I’ve been giving some thought to getting a new companion animal to travel with me in the truck. I don’t want a dog as I don’t always have time to stop to walk one, which wouldn’t be fair to the dog.
I’ve been considering a ferret but other than what I have been reading about them don’t know a lot about them. I’m also not sure about the best place to buy one.
They sound like they would make a fun pet to have around, and can be litter box trained which would be perfect for traveling in the truck.
I am a little concerned about how they might be with regard to my yarns and knitting.
I had a ferret, she died a few years ago, but we’re planning on getting more when we move. Ferrets like to grab things and run off and hide them so I’m sure you might loose a needle or two if you’re not careful. Ferrets can be leash trained and litter box trained without a problem. The only concern I’d have with having one on the truck is it’s sneaky little butt slipping away from you and getting lost. There is a ferret group at Ravelry, you might wanna check them out.
I think they smell :ick: But I’m also overly sensitive to smells fyi. I did have a few rats when I was a teen. I liked them and they were clean and fun. Very interactive and tame. That’s the way I would go personally.
I’ve heard that they smell, too. I know all rodents can be smelly if the cage isn’t cleaned often which might be a problem. You could do a cat if you did the cage thing before opening the door, too.
Ferrets have always given me the creeps BUT I did have two pet rats when I was younger, Alice and Victoria. They were very sweet rats and I loved them a lot. They were actually very smart and loved to be held.
Have you considered a cat? If you could have a dog, you could surely have a cat.
FYI, you can train a small dog to use a litter box just like a cat, or ferret for that matter. Chihuahuas are known for traveling well and while they will happily walk when you take them out, they’re also just as content to curl up under a blanket instead. Contrary to popular belief, Chis are not wirey high-strung dogs. They’re small, laid-back and very loyal. I could definitely see one being your travel mate.
Just a suggestion, but I might be a little biased here.
My brother used to have a ferret…they are so comical…but like others have said they like to hide things and they like to hide themselves…very tricky little guys and can create a mess…his loved to tear up paper…or the chips that was in his pen he would throw them out… He would sleep most of the day but when Ray would get home from school he would let him out…I always thought it smelled awful too
Thanks everyone. After doing more reading on the subject I am reconsidering the ferret idea as they seem to be prone to some medical conditions that are quite costly to treat.
I am still considering a couple of rats, but other ideas as well. I wasn’t aware that a small dog could be trained to use a litter box. I’ll look into that idea.
I’ve had both ferrets and rats, and between the two I’d suggest a rat. I trained my rats to climb up my arms and perch on my shoulders, as they are very keen and sociable. Ferrets love to explore and have “puppy-like” personalities, so since you’re on the road a lot, I think having a rat would be more rewarding for you. Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide!
P.S. - If you decide on a rat, I’d suggest a Dumbo. They have wonderful temperaments!
My Niece and her hubby had 2 ferrets. They were really cute, but I found them to be quite “aromatic”. They were also really naughty and would bite and hide. I hope you find a suitable companion.
Angel
My neighbor has one and the cat is 35 lbs! I do think he is a bit overfed but he was a happy cat while I was there. According to the Wiki, they are dog like in a cat sort of way! This will be the next cat I get, a great bit easy going fluffball.
Hmm, what about a talking parrot?? hahaha…Now THAT would be a companion…I could just imagine all the trouble the parrot would stir up
Oh, and, Maine Coons are AWESOME cats. My mom and dad had one until recently, Thorns. Poor thing, he died not too long ago and the vet isn’t 100% sure why. When he was a kitten, the breeder pointed out he did have a heart murmur but we don’t know if that was the cause. Thorns got up to about 30 pounds, I believe and he was such a beautiful, sweet, lovable cat.
How about a chimp or orangatan (spelling?)? Just kidding. Wasn’t there a TV show back in the 70’s or 80’s that had a trucker with one of these? Just think too if it could work on your knitting when you couldn’t. Think of all the projects you could get finished.
My brother had a ferret when he drove a truck. I can’t remember any issues with it. Someone gave my daughter a pair of rats once. They were fun. They poop a LOT. I vote for a small dog. You can just have more of a relationship with them and some small breeds don’t chew that much after they’re past the puppy teething. They live longer than rodents, too, and are cuddlier while you sleep. I’m very biased.
The only thing I can say about ferrets is that you need to make sure that they get al the exercise they need. Get lots of toys for them to play with. Other than that… Hope you get one!
Mason, one of my friends had a mixed breed dog that traveled with him. Great pet, but he didn’t like lot lizards at all. Anyone else could come to the cab, but not the LL’s. Really cut down on Jim’s social life
Schwarzenegger’s character has a ferret.