![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c26a50274f.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c1ae8b47a8.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c1ace785f4.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c2b6c76b60.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c1ad91dadb.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24443b434.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c2438ca643.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c245671437.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c244ac27fb.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24423039d.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c25296f2e0.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c2455eef4c.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c245633b9d.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c245a49626.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c245697d75.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c2454286b3.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24943d449.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c247e2438a.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c2489362b9.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24a68c158.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c2483a9fbb.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c248c1e235.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c25280e068.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24ad141f7.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24bd94a55.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c25286d8b5.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c2530a1009.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24ac17765.jpg)
![Fantastically fun facts about ferrets](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_642c24a3e6829.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 29 Fotos
The origin of the ferret
- Ferrets were first domesticated in Europe around 2,500 years ago, as hunting companions. The advent of domesticated ferrets split them from their wild relative, the European polecat.
© Getty Images
1 / 29 Fotos
The European polecat
- European polecats still roam around in the wild in Europe and some parts of North Africa. They're larger than domesticated ferrets, and are excellent rodent hunters.
© Getty Images
2 / 29 Fotos
Furittus
- The Latin name for ferrets is furittus, which turns out to be a very fitting name indeed; it translates to "little thief," which perfectly describes their sneaky nature and knack for getting in and out of tight spaces.
© Getty Images
3 / 29 Fotos
The Mustelidae family
- Ferrets are part of the Mustelidae family of mammals, making them close relatives of weasels, stoats, wolverines, and even badgers.
© Getty Images
4 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets in Greece
- Most experts agree that ferrets were first kept as hunting animals in the ancient city-states of Greece. The Greeks trained them to hunt rats, but eventually became so affectionate towards their pest control critters that they began keeping them as house pets, too.
© Shutterstock
5 / 29 Fotos
Favorites of the pharaohs
- As word of ferrets' usefulness and agreeable attitude spread, they became prized pets of many other early civilizations. In ancient Egypt, ferrets were a favorite pet of pharaohs and the ruling class; they have appeared in many uncovered artworks from Egypt.
© Shutterstock
6 / 29 Fotos
Born hunters
- Despite their small stature, ferrets truly do make incredible hunters. To this day, they're often used to hunt rabbits and rodents. Their exceptional sense of smell and bendy body allow them to track prey through intricate tunnel systems before going in for the kill and returning to their human companions.
© Shutterstock
7 / 29 Fotos
Short, but smart
- It turns out that ferrets can actually hold a lot of information inside those tiny heads of theirs. Ferrets are incredibly intelligent creatures, with a particular affinity for problem-solving. In many cases, their cleverness even eclipses that of the smartest dogs.
© Shutterstock
8 / 29 Fotos
The "weasel war dance"
- Anyone who has ever seen a ferret at play has surely been delighted by the erratic jumps and mid-air twists they perform while scampering around. Lovingly referred to as the "weasel war dance," these jumps for joy are just that: a fun expression of their happiness and excitement.
© Shutterstock
9 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets at work
- In more recent times, ferrets have been put to all sorts of other jobs besides hunting. These crafty critters have proven instrumental at running cables through pipes or across tricky ceilings. In 1981, ferrets even had the honor of running light and television cables for the wedding of Princess Diana and Charles.
© Getty Images
10 / 29 Fotos
The famous stench of ferret
- Ferrets aren't only known for their adorable mannerisms and hunting skills though; they have also developed a bit of a reputation for their pungent odor. The odor escapes from their scent glands and is a very common tool for defense and marking territories; theirs just happens to smell worse than others. Although descenting surgeries are sometimes available, they are an unnecessary procedure that only causes ferrets pain and stress.
© Shutterstock
11 / 29 Fotos
Friendly ferrets
- Most ferrets today are kept as house pets. Ferrets have adapted extraordinarily well to lives of leisure, and make excellent pets. They're friendly to most other animals, with the notable exception of small animals that they've been bred to hunt. Ferrets love the company of humans, and easily develop close relationships with their two-legged companions. Their insatiable curiosity and manageable energy levels make them a perfect playmate.
