Ferret is a domesticated form of European ferret, which belongs to the same genus as the ferret of the weasel family. They usually have brown, black, white or mixed fur. Their average length is 51 cm (20 inches), including a 13 cm (5.1 inch) tail, weighing about 1.5 – 4 pounds (0.7 – 2 kg), and their natural life span is 7 to 10 years. Ferrets are the natural enemies of sexual dimorphism. Males are much larger than females.

The term ferret is also used in the common names of several other weasels, including the endangered species, the black footed ferret.

Like most other domestic animals, the history of ferret domestication is uncertain, but ferrets may have been domesticated for at least 2500 years. They are still used to hunt rabbits in some parts of the world, but more and more of them are kept as pets only.

Ferrets are closely related to Bobcats and are easy to cross with, which occasionally leads to wild colonies where Bobcats and ferrets cross, causing damage to local animals, especially New Zealand. As a result, restrictions have been placed on ferrets in some parts of the world.

Ferrets have a typical stoat body shape, long and slender. Their average length is about 50 cm, including 13 cm of tail. Their fur comes in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white or mixed. They weigh between 0.7kg and 2.0kg and are hermaphroditic in gender because males are much larger than females. The average gestational period is 42 days, and females may have two to three births per year. The size of the bedding is usually between three and seven kits, weaned after three to six weeks, and independent after three months. They mature sexually in about six months, with an average life span of seven to ten years.