Let’s know about Polecat vs Ferret. Polecats and ferrets share the same ancestry and have incredible similarities. If you’re not familiar with them, it can be difficult to tell one from the other. But you will see their difference by the color of their coat, the shape of their body, and the shape of their skull. If you are finding it difficult to figure out which of the two pets to buy, this article will help you make the right choice.
Dive in to learn more!
at a glance
a kind of cat
- Average Height (Adult): 21½ – 24½ inches
- Average Weight (Adult): 55 – 80 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
- Exercise: 2+ hours a day
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Other Pet-Friendly: No
- Training Qualification: Intelligent
drive away
- Average Height (Adult): 21 – 26 inches
- Average Weight (Adult): 55 – 80 pounds
- Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
- Exercise: 2+ hours a day
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Other Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Trainability: Intelligent but stubborn
polecat overview
Polecats belong to the weasel family and are also called “fitches” because of their fur. A polecat has a slender body – like a mongoose only slightly larger. Although both sexes share the same general appearance, males are larger and heavier. These animals wear a coat that becomes thick and shiny during the winter. It becomes thinner and fades during summer. (Polecat vs Ferret)
The breed prefers a solitary lifestyle and will not mind being your only pet. In fact, polecats can be very territorial and will release an oily and smelly secretion to mark their territory. They have poor eyesight, but they compensate for it with an increased sense of smell.
personality character
Polecats prefer a solitary lifestyle and are nocturnal animals. As such, they are more active during the night and will be asleep for most of the day. Both males and females can be very territorial and will fiercely defend their territories.
Due to their inquisitive nature, polecats are known to be runaway artists. Therefore, do not leave them unsupervised unless they are in a safe and enclosed environment.
appearance
Polecats have long and slender bodies with medium to long fur and short legs. They also have round ears, sensitive whiskers, and short snouts. Although they are generally dark in colour, their underfur is lighter, which gives their bodies a slightly lighter appearance. You’ll notice this especially during the winter when the underfur becomes longer and thicker.
exercise
Polecats need regular exercise to stimulate their bodies and minds. That’s why it’s important to take them out for walks regularly. The good thing is that there are a lot of options when it comes to leash and harness for polecats.
Toys are also great if you want to keep your pet occupied and engaged.
health care
Like other pets, polecats are susceptible to a variety of health problems. It is common to meet them with broken teeth. They are also at risk of suffering from fatal abscesses on the head, neck and jaw. But you should probably worry more about fleas. Make sure the pet is sprayed at least once every month to prevent infection.
Other specific illnesses include the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and distemper. Visit the vet frequently to have your pet examined for any of these health problems. (Polecat vs Ferret)
diet and nutrition
Polecats are carnivores and will eat frogs, rabbits and small rodents in the wild. It is important to feed them a high protein diet. If you don’t mind squid, you can buy them whole animals like rats, mice, and chicks. But you’ll find a wide range of dry and wet polecat foods in the store.
beauty
Polecats have a moderate need for grooming and will clean themselves quite well. But remember to clean their ears and clip their long nails. Their nails can get stuck in clothes, bedding or carpet, causing an accident.
Regular bathing is not necessary to maintain a clean coat. In addition, excessive bathing strips all of the body’s natural oils, causing the skin to become dry and the fur to become brittle.
Suitable for:
Polecats are suitable for singles and families who wish to have a solitary pet.
Ferret overview
Ferrets are part of the Mustelidae family and have been used for centuries for pest control and hunting. Although they are still used for this purpose today, they are becoming increasingly popular as pets.
These mammals are crepuscular. This means they are more active during dawn and dusk. They like to sleep and can sleep more than 18 hours a day.
Ferrets are naturally curious, lively and fun-loving. This means that they can easily get bored when left alone. Preferably, you should keep them in small groups of the same sex. If you want to keep two sexes together, make sure they are neutered.
However, a ferret can survive on its own provided you play with it regularly to stave off boredom.
If you have other pets around the house, a ferret will be fine with them. But make sure you supervise them when playing together. Unfortunately, ferrets will bite when startled. This means they are not ideal pets for young children.
personality character
Ferrets are naturally curious and enterprising. They can also be stubborn and determined. Although they will sleep for several hours a day, they can be very playful when awake. They are very social and will often invite you to join them. When they are left alone, they crawl through anything, including piping, clothing, paper bags and boxes.
appearance
Ferrets have sinuous, long bodies with short legs and short tails. You will also be able to easily see their small ears, sharp teeth and cone-shaped nose. Although their coats come in different colors, most ferrets are albino, chocolate, cinnamon, sable, black sable, silver and dark-eyed white. These animals can grow up to 20 inches long.
exercise
Ferrets need stimulation in the form of sports and exercise to stay healthy. Consider purchasing a play enclosure where your pet can play safely. It can be either separate or part of their habitat. You’ll also want to buy your pet some toys. But be curious to make sure they are strong and don’t have loose parts as these can be swallowed and block their bowels.
health care
Like other pets, ferrets have their fair share of health issues. Before you buy one, make sure they have been vaccinated against rabies and distemper. They should also be neutered before sexual maturity. Neutering protects the female from conditions such as pyometra and aplastic anemia. It also reduces the strong, pungent odor produced by men. Fortunately, a good breeder will have already implemented these measures.
Ferrets are also at a very high risk of getting fleas. Other common health issues in these mammals include human influenza, pancreatic cancer, skin tumors and adrenal diseases. Visit your vet regularly to check your pet for potential health problems.
diet and nutrition
Like cats, ferrets are carnivores and require a diet rich in protein. You can either feed them commercial ferret food or a raw diet of bones, skin and organs. You can also choose to combine the two. However, don’t feed them processed meats or cat and dog food. Contemporary treats are allowed, provided you do so in moderation.
You should always provide clean drinking water. Use a heavy bowl or train your pet to drink from drinking bottles. Just be sure to keep the water away from the litter box. It is important to note that ferrets are lactose intolerant. So do not feed them dairy products. Also, avoid chocolate, raisins and grapes as they are toxic to ferrets.
beauty
Like cats, ferrets do a good job of cleaning themselves. If you keep a bowl of water in their house, they will use it to clean their face. You may be tempted to bathe them in the hope that you will eliminate their smell, but this is a bad idea. Cleansing will remove all the natural oils from the body that cause mild odor, but the body will only compensate by producing more.
While you should keep bathing to a minimum, you should not forget to trim their nails whenever they become long. Long and sharp nails get stuck in clothes, carpets and bedding and result in injury. Also, make sure they clean their ears once in 2 weeks as they can be quite waxy.
Suitable for:
Ferrets are best for active singles and families looking for a friendly and affectionate pet.
Which breed is right for you?
Polecats prefer solitude and are less social than ferrets. This makes ferrets more attractive as pets. However, both breeds can make excellent companions. If you prefer to have more than one pet, a ferret is a better choice. They thrive in a group environment and will be more than happy to be with their counterparts. But if there is only one pet that you can handle now, it is better for you to buy a polecat because they enjoy being alone.