© Shutterstock
12 / 29 Fotos
How much is that ferret in the window?
- The average pet store sells ferrets for anywhere from US$100 to $150, but there's no need to spend money on a pet that likely wasn't bred somewhere with very good ethics when there are scores of ferrets waiting to find a forever home in adoption centers around the world.
© Shutterstock
13 / 29 Fotos
It's business time
- Ferret nomenclature is, if you can believe it, almost as adorable as they are. A group of ferrets, for example, is called a business. That's right, a business of ferrets, tending to their ferret business.
© Shutterstock
14 / 29 Fotos
Hobs, gibs, and jills
- Male ferrets, before getting fixed, are called "hobs." After their trip to the vet, they're known as "gibs." Lady ferrets are first known as "jills," and once they're spayed are called "sprites."
© Shutterstock
15 / 29 Fotos
What are the babies called?
- Baby ferrets are called "kits," and come into the world barely larger than a person's pinky finger. They can easily curl up in a teaspoon!
© Shutterstock
16 / 29 Fotos
Fuzzy outlaws
- Ferrets are legal pets in most of the United States, besides California and Hawaii. Some other countries such as New Zealand have also banned the domestication of ferrets, on the grounds that stray ferrets can reproduce at high rates and can become harmful to these non-native environments.
© Shutterstock
17 / 29 Fotos
The black-footed ferret
- While virtually all ferrets in the world are domesticated, there is one exception: the black-footed ferret of the great American prairie. Despite being one of the primary predators in their native grasslands, they are one of the most critically endangered mammals in the country.
© Shutterstock
18 / 29 Fotos
A stone-cold killer?
- When left to their own devices and not being driven to near-extinction due to habitat loss, they make excellent use of the hunting skills passed down from their European ancestors. The black-footed ferret is a an American prairie dog's worst nightmare, and can kill well over 100 in a year.
© Shutterstock
19 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets at sea
- Ferrets aren't naturally gifted swimmers, but they do seem to enjoy it. If you take your ferret out for a soak, make sure to keep an eye on it; even though they may jump into the water on their own volition, their little legs can get quickly tired out and they might need help from you.
© Shutterstock
20 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets and humans: Genetic cousins?
- It may sound strange to say that humans and ferrets have a striking number of genetic similarities, but it's true. Similar to rats, ferret genes act and react in ways very similar to human genes, making them historically valuable science partners. We even have ferrets to thank for the flu vaccine!
© Shutterstock
21 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets in the fast lane
- At some point, someone decided that watching ferrets chase each other around was so entertaining that a sport should be made out of it. In the US and the UK particularly, ferret racing is a common event at county fairs.
© Getty Images
22 / 29 Fotos
Albinos
- Like many other animals, it's possible for recessive genes to cause ferret kits to be born as albinos. Their cream-colored coats are universally adored, but some people say that their red eyes make them uneasy.
© Shutterstock
23 / 29 Fotos
Impressive near-sightedness
- In general, ferrets don't have particularly good eyesight and tend to rely much more on their sense of smell. In close quarters, however, ferrets are said to have better eyesight than most cats.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Pets of prestige
- The ancient tradition of important people keeping ferrets as pets has lasted well into modern times. Everyone from queens to socialites having chosen ferrets as their companions. Paris Hilton famously made numerous public appearances with her ferret, Cinderella, in tow.
© Getty Images
25 / 29 Fotos
The queen and her ferret
- Queen Elizabeth I was also famously enamored with ferrets, and even insisted that one of her royal pets be included in one of her portraits.
© Getty Images
26 / 29 Fotos
Ferret-legging
- Ferret-legging is an age-old pub game that was once popular in bars across England. The game involved tying one's pant legs shut with a ferret running around inside wreaking havoc, and seeing how long the player could last. Of course, this game wasn't very kind to the ferrets who had to be stuck in some drunkards stinky pants!
