Many people feel that ferrets are 'rodents' due to their long noses and bodies, and their short ears. However, this is not the case. As with the difference between tigers and leopards, there are differences between the ferrets and other mustelids. A domesticated ferret may be related to an otter, but it is not the same. There are essential differences that make the ferret a ferret, and the otter, an otter.
People often feel unnecessarily nervous of ferrets, due to their undeserved reputation as biters.
The main reasons a ferret will bite is from fear or neglect. Because ferrets have such thick skin, what feels like a fun game to them if painful for us. Generally, ferrets will learn quickly that their playful nips hurt, and they will stop. Anyone who gets a puppy, or has a child, will experience this same phenomenon. The ferret philosophy is to eat, drink and be merry, for today, we must play.