By Haley
A ferret backpack is the perfect ticket to adventure -your fuzzies will love curling up in these cozy, portable hidey-holes, while enjoying all the new smells, sounds, and sights the outside world has to offer. Here are the best ferret backpacks on the market today.
It’s time to show your ferret theworld and show the world your ferret! Wehave enjoyed our own ferret backpacks SO much that we wanted to share our ownexperience and recommendations with you.
Bubble Backpacks vs. Fabric Backpacks
First off, let’s talk about some key differences in the twomost common kinds of ferret backpacks.
Bubble backpacks are usually made from hard plastic, featuring either a smaller “look-out bubble” or an entire half of the backpack in clear plastic.
Pros: Durable, easy to clean, typically smaller than fabric bags
Cons: Limited airflow and possible heat issues, plastic smell
Fabric backpacks are typically made from durable canvas material and netting for ventilation.
Pros: More style options
Cons: Harder to clean, usually run bigger in size (possibly too big for ferrets), trouble holding structure (can collapse on ferret), ferrets can destroy mesh and escape
Are Ferret Backpacks Safe?
There are some very valid concerns surrounding the safety of ferret backpacks, especially regarding adequate ventilation in bubble backpacks. In our experience, we have no problem using our bubble backpack in outside temperatures under 65F degrees. We always make sure to do a regular “temperature test” by placing our own hands inside the backpack to test the climate difference. Similar to a parked car, a bubble backpack has the potential to hold heat and harm your ferret.
It is important to note that we do not recommend keepingyour ferrets in the sun while inside the backpack, or confining them to thebackpack for extended periods of time.
When Should You Use a Ferret Backpack?
Many ferret owners will use theirferret backpack in place of a carrier on routine trips to the vet or excursionsto the park. Because many of the backpacks on the list below provide privacyand comfort, many ferrets regard them as their very own “safe space,” and usethem as a hiding place when they are stored at home.
We like to use our ferret backpack when we take our ferrets into the office for work. Our coworkers light up when they see Moose, Newt, and Albert peak through their little look-out bubble. PRO TIP: Don’t forget the potty pads!
Ferret Backpack Considerations
There is no perfect ferret backpack for everyone -it reallydepends on how you plan to use it.
- Size
- Storage
- Materials
- Durability
- Breathability
Size: How many ferrets do you plan to transport in your ferret backpack? Depending on the size of your business, you will need a backpack that gives them space to stand up and move around.
Storage: What supplies do you plan to pack inside your ferret backpack? Some of these backpacks listed are large enough for our recommended adventure kit, while others are best for a quick stroll around town.
Materials: Is your ferret potty trained? If your ferret is still learning how to hold it, you may want to consider an easier-to-clean option like the bubble backpack.
Durability: Is your ferret a diligent scratcher or biter? Fabric backpacks with mesh windows may not be the best choice for big-time scratchers (though we have not had that problem with our big scratcher, Newt). Instead, you may want to go with a bubble backpack that contains metal-lined air holes.
Breathability: Are you in the middle of summer? Bubble backpacks can mimic the same conditions as a hot car if they are in the sun. We had great luck in the fall, winter, and spring, but for summer, you may want a more breathable fabric backpack.
How to Get Your Ferret Comfortable with a Ferret Backpack:
- Let your ferret help you open the backpack whenit arrives
- Let the backpack “air out” for 24 hours
- Leave the backpack in your ferret’s room or nearwhere they choose to sleep (dark area is best)
- Place a worn t-shirt inside the backpack to giveit a familiar smell
- Place treats inside the backpack
- Leave the backpack alone for 1 week while yourferret becomes acclimated to it as a safe space
Our Favorite Ferret Backpacks on the Market Today:
This Foldable Soft Padded Pet Carrier Backpackis a cost-effective way to see what your ferret thinks of backpack adventures!
The Aukor Cat Backpack is incredibly sturdy and well built. We love to use our own yellow ferret backpack when take our boys to ‘show and tell’ events. The bubble is perfect for showing the ferrets while giving them a dark, private place to hide when they would like some peace and quiet.
This Bubble Ferret Backpack is our absolute FAVORITE for bike riding and walks to the park. It provides 180 degree views and ‘smell holes’ for the ferrets to truly enjoy their outside surroundings. We always make sure to pack a t-shirt or blanket inside, along with a potty pad.
