By: ASPCA Ani-Med

When your ferret's gotta go, he's gotta go. As a responsible pet owner, it's up to you to show him that he's gotta go in the right place. Luckily, your little guy is a fast learner and, if you take the time to teach him, will readily take to using a litter box.
The first step is selecting the best equipment for the job at hand. Older and ill ferrets will have an easier time getting into a low-sided litter box, but a high-sided model works well for individuals who prefer to back into a corner and tend to aim high. Your pet's cage will need at least one litter box, but keep in mind that larger enclosures and multiple ferrets will necessitate multiple boxes.

Most ferret aficionados like pelleted litter as a filler. The dust-free pellets are large enough that your pet can't easily fling them out of the box--as he probably will do with a lighter material. Cheap and readily available, newspaper is also a safe choice. Please think twice before using clay litter, as the dust it raises can lead to respiratory problems. Cedar shavings are a must-to avoid, as they can also cause respiratory complications.

During the initial stages of training, young ferrets, or those who aren't yet up to speed on their toilet habits, should be confined to a cage. It is recommended that you leave a piece of feces in it as a reminder that the box is his bathroom and not a playpen. It's also smart to place him in his box as soon as he wakes up for playtime, and pile on the praise when he does his duty. As he gets the hang of it, you can gradually increase his territory, moving him to a larger cage or small play area. When he's out and about, be sure to put another box in his play area, and place him in it every half-hour or so.

When your pet's properly trained, it's smart to keep multiple boxes in his expanded territory. If a box is nearby, he'll be more likely to use it. Please keep in mind that ferrets aren't quite as fastidious as felines in this department, and even the most well-trained individuals will have slip-ups--particuarly if they become overly excited or frightened. If your ferret goes where he shouldn't, clean the area with disinfectant or a solution of vinegar and water or an enzyme-based odor neutralizer and, if possible, try to block off access to the spot. Never hit your pet or rub his nose in his mistake--these tactics are not only cruel, but ineffective. Instead, concentrate on praising him profusely when he gets it right--and always remember that because of his small size, at least his "accidents" will not be big ones!