15 Incredible Facts About Ferrets

One alert look from the little bandit face of a ferret can entrance you. This adorable pet has a lively curiosity, love of adventure and unconcerned, comic clumsiness that all contribute to their considerable charm. Ahead, we’re sharing some of our favorite ferret facts to help you learn more about this small pet.

These furry pets are technically part of the weasel family (Mustelidae), which also includes stoats, ermines and polecats, notes the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Ferrets were domesticated about 2,500 years ago and are most likely descendants of the European polecat.

Domesticated ferrets who are well cared for typically live 4-10 years. Access to routine veterinary ferret care, high-quality food, clean/safe environments, and lots of physical and mental exercise can help ensure they live a longer and healthier life. A domesticated ferret’s lifespan is much longer than a wild black-footed ferret, which typically doesn’t go beyond three years.

Like any domesticated pet, ferrets require annual vet checkups to monitor their health. Some of the health issues they’re most susceptible to include:

• Adrenal disease
• Insulinoma
• Heartworm
• Fleas and ticks
• Lymphoma

They can also experience hairballs and dental disease, so vets recommend brushing their teeth and fur daily. It’s also recommended that ferrets receive a rabies vaccine and canine distemper vaccine.

Ferrets are considered obligate carnivores, which means their digestive systems are adapted to process animal proteins and fats. As such, they require a diet that consists primarily of meat. Since their little bodies lack the ability to efficiently digest plant material or carbohydrates, their diet should be high in animal-based proteins and fats to ensure optimal health. Pre-made, high-quality ferret food is a great option for many ferrets.

Aside from their long, lean bodies and irresistibly cute faces, one of the first things you may notice about a ferret is their peculiar musky scent. This is completely normal and healthy, explains Teresa Manucy, DVM, a veterinarian based in Jacksonville, Florida, and pet health representative for Chewy.

The musky smell is primarily caused by their skin’s sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils, and their anal scent glands, which can release a strong secretion when the ferret is scared or excited. (Don’t worry: It doesn’t have the same potency as a skunk’s spray.) Along with neutering and spaying (which halts some of this odor), young ferrets are typically de-scented, a surgical procedure that removes or reduces the function of their anal glands. Twice-monthly bathing can also help with the scent.

A ferret is a ferret, but males and females—spayed and unspayed—each go by a different name. According to the FDA, female ferrets who are unspayed are called jills, while a spayed female ferret is referred to as a sprite. And while an intact male ferret is known as a hob, a neutered male ferret goes by the name gib. And a baby ferret—one less than 1 year old—is called a kit, and a group of ferrets is hilariously referred to as a business.

Ferrets are mischievous pets who have a deep curiosity and desire to explore the world around them. They steal household items—their name is derived from the Latin word furittus, which translates to “little thief”—have a propensity for chewing on stuff; and are great at discovering hiding spots.

“It is important to ferret-proof your home to prevent any accidents and to keep your ferrets safe,” says Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian at Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic in Canton, Georgia. He recommends stocking up on cord protectors, baby gates and furniture protectors.

Domesticated ferrets play throughout their life, offering ferret owners an endlessly amusing companion with a distinct personality—and all sorts of individual quirks and odd habits. Their joy in life is infectious!

That said, ferrets require a lot of work, including regular grooming and habitat cleaning. They need attention and can be pesky when they set their minds to something. Their inquisitive nature often leads them into trouble, so you must anticipate and constantly protect them from themselves. Making a mess is exciting for ferrets, and litter box misses can happen.

A single ferret can survive alone with lots of human company, but given their social tendencies, they do best in pairs or groups of three, says Dr. Manucy. Ferret pairs often bond very closely and if one passes away, the survivor often becomes depressed. A third ferret may ease the loss.

Ferrets are more suitable pets for adults and older children; most kids under 5 don’t have the physical coordination to safely handle this fragile animal, and their unpredictable and loud tendencies can potentially frighten ferrets.

Additionally, ferrets shouldn’t be given access to birds, small reptiles, rodents (mice, hamsters, etc.) or young rabbits since these animals are a ferret’s natural prey. Conversely, ferrets can be prey for both cats and dogs. Cats occasionally will play with a ferret, but take care if your cat has intense hunting instincts that a ferret might trigger. Similarly, without proper training and socialization, dogs are likely to chase ferrets.

While ferrets require a cage enclosure for sleeping and spending a good chunk of their time, they also require several hours of cage-free time to feel fulfilled. They’re intelligent and social animals who need daily interaction and exploration.

Dr. Manucy recommends three to four supervised hours outside the cage per day, ideally in an enclosed, ferret-proofed space that’s safe for them to roam. An hour of free-roam time while you get ready for work or school, then several hours during the evening works fine. You don’t need to be directly playing with them while they’re out, but they will enjoy and appreciate your company.

Ferrets are naturally crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk. For that reason, you may notice they’re extra excitable during these hours. They tend to adapt slightly to their human’s schedules, but don’t be surprised to see some extra action when the sun’s low in the sky.

The cost of a pet ferret ranges $100-$400, says Dr. Alleyne. The cost ultimately depends on whether you’re adopting from a rescue organization or humane society (less expensive) versus purchasing from a breeder. The ferret’s age can also factor in, with young ferrets costing more than older ones.

Another variable is the type of ferret you buy. Those with desirable or unusual traits are usually more expensive. For example, a cinnamon-colored ferret is relatively rare, so you may pay a higher fee compared to purchasing a sable or albino ferret.

Before adopting a pet ferret or purchasing from a ferret breeder, double-check whether owning this little cutie is legal in your state and city. At the time this article was written, it’s not legal to own a ferret in the states of California and Hawaii, and cities that ban them include Washington, D.C., and New York City (all five boroughs).

Nope, your ferret isn’t learning how to drive. However, depending on where you live, you may need to secure a permit or license to keep a ferret. Often, ferret keepers are required to renew their license annually. Fortunately, these fees are typically minimal at about $10-$30 per year. Some states and cities don’t require a permit.

Want to know even more about pet ferrets? Get the full scoop in our pet ferrets 101 guide.

Expert input provided by Teresa Manucy, DVM, a veterinarian based in Jacksonville, Florida, and pet health representative for Chewy; and Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian at Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic in Canton, Georgia, and pet expert for JustAnswer.

This content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.