It's important to know that ferrets require less care than a dog, but more than a cat. They tend to be very active and won't stay put in your arms for long.

You should choose a cheerful and alert animal that always seems to be playing. Avoid subdued and withdrawn ferrets; this behaviour is more likely tied to illness than to personality. When you approach it with your hand, it should show great interest. Young ferrets might nibble at you to explore, but that's perfectly normal. However, avoid those that seem aggressive.

Next, check its overall health: its coat should be shiny and its eyes and nose should not be runny. If it has already been sterilized, check the incision on its abdomen for any signs of infection.

If you plan to let your ferret wander around your home freely, you'll have some childproofing to do. Get down on all fours to look for small objects on the floor and openings that your ferret could get into, but not out of, easily. Identify all toxic plants and replace them with harmless varieties. These are just a few of the things you'll have to check to make sure your very active pet's environment is safe.

The cage should be located in a very lively part of the house. Avoid putting the cage near doors because of the potential for draughts. The cage should be spacious and escape-proof. You don't need to put any lining on the bottom, as ferrets quickly learn how to use a litter box. Place a plastic litter box in the spot where the ferret has already relieved itself.

Available litter products, and their benefits and drawbacks:

1. Wood shavings: avoid cedar
2. Corn cob: ill-advised, as it causes intestinal blockages when eaten
3. Newspaper: non-absorbent
4. Compressed recycled paper: very absorbent and dust-free
5. Cat litter: very good choice, but only if unscented; avoid clumping litter, as ferrets will eat it

Accessories:

1. Water and food bowls
2. Hammock
3. Tent
4. Small bed: towel, sheet, pillow case, etc.
5. Toys

A few appropriate toy ideas:

1. Hard plastic children's toys
2. Little shelters and tunnels for cats
3. Paper bags
4. Cloth cat toys
5. Knotted cotton rope

Like cats, ferrets are carnivores. However, they digest their food faster than cats do, so they need to eat food that's high in nutrients. Ferrets tend to eat many small meals throughout the day.

A few good treats:

1. Watermelon: avoid the rind and seeds
2. Cheerios^®
3. Cucumber, peeled and chopped into pieces
4. Hard-boiled eggs
5. Well-cooked poultry liver
6. Bananas
7. Seedless grapes, skin removed
8. Meat baby food

Foods to avoid:

1. Bones
2. Raw eggs
3. Raw meat
4. Chocolate
5. Salty or sweet foods
6. Alcohol
7. Soft drinks
8. Coffee or tea
9. Hard raw vegetables
10. Onions
11. Walnuts, peanuts and almonds

You can give your pet either ferret or kitten food, as long as it contains between 30% and 40% animal protein and 18% to 22% fat. Ferrets don't digest fibre well, so their food should contain a maximum of 2% to 3% of it. Never give your ferret dog food.

And always remember to provide fresh water.