Why are ferrets SO different from cats and dogs?

Question

I know a whole lot about them. Like. A lot. But I keep hearing people being like, "They're not like cats or dogs, so ___." And I don't get it. What is it that makes them SO different? They're mischievious? So's my cat (hellishly, hellishly so). You have to constantly clean their cage and after them? So do you after many cats and dogs I've been around.
They're dependent like dogs (although more so). They're clean and litterboxy like cats. They smell like both cats and dogs. They constantly mess with your things not only like some cats/dogs but also like little kids. You can train them similiarly to a dog. They're largely self-serving like cats. Eeeet cetera.

So what is it?

..they can have large expenses like a spoiled cat or dog or your "best friend" cat or dog who is ten years old and saddled with totally rotten health. They need at least four hours of play time a day like others. They must be supervised like a kid.

P.s.; by "smell like cats and dogs," I mean they all have a big ol' smell. Simply. That many people do hate but some don't care about.

But my cat also shreds everything he can, gets into the most inconvienient of places, etc. How could a ferret be so much worse?

And simply checking for unpleasant surprises such as poop doesn't seem like any large deal, I don't see how it'd take very long.




PSx2: Thanks and love to all who answer. <3

Gowd I can't remember anything to save my life. Ferrets can be trained to come when called, and fetch, plus other silly little things like play dead, like a dog. It's the simple method of rewards. Like dogs can be trained to do small tasks like open things and fetch odd things and this and that, ferrets can be taught to do such things as even help wire airplanes -- where humans can't reach.

Answer 1

Specifically, what makes them so different from cats and dogs is that they need a whole lot more attention given to them. You cannot leave them to their own devices like you can a cat either. They are perpetual 2 year olds and will act as such almost until the day they die. There are your reasons.

Answer 2

They will get into more trouble than any cat can. I have owned and worked with many ferrets- they will tear up stuff for bedding and for fun, and can work their way into about any corner or down heating vents, etc. They are a lot of fun, but are extremely active. Ferrets do not smell like cats and dogs, even with the scent gland removed, they are still mustelids (think skunks and otters) and have that body odor. They will be stinky unless you do a twice daily poop check. Even then, you need to wash blankets quite often. I do not mind the smell, but some people do. I have not heard of them being trained like a dog. My aunt had one that would play fetch, but that is about it.

Answer 3

I have owned a cat a dog and now I have my gorgeous little fuzz butt Freddie. I DO think he's different to my cat and dog because he is much more curious than either of them, he doesn't sit still at all and is always on the look out for fun but my cat and dog were happy to just sit by the fire most of the day until walk times. Freddie lives in the home during the day where we can supervise him but when we go to bed so does he....in his cage. I wouldn't feel confident in a ferret to let him roam free in the house while we are in bed cos he WANTS to find trouble where my cat and dog didn't. The level of care is similar to a cat or dog but a ferrets personality is way different I think.....different but totally cool!!!! I love Freddie soooo much and he gives me much more fun than my cat and dog even though I loved them too. Freddie makes me ache with laughter at his funny little war dances and his excited dooks and hehehehe noises. I suppose it comes down to the individual pet and their own little personality...I love them all though!!!! xx

Answer 4

Ferrets are DELIGHTFUL little critters. I love 'em! The little guys have gotten a bad rap from many, even to the point of being outlawed in some places. Ridiculous in the extreme. Mine ran free in our home and was never a problem. He had his cage, but after a few days of letting him get used to our home, the door was never closed on him. We were careful about openings he could get into and made sure they were all sealed. Our little Toto had a remarkable, great personality and I loved him more than any cat or dog I ever had. We had the misfortune of having guests who brought their dog, and the dog killed our little friend. That's one time I should have put him in his cage and locked the door.

Answer 5

i love ferrets. i have wondered this also. but i guess they think that because ferrets are related to the skunk, weasel. etc.