Ferrets are intelligent, social mustelids with specific behavioural and dietary needs that are often underestimated by owners, leading to welfare problems from inappropriate housing and nutrition.
Ferrets kept alone in small cages and fed inadequate dry diets represent one of the most commonly welfare-compromised companion animals. Their social nature means isolation causes depression and stereotypic behaviour. Confinement in cages without adequate free-roaming time frustrates their need to explore and hunt. Adrenal disease in neutered ferrets is so common as to be almost inevitable in the UK, where early neutering is routine, causing significant welfare impacts in middle and old age. Raw or high-meat-content diets better match their obligate carnivore physiology.