When a foreign body is stuck in the stomach, it can cause the ferret to become lethargic, lose interest in food and they sometimes vomit. The ferret may still be eating and drinking, and passing feces, since the object is floating around in the stomach and not causing an obstruction. It may occasionally block the outflow of the stomach temporarily, causing a complete blockage, which can cause signs that worsen and improve, depending on where the object is in the stomach. If it passes through the stomach into the small intestine, it can become lodged along the way, causing a complete obstruction. The ferret will stop eating, may vomit frequently, and will not be producing very much feces. They will become quickly dehydrated and weak.

Whether the object is in the stomach, or in the small intestine, the ferret should be seen by your veterinarian right away. This can be a very serious and quickly progressive problem.