We all know ferrets are adorable, but did you know that they have been domesticated for thousands of years? Historians disagree as to whether the first ferret lovers were the Egyptians, the Greeks or early Europeans, but the consensus is that they have been used for rodent control for a long long time.

Ferrets are playful and social, which is why they are popular pets. They remain illegal in certain cities, states and countries, so make sure to “ferret” out the local rules before buying. Get your ferret a cage, not an aquarium, but expect to let them out of their cage frequently. Unlike many other small mammals, ferrets are natural explorers and they will want to play with you and any other pets you may have.


Most people feed their ferrets dry kitten food or specially formulated ferret food. But remember that their natural food is small prey: mice, baby birds and the like. So any food should be high in protein and fat. They are not grain eaters.

They are, however, big sleepers. Ferrets will sleep more than 12 hours per day, but when they are awake, they are highly active. They love to pull things into hiding spots, so if something (socks, keys, TV remote) is missing, check your ferret’s favorite spots. They also love to explore tunnels and holes, where they can easily get lost or stuck. You may need to ferret-proof your house.

Finally, please be aware that ferrets are sensitive to heat. Keep their cage out of the sun, and if the weather turns hot, make sure that they have adequate ventilation and water.




We went to reliable sources for the above information, but don’t forget – we’re just cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian, professional trainer or other expert.