Ferrets are actually a member of the Mustelidae family. They are related to minks, polecats, skunks, weasels, and otters. They have been domesticated for quite some time and were used for controlling rodents. Ferrets are very playful, curious and friendly. However because of their curiosity, they require constant supervision and plenty of care.

SO YOU WANT TO GET A FERRET 
Ferrets are not a good choice of pet for a very busy person who doesn't have the necessary time, patience, or resources. Just like their cousin the skunk, ferrets do have scent glands. They are able to spray a noxious smelling substance if they feel threatened or frightened. However the spray from a ferret is not nearly as intense as that of the skunk. De-scenting is a surgical procedure where a veterinarian removes the scent glands. This eliminates the spraying. However, ferrets have a natural musky smell that even de-scenting will not completely eradicate. In fact, many report that de-scenting does little to eliminate the natural odor of a ferret. Many ferret owners feel the occasional spray isn't objectionable enough to warrant having a ferret de-scented. Spaying and neutering your ferret will do more to reduce odor than de-scenting.

There is really only one breed of ferret that is kept as a pet. But there are many combinations of colors and patterns. They include champagne, albino, sable, chocolate and blaze.

Ferrets can live 6 to 10 years. Kits should stay with their mom until 6 weeks, but it is best to wait until ferrets are 9 or 10 weeks old before bringing then home. Male ferrets grow to 2-5 pounds. Female ferrets typically are a little smaller and grow to 1-3 pounds.

The personality of the ferret is very playful, inquisitive, and adventurous. They like to explore, which means when a ferret is allow to roam free in the house, the house must be "ferret-proofed" to prevent injury or danger. It is important to keep electrical wires, valuable clothing, shoes, and other materials away from ferrets that you don't want them to chew to pieces. Ferrets may make a slight panting-type noise. This means they are ready to play!

Ferrets can peacefully co-exist with dogs and cats. However because ferrets are natural hunters, and carnivores, it is not a good idea to own rodents like hamsters and gerbils, rabbits or birds along with ferrets. These animals might look like a good meal to your pet ferret.

Ferrets can be good pets for almost anyone. You must have time to show affection and play with your ferret, be willing to keep their cage and litter clean, provide a good quality diet, and provide the necessary veterinary care to keep him healthy. It is not a great idea to get a ferret if there are small children, especially toddlers, in the home. Youngsters can be too heavy-handed with the small, delicate frame of a ferret. Children over 10 years old are probably the best age to have a ferret. However, parents should understand that they will more than likely bear the burden of care of the family ferret.

HOUSING:
Ferrets should have a very roomy cage. The multi-level cage is best. A good idea is to have a large litter pan on the first level, bedding, food, and water on the second level. And if there is a third level, toys can be placed there. The wire bottom of the cage should be covered with soft cloth (like old sheets) to protect the ferret's feet. You should NOT use litter, or wood shavings, as flooring in the cage.

While ferrets will sleep up to 20 hours a day, they do need time out of the cage to socialize with you and explore. Often ferrets are most active at dawn and dusk. So it's a good idea to plan their out-of-cage time during these active times.

TOYS:
Ferrets like to play! So provide plenty of appropriate toys like balls with a bell inside, tubing, fleece toys, and stuffed animals. Just be sure to remove anything that the ferret can choke on. Keep all rubber and latex items away from your pet ferret. And beware: ferrets love to chew on everything.

FOOD:
Ferrets are carnivores. Their diet should be a protein rich diet from meat with low carbohydrates and low sugar. They need a diet of 34 percent animal meat protein and 22 percent fat. A good quality food formulated especially for ferrets will do just fine. Of course your ferret needs fresh water at all times. There is no need to supplement vitamins and treats if the ferret is fed a good ferret food. Do not give your ferret fruits or vegetables. Many are hard for them to digest or can cause health problems. A substance called "Ferret tone" is a good choice to use as an occasional treat or reward when litter training. This will keep the ferret's skin and fur healthy and shiny.

Because ferrets are so playful and active, it is a fine idea to have more than one. They will entertain each other. But it is best to get them at the same time so they grow up together. Adding a new ferret to a home with an existing one may create problems. Ferrets are territorial.