Baby ferrets, also known as kits, need more attention and care than full-grown ferrets. How they are treated early on can drastically change the quality and length of their lives. There is a list of procedures you should consider, some of them you’d be crazy to ignore.

The first, and arguably the most important item on the list, is their vaccinations. They need a series of distemper shots, as this virus, if contracted, is fatal in almost 100% of cases. When you get baby ferrets they usually have their first distemper shot already. You’ll have to take them for their next three, each a couple weeks apart. The other vaccination is for rabies prevention, generally given around the time of their third distemper shot.

If you aren’t going to breed your ferrets, you’d be better off getting them neutered or spayed early on. The idea may seem cruel, but if you know anything about ferret physiology, you’ll find it’s far more cruel and dangerous not to (at least in the case of females). The female ferret, if not spayed, may be in heat for months at a time without sexual contact. The long term estrogen production frequently becomes toxic to the ferret’s bone marrow. Male ferrets don’t have this problem, but neutering them reduces aggression. For both genders, the procedure may soften their coat and let them smell better due to a change of oil production.

The last thing to consider for baby ferrets is descenting. Ferrets have a defensive mechanism much like a skunk’s spray when they feel threatened. This procedure eliminates that ability. There is a small window at a young age where this can be done without too much trouble, but becomes traumatic should it be tried later. Many ferret owners never have it done to their ferrets and have no complaints though.

So get your baby ferrets vaccinated against distemper and rabies and make sure female ferrets are spayed. All other procedures are optional and based on your situation. In many cases if you get your baby ferrets from the pet store they will already be altered and descented, so make sure to ask before you grab your new friend.