© Shutterstock
27 / 29 Fotos
Slipping through headfirst
- Despite their wonderful capacity for affection, ferrets are infamously difficult to keep your hands on. Their bones seem to be able to liquify at will, allowing them to get in and out of just about any tight situation. As a rule, any space that a ferret's head can fit through, the rest of their body won't have any trouble following. Sources: (Facts.net) (Ferret-World) (The Modern Ferret)
© Shutterstock
28 / 29 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 29 Fotos
The origin of the ferret
- Ferrets were first domesticated in Europe around 2,500 years ago, as hunting companions. The advent of domesticated ferrets split them from their wild relative, the European polecat.
© Getty Images
1 / 29 Fotos
The European polecat
- European polecats still roam around in the wild in Europe and some parts of North Africa. They're larger than domesticated ferrets, and are excellent rodent hunters.
© Getty Images
2 / 29 Fotos
Furittus
- The Latin name for ferrets is furittus, which turns out to be a very fitting name indeed; it translates to "little thief," which perfectly describes their sneaky nature and knack for getting in and out of tight spaces.
© Getty Images
3 / 29 Fotos
The Mustelidae family
- Ferrets are part of the Mustelidae family of mammals, making them close relatives of weasels, stoats, wolverines, and even badgers.
© Getty Images
4 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets in Greece
- Most experts agree that ferrets were first kept as hunting animals in the ancient city-states of Greece. The Greeks trained them to hunt rats, but eventually became so affectionate towards their pest control critters that they began keeping them as house pets, too.
© Shutterstock
5 / 29 Fotos
Favorites of the pharaohs
- As word of ferrets' usefulness and agreeable attitude spread, they became prized pets of many other early civilizations. In ancient Egypt, ferrets were a favorite pet of pharaohs and the ruling class; they have appeared in many uncovered artworks from Egypt.
© Shutterstock
6 / 29 Fotos
Born hunters
- Despite their small stature, ferrets truly do make incredible hunters. To this day, they're often used to hunt rabbits and rodents. Their exceptional sense of smell and bendy body allow them to track prey through intricate tunnel systems before going in for the kill and returning to their human companions.
© Shutterstock
7 / 29 Fotos
Short, but smart
- It turns out that ferrets can actually hold a lot of information inside those tiny heads of theirs. Ferrets are incredibly intelligent creatures, with a particular affinity for problem-solving. In many cases, their cleverness even eclipses that of the smartest dogs.
© Shutterstock
8 / 29 Fotos
The "weasel war dance"
- Anyone who has ever seen a ferret at play has surely been delighted by the erratic jumps and mid-air twists they perform while scampering around. Lovingly referred to as the "weasel war dance," these jumps for joy are just that: a fun expression of their happiness and excitement.
© Shutterstock
9 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets at work
- In more recent times, ferrets have been put to all sorts of other jobs besides hunting. These crafty critters have proven instrumental at running cables through pipes or across tricky ceilings. In 1981, ferrets even had the honor of running light and television cables for the wedding of Princess Diana and Charles.
© Getty Images
10 / 29 Fotos
The famous stench of ferret
- Ferrets aren't only known for their adorable mannerisms and hunting skills though; they have also developed a bit of a reputation for their pungent odor. The odor escapes from their scent glands and is a very common tool for defense and marking territories; theirs just happens to smell worse than others. Although descenting surgeries are sometimes available, they are an unnecessary procedure that only causes ferrets pain and stress.
© Shutterstock
11 / 29 Fotos
Friendly ferrets
- Most ferrets today are kept as house pets. Ferrets have adapted extraordinarily well to lives of leisure, and make excellent pets. They're friendly to most other animals, with the notable exception of small animals that they've been bred to hunt. Ferrets love the company of humans, and easily develop close relationships with their two-legged companions. Their insatiable curiosity and manageable energy levels make them a perfect playmate.
© Shutterstock
12 / 29 Fotos
How much is that ferret in the window?
