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1. What Is A Ferret?
Domestic ferrets are small, furry mammals whose average size ranges from 1 to 5 pounds atmaturity. Scientists give animals classifications to make it easier to study them. The ferret isthe domesticated member of the Order Carnivora, Family Mustelidae and GenusMustela. This means that ferrets are meat-eaters and one of the members of the weaselfamily. A common misconception is that ferrets are rodents. This is absolutely not the case, asrodents are a completely different scientific order. Scientific classifications then break downanimals into specific species. The domestic ferret is species putorius, the same as theEuropean polecat, and many people consider the domestic ferret to be the sub-species furowhich differentiates the domestic ferret from the European polecat. The ferret is thereforecommonly written as Mustela putorius or Mustela putorius furo in scientificbinomial nomenclature.
2. Is the ferret a wild animal?
No, a ferret is not a wild animal. Unlike its cousins, the otter, weasel and badger, the domesticpet ferret is NOT a wild animal. Ferrets were domesticated by humans as early as 63 BCE. Thedomestic ferret (Mustela [putorius] furo) should not be confused with the wild black-footedferret (Mustela nigripes), an endangered species native to the Midwestern United States.If the domestic ferret escapes outdoors, it rarely survives for more than a few days. For thisreason, it is very important to ensure a ferrets home and surroundings are safe and"ferret-proofed."
 Mustela [putorius] furo |  Mustela nigripes |
3. What is the proper terminology for ferrets by gender and age?
Male ferrets are known as "hobs." Female ferrets are referred to as "jills."Baby ferrets are "kits," and a group of ferrets is known as a "business."
4. Where did the ferret originate?
Although the European polecat (Mustela putorius) is thought to be its primary ancestor,other species likely contributed to the lineage of the modern pet ferret, including theSteppe polecat (Mustela eversmanii) of Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.Ferret - human interactions are documented throughout world history. Ferrets werementioned as early as 450 BCE by the Greek playwright, Aristophanes, who drewsimilarities between the Achaeans (one classical name for the Greeks) to ferrets intheir abilities as thieves. Some historians also believe ferrets were being kept byancient Egyptians as pets before cats became popular. There is also a possible mentionof ferrets in an older version of the King James Bible. However, since the word forferret has historically been difficult to translate, it is not conclusive that thismention is truly a ferret as some have deciphered the reference as weasel or even lizard!
The first universally accepted reference to the ferret was in 63 BCE by a Greek historiannamed Strabo. Strabo stated that the ferret was bred in captivity in Libya and used forhunting rabbits.
"It [Libya] also produces ferrets, equal in size to cats, and like them,except that their noses project further..."
(The Geography of Strabo, 17. 3. 4-5)
By 600 AD the ferret had made it to Spain to hunt rabbits. As cultures spread throughout theMediterranean and into Europe, they adopted the rabbit as a protein source, and so the ferretaccompanied them as the hunter. Multiple references to use of ferrets in hunting and for rodentcontrol are noted after the 13th century throughout Europe. Their arrival in the New Worldoccurred when explorers and colonists brought them along as mousers in their ships.
 | Women Hunting Rabbits with a Ferret From the Queen Mary Psalter, 1316-1321 (British Library, MS Royal 2. B. VII) |
5. Do ferrets make good pets?
Yes! Ferrets combine the best features of dogs and cats with some unique features of their own.Like cats, ferrets are small and quiet. Like dogs, they are affectionate, playful, andenjoy human interaction. They are independent, yet enjoy being with people. Theirmischievous and playful nature, retained well into old age, makes them entertainingcompanions.
6. How intelligent is a ferret?
Ferrets will surprise and delight you with what they can do and learn. They recognize theirname, respond to verbal and visual commands, and can even learn to do tricks. Ferrets can alsobe litter-box trained. The behaviors you want to see in your ferret can best be achieved bytraining using praise or appropriate treats (see below).
7. Do ferrets bite?
A healthy, well-trained ferret should not bite. Like all pets, ferrets need to be taughtwhat acceptable behavior is. Ferrets have a lower bite rate than other household pets -you are less likely to be bit by a ferret than by the family dog.
