Ferrets 101

Ferrets are known for being playful, both with other ferrets and with their owners. They're also smart, inquisitive and determined.

Grooming: This member of the weasel family is quite clean, even to the point that they develop hairballs, just like cats (though ferrets don't cough them back up). Bathing ferrets is a topic owners often disagree about, according to Everything Ferrets, as many believe ferrets should be bathed often due to the musky smell all ferrets have. However, this scent is in the oil their skin produces, so bathing them too often will actually backfire. A bath every few months seems to appease most. Also, as with many pets, ferrets will need to be brushed, have their nails clipped, and their ears and teeth cleaned.

Common Health Issues: One health issue that's particularly timely right now is the fact that ferrets can catch and pass on the human flu, reports Ferret Universe. Another common problem for young ferrets is a prolapsed rectum, which normally corrects itself within a week, but could require veterinary assistance if it becomes infected. Two other common health issues are insulinoma and adrenal disease, both of which will require surgery at some point. A ferret's health can appear to turn quickly because they're so adept at hiding discomfort, so you need to have a ferret-friendly vet nearby in case you notice a problem.

Training Tips: Ferrets are highly intelligent animals and can be trained to use a litter box, do tricks and travel around with you like a small dog. However, it's a little more involved than training a cat or dog. Patience is key, as is positive shaping, i.e. offering a reward for a good behavior, according to About.com. The first thing you need to focus on is litter training (reward the good behavior, and, if you see your ferret having an accident, place him in the litter box). Even after they catch on, though, you'll need to keep litter boxes throughout the house, as ferrets won't go far to find a bathroom.

Secondly, you'll need to work on is nipping. Ferrets love to nip while playing, About.com reports. A loud noise ("Ow!" is a good one) and pulling the nipped area away from the ferret. Take a break from play if the nipping doesn't stop; this should help them figure out that it's not okay to nip at you. Another training option is scruffing, or holding the ferret by the loose skin on the back of its neck, which is how a mother ferret would reprimand her young.

Best For: Ferrets will do best in a family that can devote an appropriate amount of time to them, and tend to be happiest when they're paired with another ferret. There are those who argue that ferrets are not good for families with children, according to Ferret Central, but much of the warnings given about owning them as pets (such as the American Veterinary Medical Association's statement: "It is ... recommended that no ferret be left unattended with any individual incapable of removing himself or herself from the ferret.") could be said about any pet.

What Ferret Owners Say: Many ferret owners absolutely love their pets, like Amanda Laird, who wrote on Paw Nation's Facebook page, "I had two ferrets and one of them is still with me, Emmitt. My poor little Boomer, may he rest in peace ... was a special guy with special problems and only lived to be about 4 1/2 years old [and] had health problems on and off for his last two years. He taught me that vet care for an "exotic" animal is very expensive. All in all, they are fun to watch interact with each other. And when they are out of their cage and running around, they makes the cutest little noises as they thrown their bodies all over in excitement!"

One final thing to keep in mind: Ferrets aren't legal in all areas, so before you bring one home, make sure no permits are required,

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