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Mustela furo
Curious and playful pet with an elongated body. Can play and bond with owners like cats and dogs. Has a distinctive musky scent.
The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a carnivorous mammal of the family Mustelidae, descended from the European polecat and domesticated over 2,500 years ago for hunting rabbits and rodents. Ferrets are highly intelligent, playful, and social animals with a dog-like enthusiasm for interaction. They require a minimum of 4–6 hours of supervised free-roaming time outside their cage daily, in a ferret-proofed space, as they are adept at squeezing into and chewing on virtually anything. Being obligate carnivores, they require a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet; ferret-specific kibble or raw meat-based diets are appropriate, while grain-heavy foods should be avoided. Common health concerns include adrenal gland disease, insulinoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and distemper.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Ferret lives 6-10 years.
Lifespan is 6–10 years.
The Ferret grows to 35-50cm / 0.7-2.0kg.
Adults measure 35–50 cm and weigh 600–2,000 g, with males significantly larger than females.
Optimal temperature is 15–25 °C; ferrets are highly susceptible to heat stress.
Origin
Europe (domesticated from the European polecat)
Ferret (Mustela furo) color. Eight basic colors recognized by the AFA (American Ferret Association). Since simple Mendelian inheritance for each color is not well established, inheritance details are omitted.
Sources: American Ferret Association color standards
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Mustela furo Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: Mustela putorius furo
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
6-10 years
Size
35-50cm / 0.7-2.0kg
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Ferret-specific food (high protein, high fat)
Obligate carnivore needing high protein/fat. Use ferret-specific food
1-2 hours daily free play required. Love tunnel toys
Distinctive musk scent. Spaying/neutering reduces odor
Prone to adrenal disease and insulinoma. Find an exotic vet
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Ferret is 6-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Ferret typically reaches 35-50cm / 0.7-2.0kg as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Ferret feeds on: Ferret-specific food (high protein, high fat). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Ferret varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026