bit of work on your part. Ferrets have a very weak immune system, and can catch a cold from their human family. A cold that might just keep you out of work for a couple of days could prove fatal to a ferret, so always keep away from your ferrets when sick.

One of the most important things to make sure to do is go in for regular checkups and vaccinations. Make sure to choose a vet who treats or even specializes in ferrets. If you live in a place where it is illegal to own ferrets, there is usually still a vet in the area who treats ferrets and keeps your record confidential. Vaccinations include, but are not limited to, Canine rabies and Canine distemper. Not only will these vaccinations prevent the illness, they also will keep your ferret and you from the possible trouble caused by a misplaced bite and possibly euthanasia of your ferret.