Why do people call ferrets rats?

Question

I own two, and anytime someone sees them they're like, "what are those, rats?" "They look like rats."

Dude, they don't look anything like rodents at all. They're a different pet other than the average dog or cat, so I assume people just don't know what the hell they are and just call them rats because they just know dogs, cats, and birds. I'm like, how in the hell can something that long be a rat? Crazy.

Answer 1

I call 'em weeezells....

But I suppose if you're a dummy they have a rattish face....

Answer 2

I've had both. Pro for ferret: The live longer then rats. Average life span of a ratty is 2-4 years old, 5 if you're lucky. Ferrets anywhere from 6 - 10 average. You do not need to clean a cage 2 times a day! What will smell is their bedding! So a weekly washing of hammocks, sleep sacks, etc., recommended. Males are larger then females. I find my males are more cuddlier then the females. Rats< same thing, their bedding also should be washed once a week and males are more cuddlier, BUT also smell a little more then females. The females always reminded me of grape soda. Also, females in both species seem to have more medical problems.....Ferrets....adrenal disease....Rats...mammary tumors. Both require vets experienced with exotic animals. Whichever you decide on, please...get 2. That way if you can't let them out at least 4-6 hours a day they will have each other to play with. Oh, yes, my ferrets NEVER chewed, Rats will chew. My ferrets are free roam. Rats, I had put an addition onto my house for them, males separate from females.

Answer 3

I'm with you. A ferret doesn't look anything like a rodent, and is sure doesn't have rodent teeth.
I think some people figure any small animal looks like a rat. They say the same thing about small dogs.
A ferret is way bigger than a rat, though; ferrets kill and eat rats, and I've heard they are better than cats for this.

Answer 4

I hear the same thing. Obviously a person who says that has no idea what they are talking about. I usually just tell them that it's a ferret and that ferrets are not in the rodent family. That they belong to the same class of family as otters, minks, and skunks.
What I haven't figured out is how the ferret can be the third most popular pet if so many people think they are rodents or look like rats.

Answer 5

Pure and simple human ignorence. The ferret is largely missunderstood. Everything from carrying rabies to being smelling, stinking and dirty animals. And being mean too.

My ferrets are more loving then my dogs and cat combined! Anyone who's had a ferret kiss can't help but to be mesmorized! IMO!

It is human nature to be afraid of things that we don't understand or don't have enough information about. Thus, people don't have accurate information about ferrets, they assume the worst in their fear of what they don't understand.

Unfortunatly, this false information comes from people who have owned "problem" ferrets, or owners who have assumed that ferrets can live like rats, and then the ferrets "turn wild". And those stories from uneducated owners have spread like wildfire.

Answer 6

i have no idea!! when i got my 2 ferrets, my dad always called them rats too!! but there not, they're actually in the weasel family, and not even rodents. but my dad was just like, whatever they look like rats to me. i know he loved them though, because when one got sick, he tried to save it :)
but I love ferrets!!

Answer 7

doesn't make sense to me either why people call them rats,they don't even look or act like a rat,they are smarter too!

Answer 8

People are stupid and uninformed. You're lucky they don't think they are "possums".
I'd hate to have rats the size of possums (or ferrets) in my house.........