Posts tagged "ferrets"

Mea culpa: We don't feature ferrets often enough on Paw Nation. Ferrets are popular pets! They're too popular for our lack of notice to continue on much longer. With that in mind, watch this ferret. Watch it for six seconds before it is shot and killed before your very eyes! OK, that's enough with the ferrets.

Sometimes our pets look so cute it's nearly criminal, but some pet owners in California have an actual legal issue -- it's one of only two states that outlaw ferrets as pets, and California ferret owners want their pets legalized, reports KTVU.com.

Despite an almost 80-year-old law against it, many Californians keep ferrets as pets. As a matter of fact, according to KTVU.com, the state houses more ferrets than any other. The ban isn't strictly enforced, as the Department of Fish and Game's wardens have more pressing issues to manage.

So what's the problem, you ask? "We are already overrun with non-native species in the state of California," says California Fish and Game Commission President Jim Kellogg, according to KTVU.com. "There's no reason for us to legalize one more animal that could come into California and do damage to our native species."

Name: Prince Ga'Ara (better known as Bubba)

Age: 2

Breed: Ferret

Favorite Treat: Veggie bacon and Ferretvite.

Favorite Toy: His green plastic tunnel.

Likes: Playing "Gonna Getcha," and wrestling with his sisters Bella and Wendy.

Dislikes: Loud noises.

Cruising Position: Hanging his head out the window of the car.

Love at First Sight: Bubba's a pet-shop rescue who wasn't bought by anyone because he was the largest ferret in the litter. The poor thing got depressed and quit eating, and the store thought he was going to die. But luckily he was rescued, and now is the most loving ferret, covering anyone who holds him with kisses and hugs!

Congratulations to our submitter, TravelerMarjorie. If you'd like to submit your pet, upload your favorite pet photos to our Flickr pool!
More Cute Pets

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.

Rounding up our favorite animal stories, photos, and videos on the web each week!

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  Schnauzer Sing-along

  See some super-sweet singing-Schnauzer shorts. Okay, so they're howling. You know what we meant. [via Urlesque]

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  Dog Fetches Prosthetics

  Here's the fascinating true story of a dog who had to make a tough sacrifice and was later rewarded with a pair of nifty new legs. [via People Pets]

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  Bolt Outruns Cheetah

  Usain Bolt actually just adopted this cheetah cub. It will be raised at a refuge in Nairobi until it is old enough to lose a footrace to Bolt. [via Yahoo News]

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  Ferrets Mesmerize You

  Video too cute... Can't look away... Ferrets inside head... Must adopt ferrets... Help them enslave humanity... [via BuzzFeed]

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  Cow, Please Stop

  This cow is a little too thirsty. Who knew that farm animals were this bizarre? Someone set up this cow with a shrink. [via BuzzFeed]

It can take anywhere from five minutes to five years to teach your critter to roll over, but once they make the connection between trick and treat, the results can be adorable.

We've rounded up videos of some brainy non-canines who have mastered the art of rolling and aren't afraid to showcase their skills, whether it be for some chow or just a moment in the spotlight.