Ferrets

Ferrets can make great pets, but they aren't for everyone. Small, fuzzy four legged mammals, they are closely related to weasels, otters, skunks, and polecats (class Mustelidae) among others. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they can eat only meat, and simply cannot digest or process other materials.

Though many believe them to be wild animals, ferrets have actually been domesticated for thousands of years; as far back as 450BC in Europe, or even 1300BC in Ancient Egypt. The most famous ferret owner was Queen Victoria in the mid to late 1800s, who favored albino ferrets, and often gave them as gifts. Ferrets are also often employed to run wires through large buildings, stadiums, or even aircraft, due to their small size and great night-vision.

Ferrets exploded into popularity as mainstream pets in the 1970's when de-scenting became a well known procedure. As a ferret's unique scent is often a deterrent for many potential owners, removal of the scent glands gave more people than ever a reason to own ferrets.

Ferrets are social creatures and are best kept in groups of 2 or more. Though they exist, it is uncommon to find a ferret which prefers to be independent. A group of ferrets is referred to as a "business".

Legality

Some countries, such as Japan, ban the importation of ferrets, and other countries, such as the United Kingdom, allow them but require specific vaccinations and documentation for pet ferrets. In the United States, ferrets are generally legal to import, own and sell, except in California and Hawaii and in some counties and municipalities in other states, such as New York City.