Mustelids kept as pets or in zoos have specific behavioral and environmental needs that stem from their active, predatory lifestyles. Meeting these needs is essential for their welfare.
Mustelid welfare in captivity suffers from the gap between their active, exploratory nature and the environments typically provided. Ferrets in small cages without adequate free-roaming time develop behavioral abnormalities and poor physical health. Their carnivore digestion requires high-protein diets - inappropriate diets cause chronic digestive problems. Adrenal disease in North American ferrets is now understood to relate partly to early neutering and light cycle disruption - a created welfare problem from standard pet practices. Asian small-clawed otters kept as pets typically experience severe welfare deficits - they require constant water access, complex social groups, and feeding behaviors incompatible with typical pet ownership.