Potts Point Vet Hospital Blog

5 Common Misconceptions About Ferrets

Posted by Jimena Puente on 11-Feb-2016 13:20:30

1. Misconception: Ferrets are rodents

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Contrary to popular belief, ferrets are actually not members of the rodent family. Ferrets belong to the Mustelidae family, as do badgers, weasels, minks, and its wild cousin, the European Polecat. The scientific name for ferrets is Mustelidae Putorius Furitus -Latin for 'Mice eating, stinky little thief', which takes us to:

2. Misconception: Ferrets 'stink' !

Ferrets groom themselves, just as cats do, and should hardly be bathed --once every 2-3 months is more than enough. True, they have scent glands; but, unlike skunks (to which, ironically, ferrets are not related), ferret musk dissipates fast and is far less offensive. Misinformed ferret owners bathe fuzzies way too often, because their fuzzies 'stink': excessive bathing causes dry skin, which makes scent glands go haywire to compensate. So you don't like a smelly fuzzy? Then stop bathing him!

3. Misconception: Ferrets are aggressive

A most annoying assumption! Like any other pet, the more you love your fuzzy, the more he will love you back : ferrets are curious, smart and playful – Have you ever seen a ferret joy dancing? Some ferrets wag tails too and they are kitty litter trainable. Most people associate ferrets with rabbiting -hence the 'vicious' reputation: if you expect a rabbit-hunting ferret to cuddle you, chances are, he won't : you cannot expect someone used as a rabbit-killing tool to be a cuddly pacifist. Remember: a pet's character (good or bad) most likely reflects that of his owner.

 4.  Misconception: 'Ferrets (and only ferrets) carry parasites!'

Fact is, all mammals, including humans, can -and do- carry parasites, and ferrets certainly do not carry any more parasites than dogs or cats. Ferrets are quintessentially domestic: as such, they must also get vaccinated against interspecies diseases that have proved to be fatal. Canine distemper -a disease that is potentially fatal in dogs- is fatal to >90% of ferrets.

5. Misconception: Stray ferrets kill native fauna.

Ferrets are the domestic cousins of the European polecat: they have been so for at least 3000 years. Domesticity in ferrets is such that hardly any ferret will last more than 24 hours in the wild, let alone in urban areas: Cars, dogs, cats, even ignorant humans, can kill a fuzzy. Unlike dogs and cats, ferrets cannot make their own way back home. Unless they are lucky enough to find water/food, or being found by a compassionate human, a stray fuzzy will most surely die within 48 hours. More over, the (very few) studies on ferret (especially 'wild' ferret) demographics in Australia are biased, and their 'statistics' are far from being representative.

Overall, ferrets are great pets! They are often described as having "kitten-like" temperaments as they typically maintain their playful nature throughout their lifetime.  While ferrets can be crated/caged when you're not around, they do require regular play time and interaction. They are highly trainable but can be quite mischievous! Ferrets are fun, loving and entertaining little companions. 

Hop on over to our page on exotic care at PPVH 

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Topics: Exotics