If you have a ferret as a pet, then you are already dealing with all sorts of smells around the house. While some get used to the smell whereas others don't. Ferrets are increasingly becoming popular as pets in the US, even though dogs still reign supreme.
At Trending Up, we come across many ferret owners asking us one question "will an air purifier help with ferret smell?" Well, if you are one of those people or if you are looking for the best air purifier for litter box smell or ferret odor, then you've come to the right place.
We at Trending Up specialize in providing high-quality smart home solutions, and one of our best-selling products is air purifiers. So we know what they are capable of. However, this article isn't only about the best air purifiers for ferret odors. It's about getting rid of the ferret smell from your home. So without any further delay, let's check out how you can do that!
Why Do Ferrets Smell?
Before we talk about getting rid of the ferret smell, let's first talk about why ferrets smell in the first place. Like every other pet, ferrets have their distinct smell. However, the odor can get out of hand at times, especially if you haven't cleaned the cage properly.
Ferrets have a sweet and musky smell that usually doesn't bother anyone. But it can be alarming for someone who isn't used to it or just walked into your home. So it would be best if you were extra careful about the smell when having people over.
However, you should keep in mind that even if you are washing your pet and the cage regularly, there still may be some lingering scent. Here are some factors that contribute to ferret odor you should know about:
- Anal Gland Secretions: Ferrets have anal glands that secrete a unique smell primarily to find mates or mark their territory. It's a common trait in carnivores and many omnivores. These animals usually give off this scent when threatened. So your ferret might be giving off the smell due to that, especially if it hasn't been neutered. However, most ferrets have those glands removed from the store, so it's most likely that's not where the smell originated.
- Scent Glands in Skin: Ferrets also have glands in their skin and anal glands. These glands give off a strong smell, and that's the reason they can smell musky even though you've just showered them.
- Dirty Ears: We often find that ferret owners clean their ferrets regularly but often forget to clean the ears. Like our ears, ferrets will have dirty ears, and wax and oils from the skin can accumulate over time, resulting in a pungent smell.
- Dirty Living Space: Now, you can't blame your ferret all the time for the funky smell in your room. If you don't maintain a clean living space for your ferret, you are part of the problem. Usually, your room smells because of a dirty ferret cage. And if that's the case, none of the best air purifiers in the market can get rid of that ferret odor or the litter box smell.
Simple Tips To Control The Ferret Odor
With ferrets, you can take quite a few different measures to ensure the smell doesn't become bothersome. Now, even if the smell is bothering you, you can take steps to control it. Here in the following passages, you will find some simple tips to prevent ferret odor. So let's check them out!
Cleaning The Cage or Box Every Week
Cleaning your ferret's cage or box at least once a week should be your number one priority if you want to keep the odor under control. You shouldn't just let their poo and pee sit there for weeks, as it will become a significant contributing factor to making the room unbearable.
However, if you own more than one ferret, then you should consider cleaning the box or cage at least twice a day. Remember, the more you delay cleaning, the harder it will be to get rid of the smell.
Put The Litter Box In The Right Place
You have to make sure that you put the litter box in the place where the ferret likes to take care of its business. That way, it will go on the litter box the next time it goes to relieve itself.
Now, if your ferrets still avoid the litter box, then you should drop some droppings in it, so they understand that's where they need to go. Once the ferrets are trained, your life will be that much easier. Also, cleaning the litter box twice a day will keep the poo smell at bay.
Don't Bathe Them Too Much.
It would be best if you bathe your ferret. However, something called over bathing to make the odor problem worse.
Ferrets produce oils that nurture their fur and coat, so if you keep washing them away, their glands go in overdrive and start producing even more oil than before, resulting in even more smell. Bathing ferrets once a month is fine, but it is season-dependent, and in winter, you should bathe it once every two months.
Cleaning The Ears
Always use specialized ear cleaners to clean your ferret's ear. Also, you can use a damp Q-tip to clean all the nooks. It would help if you were gentle and very careful.
Make sure you don't ever insert the Q-tip into the ear canal as that risks damaging their eardrum. Simply cleaning the ears once a month after showering them works fine. But you don't have to do it right after the shower, as doing it once a month is the goal.
Odor Neutralizers
You'll find plenty of sprays that boast about neutralizing ferret odor, but they are not the most viable option out there. However, if you do take up this option, be sure to check the ingredients to see if the spray is safe before you apply them to your ferret.
Also, you should never use the spray directly to your ferret. Instead, it would be best if you sprayed it on a paper towel or cloth and then rubbed it all over the ferret.
Will An Air Purifier Help With The Ferret Smell?
As you can see, with the abovementioned precautions, you can control the ferret odor in your room. However, even with all the cleaning and washing, a little bit of that musky smell may still linger, and that's where an air purifier comes in. It will get rid of that ferret odor while also cleaning the air in your room.
Remember that not all air purifiers will remove the odor as most only remove impurities. So make sure you get one with odor-removing filters. Different air purifiers use other mechanisms to eliminate odors, but the most common filter for the job is those with carbon filters.
There are air purifiers that even have the option of adding essential oils or aromatics to keep your room smelling fresh. But keep in mind that no air purifier is a substitute for regularly cleaning your ferret's cage and litter box, as well as their monthly bath.
Finding The Right Air Purifiers
So there you go, that's how you can get rid of the ferret odor from your room. As you can see, regular cleaning and monthly baths are vital to get rid of the smell, and the right air purifier will help you get rid of the ferret odor and the litter box smell.
Now, if you are looking for the best air purifier for ferret odor and litter box smell, then Trending Up can help you out. Our smart home solutions offer the best value on products, and we have the right air purifiers for the job to keep your room smelling fresh. So contact us, and we will help you out.
Also, if you have any questions regarding air purifiers or smart home solutions in general, drop them in the comments below or hit us up on our socials, and we will answer them all for you. And with that being said, that's about all we have for you today. We will come back with something new for you soon. Until then, see ya!