Pet ferret owners’ awareness of animal boredom can impact their pet’s welfare

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed the extent to which pet ferret owners are aware of and understand ferret boredom. The study found that, although most owners believed their ferrets could experience boredom, owners who doubted this capability in ferrets provided a significantly less stimulating environment for their pets. This builds on previous RVC research which has shown how a lack of stimulation and effective habitats can cause seeking and excessively inactive behaviour. This study hopes to raise awareness amongst pet owners to ensure ferrets are provided with appropriate environments to safeguard their wellbeing. Research into animal boredom is in its infancy and is an animal welfare risk due to the predictable routines and confined living conditions that often typify captivity. With an estimated one hundred thousand pet ferrets in the UK alone and given that ferrets are well known for their inquisitive natures, it is important to understand owner perception, recognition and mitigation of ferret boredom, so owners can ensure their pets live happy and healthy lives. Conducting this research, the RVC team set out to unveil the extent to which pet ferret owners believe that ferrets can experience boredom and whether owners' beliefs of ferret boredom were linked to the environmental enrichments or housing they provided, or the style of training they used for their ferrets.