Ferrets are a domesticated animal (like dogs) in the weasel family. They are related to skunks, mink, otters, weasels, ermine, and their likely progenitor, the European polecat.

Ferrets used to be used for hunting, but mostly are just kept as pets today. Ferrets are domesticated. They cannot survive in the wild because their hunting instincts are diminished and they are almost completely fearless.

Ferrets are very playful. If kept in a cage, a ferret must be let out for playtime and social interaction for at least three hours a day.

Pet ferrets should always be spayed or neutered, unless part of a breeding program. Unspayed female ferrets will die of anemia if they stay in heat too long. Unneutered males are very stinky in both scent and personality when they go into heat. Ferret love is dangerous - the male may kill the female, or the female and kits may die during the pregnancy or birth.

Ferrets can be surgically descented, but it is not necessary.

 

I want a ferret, or two, one day.