 Ferrets:
Fact and Fiction
Ferret Fact: Ferrets are not recommended for families with infants or
toddlers because there are verified cases of attacks. No one knows what
provokes these attacks. Earlier research correlated the attacks with milk
around the baby's mouths. Ferrets are noise sensitive, and crying and
wailing from babies may be responsible for triggering the apparently aggressive
response, which is out of character for domestic ferrets.
Ferret Fact: Like all members of the Mustelidae family, ferrets do have
a scent. Some relatives from this same family have a far more intense
scent; the skunk is the stinkiest example.
Ferret Fiction: Descenting removes that musky ferret smell.
Ferret Fact: Descenting ferrets means that their anal glands have been
removed. An angry or frightened ferret can discharge its foul contents
but the odor quickly dissipates. Descenting does eliminate that from occurring.
However, the ferret (even if it's spayed/neutered) does retain its general
musky odor. Some people call that odor offensive, others actually think
its akin to a cologne, it's all in the nose of beholder.
Ferret Fiction: Ferrets are pets you can stick inside a cage and watch
like Guinea pigs or hamsters, and only occasionally interact with.
Ferret Fact: Ferrets are very active little creatures and require play
time out of their enclosures. They are also social and may actually become
depressed and sick if they are deprived of social interaction. Ferrets
veritably live to play but they don't demand cuddle time.
Ferret Fiction: Ferrets are for lazy pet owners.
Ferret Fact: Aside from purchasing toys, and offering at least occasional
attention, ferrets need veterinary care. They typically live 6 to 8 years.
And most will suffer from some sort of cancer, the lucky ones later in
life.
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