Ferrets are intelligent, social and active mustelids whose welfare needs are rarely met in standard pet keeping, resulting in significant health problems and behavioural compromise.
Ferrets housed alone in small cages on poor-quality food develop physical and psychological health problems. Adrenal disease causing hair loss and reproductive swelling affects the majority of entire female ferrets and many neutered individuals. Insulinoma (pancreatic tumour) causes hypoglycaemic episodes that are distressing and eventually fatal. Early diagnosis and appropriate dietary and veterinary management substantially improves welfare.