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The domestic ferret Mustela putorius furo or Mustelidae is a subspecies of the polecat, which was domesticated at least 2,500 years ago. Other mammals of the weasel family also have the word “ferret” in their common namesn like the rare and protected ferret of North America known as the black-footed ferret.

Nobody knows for sure when the polecat was domesticated, but some archaeological findings dating from 1500 BC ferret show that domestication was similar to that of the cat. Some say that the ancient Egyptians had ferrets, but it is more likely that Europeans visiting Egypt saw their cats and thought that using a small carnivore to protect grain stock was a great idea.

In the absence of mummified ferrets hieroglyphic texts mentioning them this theory has little merit, however Caesar Augustus sent ferrets and mongooses called “viverrae” by Pliny the Elder to the Balearic Islands to control a plague of  pest rabbits in the Year 6 BC.

The animals are probably descended from the polecat ferret Mustela putorius resulting in the most used scientific name for this animal as Mustela putorius furo. It is also possible that ferrets have as ancestors the steppe polecat.

For hundreds of years the main use of ferrets was for hunting lagomorphs or rabbits, as it is suited to the purpose with its aggressive nature and its long and slim body, is well suited to enter burrows and hunt the animals that live inside.

The animal is still used for hunting in some countries like Australia where rabbits are a plague and, despite modern technology, the combination of a few networks and a pair of ferrets is very effective.

In many ways, ferrets are like cats that never grow up, as they are forever energetic, curious and are much more social than cats as they like to play with their owners.

Ferrets are the third most common pet in the United States, after dogs and cats. It is said that ferrets sometimes attack small children, but this claim is largely false or at least has very little substance, as in proportion, ferrets cause far less damage than dogs or cats.
Ferrets are experts at exploring and sneak through holes in the cabinets, walls, or behind appliances where they can be injured or killed by power cables, fans and other dangerous items.

Folding chairs are a real death trap for them, and for these reasons it is necessary to take certain measures in the home before purchasing a ferret as a pet, such as removing or securing any dangerous equipment or furniture or cover any holes around the house. Many owners choose to confine their ferrets in a cage at night or while away from home.