8. What should a ferret eat?
A balanced diet and proper nutrition will lead your ferret to a long, active, andhealthy life. Ferrets are strict carnivores; they require diets based on highlydigestible animal (meat) protein with little to no carbohydrates. If you choose to feeddry food, choose high quality ferret or cat/kitten foods sold by pet shops, feed stores,and veterinarians with at least 36% protein, that is moderate in fats (approximately 20%)and low in carbohydrates.
If feeding a dry food, ferrets must have access to food at all times. Because ferretsgenerally eat only to caloric need, this means that they will not gorge themselvessimply because food is available. Ferrets have short digestive tracts and fastmetabolisms which dictate that they must eat often.
Ferrets may also eat natural raw and whole prey diets. Raw diets (also calledfrankenprey or prey-model) consist of meats, bones, and organs offered in properproportions. Many commercial brands now make balanced raw diets sold at pet stores,which can be a great addition to a raw feeding schedule. Whole prey diets rely onfeeding frozen mice, chicks, etc, much like one would feed a reptile. When feeding rawor whole prey, food does not need to be left available at all times. Whether these areyour whole feeding regimen or part of it - they are a valid regimen and many owners andbreeders are recognizing the benefits.
Ferrets imprint on their food during the first year of life so they should eat a mix ofkibble and meats so they become accustomed to different flavors. This becomes especiallyimportant during illness, as fussy eaters are difficult to feed. Because of this, manyowners recommend feeding a soupy mixture as a treat frequently, and to keep it on handin case illness strikes. Most people refer to this as "duck soup" and there aremany recipes out there, usually involving kibble soaked in water, baby food, oils, kittenreplacer milk, goats milk or a variety of other supplements. When deciding on changingyour ferret's diet, make sure to do the proper research and consult with your veterinarian.
9. What foods should I not feed my ferret?
Ferrets should not eat sugary cereal, peanut butter, grains, corn, rice, carbohydrates,raisins, bananas, other fruits, vegetables, dairy products, chocolate, other sweets, orany food with sugar. All of these items are loaded with complex carbohydrates and aferret's strictly carnivorous digestive tract cannot process these foods. Diets high incarbohydrates may lead to intestinal problems and some types of cancer.
10. What are the best treats to feed a ferret?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat animal protein to survive. Forthis reason, the best treats to feed a ferret are meat-based. Most store-bought treatsare not healthy for ferrets, even many that are labeled especially for ferrets!Acceptable food treats include a small amount of Gerber® or Beech Nut® chicken, beef, orturkey baby food (with no vegetables or starches; gravy is okay), cooked chicken breast(or other cooked meats), and freeze-dried 100% meat products. Table scraps are not anacceptable treat, nor are meats cured with salt, such as many jerkies.
11. Are ferrets nocturnal?
Ferrets are not nocturnal. They sleep an average of 18 hours per day, but will adjusttheir schedule to yours and be eager to play when you are.
12. Do ferrets have an odor?
Ferrets naturally have a light, musky odor. This odor is greatly minimized when theanimal is spayed or neutered. Ferrets also have scent glands which release scent as adefense. These glands can be surgically removed, but it is not recommended unlessmedically necessary and will not reduce a ferret's natural scent. Frequent bathing isdiscouraged as it removes oils that protect the ferret's fur. This causes anover-production of oil, which may increase the ferret's natural odor. Baths may begiven no more than once per month and as infrequent as every few months. Be sure to usea very mild shampoo, like one manufactured especially for ferrets. Regular ear cleaningmay also help with a ferrets odor. Overall, clean bedding and a healthy diet are thebest ways to minimize a ferret's odor.
13. Are ferrets cage animals?
For their protection, ferrets should be kept in a ferret-proofed area of the home or ina large, well-ventilated cage when not under human supervision. However, ferrets shouldnever be confined for an extended period of time. They need exercise, affection, andhuman companionship to remain happy and healthy. Ferrets need a MINIMUM of 4 hours perday out of their cage, at least 2 of which should include human interaction.
A ferrets cage and play areas should include plenty of soft bedding, safe toys, andlitter boxes filled with paper-based or wood-based pellet form litter. The ferret'sliving space should be temperature controlled, with the temperature kept in theircomfort range of between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ferrets cannot toleratetemperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
14. Do ferrets get along with other pets?
A ferret's playful and curious nature makes it a natural companion to most larger housepets. Introductions should be made with caution, however, and proper supervision is amust. Dogs with a strong prey drive should not be introduced to ferrets. It is notrecommended that ferrets be introduced to birds, rabbits, rodents (this includeshamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs), or reptiles.
