Ferrets generally do not need to be cleaned unless they've gotten into something sticky, such as a mud puddle or their litter box. Bathing can actually increase their natural musk and strips their coat of natural oils. Bathing to cut down on the smell has the opposite effect, as explained in Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling. Many ferrets fear or dislike water, and a bath can be a stressful experience. If your ferret has gotten covered with something gross, or is just muddy from running around outside, cleaning them without the bathtub can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Bonding with a Ferret While Getting It Clean
Kim Schilling suggests that the quickest and easiest method for grooming a ferret is a lightly dampened washcloth. Use a washcloth that will only be used for grooming the ferret. Do not use a washcloth that has been laundered with heavily perfumed detergent or fabric softener, as it can cause irritation. Dampen the washcloth with warm water.
Begin grooming with the face, using short, gentle strokes of the washcloth. Kim Schilling writes that the idea is to simulate the grooming the animal received from its mother as a kit. Even if there is only a small section that needs to be cleaned, it helps to do the whole body to get the ferret used to being groomed. The washcloth will likely need to be rinsed out at least once during the grooming session. It's handy to keep a bowl or dish of warm water nearby, instead of having to leave the room to clean it.
To clean dirty feet, hold the ferret with your hand wrapped around its chest, with its back to your chest. Gently wipe the feet with the washcloth, taking care not to get the ferret's nails caught. Dirty claws will be cleaned by the ferret.
Grooming can Prevent Hairballs in Ferrets
This is also useful during shedding season. As explained in The Ferret Handbook by Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville, ferrets have a heavy winter coat and a light summer coat, and shed twice a year to switch between the two. This means a ferret can easily get hairballs if it ingests too much of the loose fur when grooming itself. The washcloth generally does a good job of catching the loose fur.
If your ferret dislikes being groomed this way, or is losing a lot of hair, try a rubber grooming tool or mitt. The rubber catches the loose fur very well, and is gentler on the ferret's skin than a wire or bristle brush. These mitts are stocked by most pet stores, and are inexpensive, especially compared to the cost of surgery to remove a blockage caused by a hairball.
Removing Sticky Substances From Fur
Getting a sticky substance, such as tree sap or chewing gum, out of fur can be a little bit more difficult. Applying a little mineral oil to the sticky spot can loosen it up. Use a short, soft bristled brush, or a toothbrush, to gently work the mess out of the ferret's coat.
Stubborn substances may require a little creative trimming. If you have to cut a patch of fur off, use small safety scissors with rounded points, and have a helper hold the ferret. Pinch the fur you're trimming between two fingers, and only trim above your fingers to make sure you're not accidentally snipping the skin.
Easier and Healthier than a Bath
Grooming a water phobic ferret with a washcloth saves both the animal and owner a lot of stress and work. This method is also healthier for the animal, since it removes much less of the natural oil that protects their skin. It is also a great bonding method. It builds trust between the owner and the ferret.
Sources:
Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling, Wiley Publishing, 2007
The Ferret Handbook by Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville, Baron's Educational Series, 2001
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