Ferrets are believed to have descended from the northern polecat and domesticated somewhere around 2,500 years ago. There isn't a sure reason why they were domesticated, but it is believed they were used for hunting, or ferreting, as they are purely carnivores and typically eat rabbits in the wild. Ferrets can be found in many famous art pieces such as "Lady with Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci and "Ermine Portrait of Queen Elizabeth the First" as domesticated pets of royalty. They have been used in the past for pest control, by running rats out of the walls in homes, and also to lay wiring for major events such as Princess Diana's wedding.
Although they are considered pets today beyond working animals, to sell ferrets a vendor must be licensed to sell exotic animals, leading to the assumption that ferrets are less domesticated than a dog or cat. While their name does mean "little thief" there is a stigma around ferrets that they are untrainable and unsociable animals. Ferrets are in fact extremely intelligent animals capable learning complicated commands and tricks like riding on their owner's shoulder, jumping through hoops, and walking on a leash. They have obvious organization skills, as they take small items that appeal to them and horde them in different places based on categories. They are famously known for their "war dance" which is their testament of excitement and playfulness. Ferrets are perfect partner pets to pair with other species and are not good alone because they are extremely social, wanting your attention rather than playing by themselves.
Ferrets are also considered to be "dirty" animals because they classically have a strong odors and unneutered males have disgusting habits. However, ferrets learn to use litter boxes with very little training and almost never stray from them. The smell they are infamously known for comes from a gland that is now removed soon after birth along with being neutered or spade. Their hygiene is very similar to cats and isn't as difficult to maintain as it is perceived, especially with the help of many modern products specific to the health of ferrets.
Their cultural perception is inaccurate and misrepresented as difficult, impractical pets who cause more trouble than they are worth. The reality is that they are personable and emotional animals with a lot of energy and love.
Although they are considered pets today beyond working animals, to sell ferrets a vendor must be licensed to sell exotic animals, leading to the assumption that ferrets are less domesticated than a dog or cat. While their name does mean "little thief" there is a stigma around ferrets that they are untrainable and unsociable animals. Ferrets are in fact extremely intelligent animals capable learning complicated commands and tricks like riding on their owner's shoulder, jumping through hoops, and walking on a leash. They have obvious organization skills, as they take small items that appeal to them and horde them in different places based on categories. They are famously known for their "war dance" which is their testament of excitement and playfulness. Ferrets are perfect partner pets to pair with other species and are not good alone because they are extremely social, wanting your attention rather than playing by themselves.
Ferrets are also considered to be "dirty" animals because they classically have a strong odors and unneutered males have disgusting habits. However, ferrets learn to use litter boxes with very little training and almost never stray from them. The smell they are infamously known for comes from a gland that is now removed soon after birth along with being neutered or spade. Their hygiene is very similar to cats and isn't as difficult to maintain as it is perceived, especially with the help of many modern products specific to the health of ferrets.
Their cultural perception is inaccurate and misrepresented as difficult, impractical pets who cause more trouble than they are worth. The reality is that they are personable and emotional animals with a lot of energy and love.