15. What health care does a ferret require?
An annual visit to a ferret-knowledgeable veterinarian helps to identify potentialproblems early. This yearly visit should include a careful physical exam, inspection ofthe ears for mites, and inspection of the teeth. Dental cleanings should be performed asnecessary. Ferrets should be immunized for rabies and canine distemper using onlyvaccines approved for use in ferrets. A test for Aleutian Disease Virus should be doneat least once a year to ensure that your ferret is not carrying this highly contagiousand potentially fatal disease.
16. What diseases can ferrets get?
Ferrets are susceptible to canine distemper and Aleutian Disease Virus. In addition,they can come down with flu-like symptoms or respiratory illnesses, similar to the"common cold," which can be transmitted by human companions. It is importantto handle a ferret with extreme caution should you become ill.
Most commonly seen are diseases of the adrenal glands and pancreas. Signs of an adrenalgland disorder include hair loss, muscle atrophy, urinary blockage in males, andenlarged vulva in females. Pancreatic diseases in the ferret include insulinoma, tumorson the pancreas that cause over secretion of insulin and abnormal blood sugar levels.
Signs of pancreatic disease include lethargy, nausea, and seizures. One other diseaseseen in ferrets is lymphoma, cancers of the lymph system. Signs of lymphoma includeweight loss, enlarged spleen, difficulty breathing and lethargy. Veterinary treatmentof these diseases can keep a ferret happy and playful and extend their life expectancy.
Any digestive problem (changes in bowel routine, extreme weight gain or loss, vomiting) aferret experiences is potentially serious. The best way to prevent these problems is to keepthe ferret in an environment that is clean and free of dangerous objects. Foam packagingpeanuts, rubber chew toys, erasers, shoes, rubber bands, latex, or plastic items should bekept away from the ferret.
17. Can ferrets get fleas?
Ferrets exposed to the outdoors or other outdoor pets can acquire fleas. Consult anexperienced veterinarian prior to use of any flea product, as ferrets are very sensitiveto many pesticides. Ferrets are also at risk for heartworm which is carried bymosquitoes. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation of a ferret-safe heartwormpreventative, if needed.
18. What about ferrets and children?
Children and ferrets can be wonderful playmates. A child should be taught how to holdand care for a ferret through plenty of modeling by adults in the household and thenlots of practice. It should be emphasized that ferrets must be kept in their safe,ferret-proofed surroundings, are happiest playing with their own toys and should neverbe fed inappropriate treats like candy. Small children should never be left unsupervisedwith any animal, no matter how trusted the pet.
19. How long do ferrets live?
A healthy ferret can live anywhere from 6 to 10 years. The best way to maintain a healthyferret is to be certain to take your ferret for vaccinations and annual vet check-ups.
20. What grooming is required?
Proper grooming and maintenance are vital for a happy, healthy ferret. Ferrets arenaturally clean animals and will groom themselves often. They will shed their fur twicea year and should be combed during these times to remove loose fur. Baths can be givenif necessary, but are not recommended more than a few times a year. An experiencedferret veterinarian can demonstrate proper grooming techniques. Using these techniques,a ferret's nails should be trimmed every two weeks. Ears should be checked for waxbuildup or mites at the same time. Teeth should be brushed at least once a month withferret toothpaste and a soft small pet toothbrush. They should be checked for tartarbuildup at this time and cleaned by a veterinarian as needed.
21. Should a ferret be altered?
It is strongly recommended that pet ferrets be altered by 7 to 9 months of age for femalesand 6 to 8 months for males.
- Females (known as jills) may go into heat as early as 5 months of age and nolater than 7 - 9 months of age. If the jill is not bred or given a hormone shot,the resulting condition is often fatal.
- Males (known as hobs) that are not neutered produce a strong odor that manypeople find unpleasant. Ideally, a hob should reach full growth (6 to 8 months ofa*ge) before being neutered.
22. What about rabies and distemper?
On February 7, 1990, the U.S.D.A. licensed the first rabies vaccine for use in ferrets.This vaccine is known as IMRAB-3 and is a killed virus vaccine also approved for use indogs and cats. Ferrets should also be vaccinated with an approved vaccine to preventcanine distemper.
