The Domestic Ferret, Mustela furo, is a domesticated European polecat. Ferrets have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years, and while some are still used to hunt rabbits, most are kept only as pets. They have typically brown, black, white, or mixed fur. Ferrets sleep 14-18 hours a day, and if caged they need at least an hour of freedom to play. As obligate carnivores with short digestive systems and a quick metabolism, ferrets need to eat frequently. High-grade cat food and prepared dry foods with mostly meat are convenient for ferret owners and provide nutritional value.
The Domestic Ferret has a body length in the range of 13”-16.1” (33-41 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.4 lb (.7-2 kg). Domestic Ferrets have a shoulder height between 4.7”-5.9” (12-15 cm), body width of 3.3”-4.3” (8.5-11 cm), and tail length of 2.75”-5.5” (7-14 cm). The typical lifespan of the Domestic Ferret is between 5-10 years.
The Domestic Ferret, Mustela furo, is a domesticated European polecat. Ferrets have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years, and while some are still used to hunt rabbits, most are kept only as pets. They have typically brown, black, white, or mixed fur. Ferrets sleep 14-18 hours a day, and if caged they need at least an hour of freedom to play. As obligate carnivores with short digestive systems and a quick metabolism, ferrets need to eat frequently. High-grade cat food and prepared dry foods with mostly meat are convenient for ferret owners and provide nutritional value.
The Domestic Ferret has a body length in the range of 13”-16.1” (33-41 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.4 lb (.7-2 kg). Domestic Ferrets have a shoulder height between 4.7”-5.9” (12-15 cm), body width of 3.3”-4.3” (8.5-11 cm), and tail length of 2.75”-5.5” (7-14 cm). The typical lifespan of the Domestic Ferret is between 5-10 years.