- The average pet store sells ferrets for anywhere from US$100 to $150, but there's no need to spend money on a pet that likely wasn't bred somewhere with very good ethics when there are scores of ferrets waiting to find a forever home in adoption centers around the world.
© Shutterstock
13 / 29 Fotos
It's business time
- Ferret nomenclature is, if you can believe it, almost as adorable as they are. A group of ferrets, for example, is called a business. That's right, a business of ferrets, tending to their ferret business.
© Shutterstock
14 / 29 Fotos
Hobs, gibs, and jills
- Male ferrets, before getting fixed, are called "hobs." After their trip to the vet, they're known as "gibs." Lady ferrets are first known as "jills," and once they're spayed are called "sprites."
© Shutterstock
15 / 29 Fotos
What are the babies called?
- Baby ferrets are called "kits," and come into the world barely larger than a person's pinky finger. They can easily curl up in a teaspoon!
© Shutterstock
16 / 29 Fotos
Fuzzy outlaws
- Ferrets are legal pets in most of the United States, besides California and Hawaii. Some other countries such as New Zealand have also banned the domestication of ferrets, on the grounds that stray ferrets can reproduce at high rates and can become harmful to these non-native environments.
© Shutterstock
17 / 29 Fotos
The black-footed ferret
- While virtually all ferrets in the world are domesticated, there is one exception: the black-footed ferret of the great American prairie. Despite being one of the primary predators in their native grasslands, they are one of the most critically endangered mammals in the country.
© Shutterstock
18 / 29 Fotos
A stone-cold killer?
- When left to their own devices and not being driven to near-extinction due to habitat loss, they make excellent use of the hunting skills passed down from their European ancestors. The black-footed ferret is a an American prairie dog's worst nightmare, and can kill well over 100 in a year.
© Shutterstock
19 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets at sea
- Ferrets aren't naturally gifted swimmers, but they do seem to enjoy it. If you take your ferret out for a soak, make sure to keep an eye on it; even though they may jump into the water on their own volition, their little legs can get quickly tired out and they might need help from you.
© Shutterstock
20 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets and humans: Genetic cousins?
- It may sound strange to say that humans and ferrets have a striking number of genetic similarities, but it's true. Similar to rats, ferret genes act and react in ways very similar to human genes, making them historically valuable science partners. We even have ferrets to thank for the flu vaccine!
© Shutterstock
21 / 29 Fotos
Ferrets in the fast lane
- At some point, someone decided that watching ferrets chase each other around was so entertaining that a sport should be made out of it. In the US and the UK particularly, ferret racing is a common event at county fairs.
© Getty Images
22 / 29 Fotos
Albinos
- Like many other animals, it's possible for recessive genes to cause ferret kits to be born as albinos. Their cream-colored coats are universally adored, but some people say that their red eyes make them uneasy.
© Shutterstock
23 / 29 Fotos
Impressive near-sightedness
- In general, ferrets don't have particularly good eyesight and tend to rely much more on their sense of smell. In close quarters, however, ferrets are said to have better eyesight than most cats.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Pets of prestige
- The ancient tradition of important people keeping ferrets as pets has lasted well into modern times. Everyone from queens to socialites having chosen ferrets as their companions. Paris Hilton famously made numerous public appearances with her ferret, Cinderella, in tow.
© Getty Images
25 / 29 Fotos
The queen and her ferret
- Queen Elizabeth I was also famously enamored with ferrets, and even insisted that one of her royal pets be included in one of her portraits.
© Getty Images
26 / 29 Fotos
Ferret-legging
- Ferret-legging is an age-old pub game that was once popular in bars across England. The game involved tying one's pant legs shut with a ferret running around inside wreaking havoc, and seeing how long the player could last. Of course, this game wasn't very kind to the ferrets who had to be stuck in some drunkards stinky pants!
