If healthy, ferrets retain a youthful, playful nature late into old age, about 8 to 10 years. Time invested in handling your ferret combined with consistent, gentle training is important to ensure that your ferret becomes a friendly and playful pet. A healthy, well trained pet ferret should not bite. Like cats and dogs, ferrets need to be gently but firmly taught what is acceptable behavior. Any animal that is frightened, injured or in any type of pain may bite.
Ferrets have a natural light musky odor.
The odor is greatly minimized when the ferret is spayed or neutered. Bathing and diet also have an impact on their scent. Descenting is not necessary for ferrets. Ferrets are not destructive by nature and declawing is not recommended. For their protection, it is recommended that your ferret be kept in a ferret proofed area of the house or a cage when your are not at home.