The Ferret Cosmos!

	I was always more of a dog person, but a busy life and apartment living are not conducive to providing a dog with a happy existence. My love affair with ferrets began while I was poking around in a pet store back in December 1994. When I first saw the ferrets there I asked out loud "who on earth would want a ferret as a pet?" Having now owned two, I guess I have a better idea! In many ways ferrets are a cross between owning a cat and a dog: ferrets are latrine animals (i.e they use a litter box like a cat), they eat any premium cat food (with 32% or more protein), and they can learn to go for walks on a leash like dogs (although it's more like they take YOU for a walk). One of the best ferret characteristics is that they have a playful, puppy-like nature their entire lives! They also spend 18 - 20 hours a day sleeping (note the sleeping bag shots at left) regardless of their age, which makes them perfect pets for people who aren't home a lot. It's also worth noting that most people allergic to cats and dogs find they aren't allergic to ferrets. Ferrets belong to the Mustelidae family (which includes otters, minks, weasels and ermines). Unlike other members of their family, however, ferrets are not wild animals. In fact, since the ancient Egyptians first adopted them as pets to keep their homes free of rodents, ferrets have become so thoroughly domesticated they no longer know how to survive in the wild. Ferrets are intelligent, curious and cheerful animals who love to run, romp and play throughout their entire lives. Full grown males generally get to be about 1.5 kg; females are generally smaller and average 1.25 kg. The average ferret life span is 6 - 8 years. The ferrets in these pictures were my two "carpet sharks", Eumel (the male, cinnamon coloured) and Frettchen (a sable female). Max is the Dachshund playing with Eumel below. These ferret links will help you learn more about these funky pets: Ferret Central Oregon Ferret Association back to Kramer's Cosmos