When is National Ferret Day?
National Ferret Day occurs on April 2nd.
What is National Ferret Day?
When your house is too small to keep a wolverine—and what house isn’t?—the next best choice is a ferret. National Ferret Day celebrates the joys of ferret ownership and promotes proper ferret care.
Ferrets and humans have a long history of hunting together, with the ferret chasing rabbits and other vermin out of holes. Falconers sometimes use them in tandem with birds of prey. The ferret will rush into a rabbit warren while a falcon or hawk circles in anticipation.
Most American ferret owners don’t hunt with their ferrets though. Regular cleaning and medical care are necessary too, but that’s not why we keep them around. It’s the play. Ferrets are curious, energetic, and entertaining to watch. Wild ferrets dance to hypnotize their prey. Domesticated ferrets dance for fun.
These critters need to be safe, warm, and well-fed. So whether you’re a seasoned ferret owner or you want to buy (or adopt!) a ferret, National Ferret Day is the day to do some research. Make sure your home is a good ferret home.
Fun facts about National Ferret Day!
They’re super-nappers. They sleep 14 to 18 hours every day.
The Latin name for ferrets, mustela putorius furo, translates roughly as “stinky mouse-catchin’ thief.”
Ferrets have scent glands in their skin that gives them a powerful musky odor.
It’s illegal to own a ferret in California and New York.
National Ferret Day has been around since the ‘90s, but it received more national recognition in 2014 through the work of the American Ferret Association.
How to celebrate National Ferret Day:
Do your research before buying a ferret. Make sure it’s legal in your state, city, and neighborhood. Find out what kind of spaces they need and how much you’ll need to play with them.
If you own a ferret and get tired of the musky smell, get some ferret shampoo. Give regular baths.
Stay on top of your ferret’s health and well-being. Learn about common ferret diseases and preventative care. Be sure to give your ferret species-specific food (e.g. no dairy, fruits, or sugar) and fresh water every day.
What’s the hashtag for National Ferret Day?
Use #NationalFerretDay on social media to celebrate these lively creatures.