Celebrate National Ferret Day Every April 2

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April 2 is National Ferret Day(Created with fonts from Creative Fabrica and TheHungryJPEG, and public domain images from Pixabay)

If you love ferrets, then you’ll love April 2. It’s National Ferret Day, the day to celebrate this adorable little critter.

But only in the the United States.

In the UK National Ferret Day is May 5. Mark your calendars! (Of course, we see no reason ferret lovers in both countries can’t celebrate both dates!)

If you have ferrets, take some time to show them a little extra love.

If you don’t, celebrate them anyway. Or help spread awareness about the care and nutrition they need. Just like any pet they have their own unique needs, and people don’t always realize it before getting one.

If you know about ferrets, share with others who are interested! If you’re interested, learn all you can about these fun pets before getting one.

National Ferret Day has been around since at least the 1990s, but it wasn’t until 2014 that it became an officially recognized day in Chase’s Calendar of Events. The day is sponsored by the American Ferret Association.

Interesting Ferret Facts

Now a lot of people think ferrets are smelly and mean. In fact, the ferret’s Latin name, Mustela Putorius Furo, basically translates to “mouse-catching stinky thief.”

But that’s unfair. Sure, some ferrets may be unpleasant, but then so are some people. Most domesticated ferrets are just as fun, cuddly and playful as any other pet.

That’s probably why, despite their poor reputation they’re the third most common uncaged pet. But not in California. They’re not legal in that state.

In fact, people have kept ferrets as pets for centuries. Did you know that DaVinci painted a woman holding one? Yep, it’s called Lady with an Ermine. And English settlers heading for the New World brought ferrets with to help keep the rodent population down.

Speaking of rodents, ferrets aren’t. They’re mustelids and cousins to the European polecat. And a polecat isn’t actually any kind of cat. They’re all related to weasels, minks and otters.

If you’re going to keep one as a pet, it’s good to know that they’re strict carnivores. That means they can only digest meat.

They’re smart, too. They’re sometimes used to carry cables through conduits or other places humans may have trouble getting to.

People also use them for hunting (ferreting!), although not as much as they used to. The ferrets go down rabbit holes (and into other small critters’ homes) to chase them out where the hunter can get them.

Ferret Terminology

Did you know there are special names for fixed (spayed or neutered) and unfixed ferrets? Fertile (unfixed) ferrets are called jills (females) or hobs (males). Fixed ferrets are called sprites (female) or gibs (males).

And baby ferrets (less than 10 weeks) are called kits. Awww.

Wild Ferrets

There’s only one kind of wild ferret, the black-footed ferrets. And we thought they were extinct until the early 1980s. A small population (just 18 animals) was found living in Wyoming. Conservationists captured them to breed and reintroduce to the wild.

Today there are more than 1,000 living in the wild. They’re still endangered, but at least they’re not extinct.

Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this cute unofficial holiday.

Celebrating National Ferret Day

Celebrate all things ferret.

If you’re thinking about getting a ferret as a pet, consider adopting a homeless one. Yep, ferrets end up in shelters just like cats and dogs.

In fact, you can search Petfinder for them. Just enter your location (zip code works well), pick “Small & Furry” in the drop-down list under “Type” and then type “Ferret” into the “Breed” box. You’ll get a list of ferrets available for adoption near you.

If you already have ferrets, get them a gift to celebrate. Maybe a new bed or toy, like one of these:

• Midwest Homes for Pets Nation Accessory Kit You get shelf covers, pan cover bottom, pan cover top, and 3-pack ramp covers.
• Or the Ferret Nation Accessories Kit Model 3 with a Cuddle-Cube, small hammock, Busybody blanket, and a tunnel
• Ferret sweatshirt
• Hide-N-Sleep Alligator: Just too cute.
• Pop-N-Play Ball Pit: provides hours of amusement for both your ferret and you!

If you like to bring your pet out and about, this pet Pack-N-Go could be just what you need. It has lots of airflow and storage underneath for toys, foods and more.

Not quite ready for a real live ferret? Watch a happy ferret do the “War Dance,” to show her excitement:

Marshall Ferret Sweatshirt, Colors Vary

Your ferret or small animal is sure to be a hit in this sweatshirt from Marshall.

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Dapper Ferret

18 months & up Machine Washable

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The Mountain Kids Ferret Face T-Shirt, Large, Brown

The Mountain has been in business for over 30 years and printing t-shirts for over 21 of those years. From our earliest days, we have worked to be a responsible company. We have a green philosophy and every day we strive to run our company and produce our products in a way that protects the environment, gives value to our customers and supports our employees and the artists.

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Training Your Pet Ferret (Training Your Pet (Barron's))

Ferrets have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years, and although many books about ferrets are now available, this revised and updated guide is unique in that it specifically concentrates on training methods. Furry, cuddly, and bursting with energy, lovable ferrets can be a handful for inexperienced owners. The authors instruct on training methods that really work, pointing out that effective training can start anytime, whether owners adopt an adult ferret or purchase a baby as a kit. They offer tips on protecting the ferret from household hazards, as well as protecting carpets and houseplants from a ferret's tendency to claw and dig. They also provide helpful information on housing, equipment, feeding, health care, and more. New in this edition is a chapter on clicker training, a humane and effective way to solve ferret behavior problems. Also new is information on training special needs pets--hearing-impaired and sight-impaired animals. Filled with color photos.

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Warning Decal, Property Protected By A Highly Trained - Ferret Pet Polecat Bumper, Cage Or Window Sticker - 5.75x3.25 inch

Our decals are printed on vinyl and not a paper or laminated paper. They have a clear gloss laminant on the face of the decal for added protection. They will last indoors or outdoors and should hold up very well for many years. They are rated as a 6 year outdoor life and will do very well in hot, cold, wet or dry weather. Vinyl decals can be removed from surfaces using a little heat, will not harm the surface and are not reusable once removed. Vinyl decals can be placed on any hard, dry, smooth, clean surface. Great for any location such as your windows, doors, vehicles, trailers, equipment, walls or wherever. Any questions or concerns feel free to contact us, we try our best to respond quickly.

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Lowest price: $5.85