How to sew ferret clothes
If you are the owner of a domesticated species of woodland ferret, then you probably know that this animal needs regular walks in the fresh air.
In the summer, there are no problems with this, but during the rainy and cold season, certain difficulties can arise. Ferret is quite sensitive to weather conditions, therefore, hypothermia of the animal should not be allowed. There is a way out: to protect your pet from bad weather with warm and cute outerwear. This is why ferret clothing will be quite useful for ferret owners.
Types of clothing for animals
Many owners, especially those who are sensitive to their pets, love to dress them up in beautiful clothes with a round head. It follows that the types of costumes for animals can be different, from frost-resistant to festive. Here are the main types of clothing for ferrets:
- winter walking;
- summer walking;
- home;
- ceremonial day off;
- medical purpose.
Depending on this, the material and the way the garment is sewn will differ. Of course, it is more convenient to purchase ready-made wardrobe items in special stores, but such purchases are quite expensive, and not every owner can afford them. Do-it-yourself clothing for a ferret is not only money-saving, but also a rather original move. Old wardrobe items and all kinds of accessories are quite suitable as a material: it all depends on the flight of your imagination.
Summer suit
The basis of a summer suit should be a light fabric that would protect the ferret from the sun and allow her skin to breathe. Summer pet clothes are more of a way to create a mood and showcase your unique style.
Ferrets are usually dressed in sleeves in summer, see below for more details. Options for capes, collars are also being considered, and a panama is suitable as a headdress.
Walking suit
The main quality of such clothes is practicality. The ferret should be comfortable and warm. The fabric should be waterproof, non-marking, preferably dark colors. Restless ferrets in rainy weather now and then strive to get into a puddle or mud. The small stature of the animal makes its contact with the frozen ground quite close.
To make a jumpsuit and a hat (the animals do not tolerate drafts), you need a pattern. Taking measurements, one cannot be mistaken - a pet will feel uncomfortable in clothes that press and restrict his movements. On his part, even attempts to pull off tight clothes are possible.
When sewing an outfit for a pet, many owners prefer the "sleeve" option. It is necessary to take a strong waterproof rectangular fabric that would completely cover the body of the ferret. The edges should be stitched, the back should be zipped or velcro fastened to facilitate the dressing process. The legs must be free of fabric so that the animal can move without restrictions.This type of outfit can be made even by an inexperienced owner in the field of sewing.
Those with knitting skills can try the following method: the "sleeve" of wool is made according to the pattern "2 front - 2 purl loops" in circular knitting in four knitting needles. The number of loops per centimeter should be calculated depending on the size of the animal. You can also design the sleeves and collar yourself, increasing or decreasing this number. Outfits with a hood look cute.
We must not forget about such warm and cute accessories as a scarf and booties: they will not only give extra warmth, but also complement the image. At the same time, it is better to avoid small accessories and parts: they can be swallowed by the ferret.
Suit for going out
As an atypical domestic animal, the ferret is often acquired by humans as a part of a secular image. To go out or to participate in a photo shoot, your pet needs a separate costume. Probably invitations to parties where the owner wants to take his little friend. Usually such a person can afford to dress a pet in a company store, but a handmade suit will look much more spectacular.
A sundress made of bright fabric for a ferret is popular nowadays. Using a pattern, this simple yet elegant outfit should be easy to sew. To keep the sundress stronger, you can sew in an elastic band at chest level or wear a strap around the waist. A handkerchief or bow tie tied around the ferret's head will complete the look. One of the options for such attire can be seen in the photo above.
Medical clothing
No matter how hard we try to protect dear pets from diseases and various injuries, sometimes they still overtake them. Skin rashes, baldness, rehabilitation period after surgery are the times when the ferret needs protective clothing. Cotton is best used for this purpose, as it is the safest for the skin and does not cause irritation. In this case, aesthetic principles will have to be neglected, since the health of the animal comes to the fore. It is important that he does not have the opportunity to scratch or lick the damaged area.
The desire of the owners to protect their pets from the cold and winds, as well as the desire to show off fashionable accessories is quite natural. However, do not go too far, forgetting about the disadvantages of this for the animal. Nature does not provide for the animal to walk in clothes, therefore it is important to ensure that the fabric does not cause increased sebaceous glands in it and does not hamper movement: this is fraught with the occurrence of diaper rash and deterioration of the quality of the fur.
A pet is a living creature, not a doll: some owners, being too carried away, begin to try on their ward various carnival costumes made with their own hands, forgetting about the sense of proportion. Ferret should not be dressed up unless absolutely necessary.