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Ferret

October 11, 2021

Ferret

A ferret is a domesticated mustelid, a family of mammals that includes weasels, minks, otters, wolverines, and many others. Members of the Mustelidae family are carnivorous and eat insects and small rodents. Ferrets, however, are domesticated and require food prepared specially for their metabolisms.

A Hunting Partner

Like many domesticated animals, humans developed relationships with ferrets for something useful they could offer. For ferrets, it is hunting. Some records indicate ferrets may have been domesticated 2,500 years ago. Ferrets were used in the American West to protect grain elevators from rodents.

A Playful Friend

The word ferret comes from the Latin word furittus, meaning “little thief.” These little animals love mischievous play and live up to their name. Make sure to carry treats, so your friend knows who’s boss.

Ferrets need lots of TLC and human care. Many ferret owners purchase food specially made for ferrets. These animals lack the real ability to digest plant matter, which means a diet of almost entirely meat. In addition to special diets, ferrets have some of the same late-onset illnesses many cats suffer from.

Ferret Lingo

  • A baby ferret is a kit.
  • A group of ferrets is a business.
  • A spayed ferret is a sprite and a non-spayed jill.

Ferrets are playful fun family pets. However, don’t forget regular vet visits to ensure your ferret lives to its maximum life of 8 years.

7 Comments

  1. David Liddle

    How/where do you leave them if you go out for the day? For a few days? For a week? is that possible? (I can’t imagine taking them to Shenandoah National Park for a week for example. Are there places you are not allowed to take them? Parks for example in case they escape?)
    David Liddle.

    Reply
    • Marlee al

      If you have a cage suitable for them and can leave lots of food and water to accommodate when you are gone, but be prepared to clean up their poop and pee ( yes they do pee and poop).

      Reply
  2. Billie Gail Shapiro

    Can they be around any one who has cancer ?

    Reply
    • Marlee al

      Yes why not?

      Reply
  3. como cuidar un gatito de 4 semanas

    Funciona muy bien en mi dispositivo con win 10 build 10586. Al principio, olvidé encender DEP y obtuve un error, pero funciona cuando enciendo DEP nuevamente. Entonces, para algunos1, obtenga un error al principio, verifique si su winver es compatible y si DEP debe estar activado.

    Reply
  4. Swampie

    I have never had one. I’ve heard of them being pets, I just think they sound like a wonderful companion.

    Reply
  5. Cheryl Boedicker

    I believe you can train a ferret to use a kitty litter box so, therefore, what you do for a cat applies to a ferret. No?

    Reply

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