Ferrets are in the same family as mink, otters and weasels and there are those who have mixed feelings about ferrets. Today we'll learn more about them in this edition of Pet Pointers.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

When housing a ferret choose a large cage made just for them with lots of shelves and places to hang hammocks and toys. You can take them out to play but be cautious. Ferrets are curious and have been known to crawl into tiny spaces and become trapped. Seal up any holes and close cabinets before you let them out.

In their cage place a small litter pan using pellet cat litter, a food bowl, and a water bottle. Use beddings made of corn cob or newspaper and change it at least once week. Change litter boxes every day.

Choose a high-quality dry ferret food and give them fresh water daily. They also enjoy fruits and vegetables so a small slice of apple makes a nice treat. Never feed them bread and other grains or food high in mineral oil and dairy products.

These sleek little mammals sleep away most of the day but are happy to come out and play when you are ready, with dawn and dusk being their favorite part of the day.

Most ferrets sold as pets in North America are spayed or neutered and de-scented but their musky odor comes from their skin not the scent glands. People who have sensitive noses might find it too much to live with but many ferret lovers either don't mind it or get used to it quickly.

Before you bring any pet home be sure you are ready to care for them properly. Do your own research and make sure they are the right pet for you.