Domestic Ferret

Status: Domestic

It is thought that ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)  may have been domesticated from native European polecats (Mustela putorius). There is evidence of domestic ferrets in Europe over 2500 years ago. 

Ferrets are obligate carnivores – they only eat meat. Their digestive tracts lack a cecum; therefore, they are unable to digest plant matter.

Ferrets will live happily in social groups; a group of ferrets is commonly called a “business.” They are playful, curious, and exceptional escape artists capable of squeezing into very small spaces.