Ferret

Mustela putorius furo

The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a small mustelid descended from the European polecat and kept for hunting, pest control, research, and companionship. It has a long flexible body, short legs, a curious nose, and a carnivore's dentition suited to meat rather than plant-heavy diets. Coat colors and patterns range from sable and albino to silver, chocolate, and marked forms, though color does not change the basic needs of the animal.

Ferrets are social, active pets that need daily out-of-cage time, safe rooms, tunnels, hiding places, and protection from swallowing rubber or fabric objects. They do best on high-protein animal-based diets and require routine veterinary care, including vaccination where recommended and attention to adrenal disease, insulinoma, dental problems, and parasites. Many areas restrict ownership or require permits. Breeders and rescues track age, health history, temperament, neuter status, and microchip or tattoo identification because ferrets are easy to lose and hard to recover once outdoors.