© Shutterstock
27 / 29 Fotos
Slipping through headfirst
- Despite their wonderful capacity for affection, ferrets are infamously difficult to keep your hands on. Their bones seem to be able to liquify at will, allowing them to get in and out of just about any tight situation. As a rule, any space that a ferret's head can fit through, the rest of their body won't have any trouble following. Sources: (Facts.net) (Ferret-World) (The Modern Ferret)
© Shutterstock
28 / 29 Fotos
Fantastically fun facts about ferrets
Get to know everyone's favorite furry slinky
© Shutterstock
Ferrets are a criminally underrated pet. Not only are they small and relatively low-maintenance, they're also some of the most affectionate critters out there. These funny, long, and elastic animals have been adored by commoners and royals alike for thousands of years, and despite their goofy demeanor, they actually come from a long line of proud four-legged hunters.
Wondering if a pet ferret is right for you? Read on to learn everything you need to know to fall in love with these fun, quirky characters.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![Why is flying becoming more dangerous?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db2965e1d5a.jpg)
![Reasons why you didn't get a second date](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db25335eca8.jpg)
![How extreme heat is impacting tourism](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db262360864.jpg)
![US cities where you can buy a house for less than US$100K](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db243b097db.jpg)
![What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d987edce393.jpg)
![The most expensive sports memorabilia sold at auction](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d884a5cd027.jpg)
![The most violent countries for LGBTQ+ people](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d1f0f1cfa96.jpg)
![The sad reality of femicide around the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c0a37cb69.jpg)
![Report reveals why more Americans don't have children](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db17e8c89db.jpg)
![The 30 richest countries in the world in 2024](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9bb08939e2.jpg)
![The highest paying jobs in the world, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db13bea5b08.jpg)
![How to tell if someone is lying, based on their zodiac sign](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db11a848cac.jpg)
![The most polluted rivers in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dafac8d54b9.jpg)
![Common words and phrases that you're probably getting wrong](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db1252ca948.jpg)
![Pet owners, are you making these mistakes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db150a7193b.jpg)
![The greatest surfers of all time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b487aa05a51.jpg)
![The weirdest things these countries are the best at](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9801a625ea.jpg)
![What are the risks of spending too much time in space?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5d43703c39.jpg)
![Decoding Gen Z slang: a guide to staying relevant](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db067b5dc85.jpg)
![Stolen artifacts in the British Museum](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9a6be31bbc.jpg)
![Countries with the highest disposable income, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db0072b22c7.jpg)
![Mediterranean tragedy: the dangerous migration routes to Europe](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66daff6e7fa0a.jpg)
![The world's most famous stolen paintings](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8830f295c8.jpg)
![The comprehensive guide to managing and resolving credit card debt](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dafd7544450.jpg)
![The angel number of each zodiac sign](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66daea83cf3d5.jpg)
![Do you have a Sunday reset routine?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dabb3c56bfa.jpg)
![Natural spies: Animals used in espionage](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9cea393994.jpg)
![Miracles and a temper? Experts investigate Jesus' childhood](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dafd980019e.jpg)
![Exploring the tree house hotel where Princess Elizabeth learned she'd be Queen](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66daf9f737929.jpg)
![The top 30 most valuable brands of 2024](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d6f050a2e93.jpg)
![Countries where bosses can't contact employees after hours](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dae767723a3.jpg)
![Who is the top goal scorer of all time?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dac9cd5b549.jpg)
![The amazing life of Jane Goodall, the world's most famous primatologist](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c5a6523fb.jpg)
![What was the Neanderthal diet like?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c4ba462b7.jpg)
![Fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the Oval Office](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db0390a5798.jpg)
![How does tennis scoring actually work?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82a540f53f.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Wealth
-
3
HEALTH Bad habit
-
4
FASHION Apparel
All about the cape, and why it's not just worn by superheroes
-
5
LIFESTYLE History
-
6
FOOD Food storage
-
7
LIFESTYLE Secondhand
-
8
LIFESTYLE Secondhand
-
9
HEALTH Risks
-
10