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Playtime With Ferrets: How To Choose the Right Toys

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  October 29th, 2025

Ferrets are intelligent and love to explore, so when you bring these pets home, you need to give them plenty of toys to play with inside and outside of their cage. But, because ferrets can get into trouble while playing, the key is to know which toys are best for them. Keep reading for a few important tips.

Irina Vasilevskaia/Shutterstock

Safe vs. Unsafe Toys for Ferrets


Ferrets are very curious and inclined to chew on objects, which means they might chew on things that aren’t safe for them. This includes toys that can come apart easily and those made of materials that are easy for ferrets to bite off and ingest.


Here are some examples of toys that are considered unsafe for ferrets:


  • Rubber, latex, foam, and soft plastic toys (avoid materials that can be chewed, as pieces can be swallowed, risking choking or obstruction/blockage)
  • Toys with bells that aren’t securely inside
  • Toys with any detachable parts
  • Toys with small parts  
  • Toys with metal pieces
  • Toys with strings or loose threads


Here are some examples of safe toys for ferrets:


  • Plastic balls and ping-pong balls that can’t be chewed
  • Toys with bells securely inside them
  • Wand/teaser toys for interactive play
  • Crinkle balls  
  • Baby toys, such as rattles
  • Plush toys without any small parts like plastic eyes
  • Snuffle mats and foraging toys made of durable, soft materials like fleece – a great example is the Carrot Snuffle Mat you can hide treats in

Note: Some ferrets like toys that squeak, while others might not like the sound they make. Also, squeaky toys aren’t appropriate if they can be chewed apart and the squeaker inside can be taken out, so choose those that are durable.


In addition to checking the materials that toys are made of, consider their size before giving them to your ferrets. Don’t give your ferrets any toys that are so small that they could be swallowed. Balls that are at least the size of a ping-pong ball are recommended. And when it comes to stuffed toys, you can see what sizes your ferrets prefer.


Always supervise your ferrets during playtime. This is the best way to ensure they don’t hurt themselves, get stuck on anything, or chew or swallow anything they shouldn’t.


Check toys often to be sure they’re in good condition. If they’re damaged or worn out, throw them away and replace them with brand-new ones.


Tunnels, Boxes, and Baskets Can Be Entertaining


Ferrets enjoy running and hiding, so things like tunnels, baskets, and boxes are sure to be a hit. These can be used to enrich your ferret’s environment and make playtime exciting outside of their cage.


You can find tunnels of varying sizes and lengths, from crinkly tunnels that are large and designed for cats, to smaller tubes that are the perfect size for ferrets to squeeze through. Just make sure the tube is the right size so they won’t get stuck, and made of durable materials they can’t chew through.


Plastic bins without lids and open cardboard boxes are great for ferrets to hide and play in. You can cut holes into the sides of cardboard boxes so your ferrets have multiple ways in and out. And you can put soft beds and toys inside for resting and playing as they wish. You can also easily make ball pits with plastic balls in a cardboard box or plastic bin. 


Paper bags without handles, as well as baskets of varying sizes, can also be loads of fun for ferrets. Fill these with toys or let your ferrets decide which toys they want to stash away in them.


Get creative and take a DIY approach by connecting multiple plastic bins or cardboard boxes with tunnels to make a fun zone for your ferrets. Or, purchase a product like the Piggy Poo and Crew Interactive Pet Tunnel and Ball Pit, which provides a large tunnel that connects a ball pit on one end and a tent on the other.

Choose Fun, Safe Toys for Your Ferrets’ Cage


Your ferrets need to spend time playing, exploring, and interacting with you outside of their cage every day. But even while in their enclosure, they should have toys to keep themselves occupied. Your ferrets will be able to entertain themselves, and they’ll find places in their cage where they can stash their toys.


Again, only choose toys that are made of safe, durable, and non-toxic materials, and check them often to be sure they’re in good shape. Also, regularly wash and rotate the toys to provide variety and keep things interesting for your little pets.


Know your individual ferrets, too. For example, if you have a ferret who chews on stuffed toys a lot, avoid those unless you’re there to supervise so they won’t accidentally swallow anything dangerous.


Bottom line: play, exercise, and exploration are important for ferrets, and providing ferret-safe toys is a must to ensure their safety.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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