Polecat vs. Ferret: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

Polecats and ferrets share the same ancestry and have incredible similarities. If you are not familiar with them, it can be difficult to tell one from the other. However, you will notice their differences in the color of their coat, the shape of their body, and the size of their skull. If you are having difficulty figuring out which of the two pets to buy, this article will help you make the right choice.

Dive in to learn more!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Polecat Overview

Polecats belong to the weasel family and are also referred to as “fitches” because of their fur. A polecat has a slender body like a weasel, only slightly larger. Although both sexes share the same general appearance, males are bigger and heavier. Polecats’ fur becomes thick and glossy during winter, but it thins out and fades during summer.

They prefer a solitary lifestyle and will not mind being your sole pet. Polecats can be territorial and release an oily and smelly secretion to mark their territory. They have poor eyesight, but they compensate for it by having a heightened sense of smell.

Personality/Character

Polecats are nocturnal animals; they are more active at night and sleep most of the day. Males and females can be very territorial and will fiercely defend their territories.

Because of their inquisitive nature, polecats are known for being escape artists. Therefore, you cannot leave them unsupervised unless they are in a safe and enclosed environment.

Appearance

Polecats have long and slim bodies with medium to long fur and short legs. They also have rounded ears, sensitive whiskers, and short muzzles. Although they are generally dark, their underfur is paler, giving their bodies a slightly lighter appearance. You will especially notice this during winter when the underfur becomes longer and thicker.

Exercise

Polecats need regular exercises to stimulate their body and mind. Therefore, it is vital to take them out for walks regularly, and you can find several leashes and harnesses for polecats online. You can also buy an assortment of toys to keep their minds occupied.

Health & Care

Just like other pets, polecats are susceptible to various health issues, including dental problems that lead to broken teeth. They are also at risk of suffering from fatal abscesses on the head, neck, and jaw. However, you should probably worry more about fleas. Ensure your polecat is treated at least once every month to prevent an infestation.

Other typical illnesses include the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and distemper. Maintaining regular veterinary appointments will help your vet treat conditions early before they worsen.

Diet and Nutrition

Polecats are carnivores and eat frogs, rabbits, and small rodents in the wild. It is important to feed them a high-protein diet. If you are not squeamish, you can buy them mice, rats, and chicks. But you can also find a wide range of dry and wet polecat foods at the pet store.

Grooming

Polecats have moderate grooming needs and clean themselves quite well. However, you’ll have to clean their ears and clip their long nails. Their nails can get caught in clothing, bedding, or carpet, which can lead to accidents.

Regular baths are not necessary for maintaining a clean coat. Besides, overbathing will strip the polecat of all its natural oils, thus making the skin dry and the fur brittle.

Suitable for:

Polecats are suitable for singles and families who want to keep a solitary pet, but they’re more suitable for families with older children. Polecats could hurt infants with their sharp claws.

Ferret Overview

Ferrets are part of the Mustelidae family and have been utilized for pest control and hunting for centuries. Although they are still used for this purpose, they are becoming increasingly popular as pets.

Ferrets are crepuscular and more active at dawn and dusk. They love sleeping and can sleep for more than 18 hours a day. They are naturally curious, lively, and fun-loving, and they can get bored easily when left alone. Preferably, you should keep them in small groups of the same sex. If you want to keep the two sexes together, ensure they are neutered.

Ferrets can get along with some pets, but dogs and cats with a high prey drive may consider them prey rather than friends. Unfortunately, ferrets will bite when startled, and they are not the ideal pets for small children.

Personality/Character

Ferrets are naturally curious and enterprising. They can also be stubborn and tenacious. Although they will sleep up several hours a day, they are very playful when awake. They are very social and will often invite you to engage with them. When left alone, they will crawl through anything they come across, including piping, clothing, paper bags, and boxes.

Appearance

Ferrets have sinuous, long bodies with short legs and short tails. You will also easily notice their tiny ears, sharp teeth, and cone-shaped noses. Although their coats come in varying colors, most ferrets are albino, chocolate, cinnamon, sable, black sable, silver, and dark-eyed white. They can grow up to 20 inches long.

Exercise

Ferrets need stimulation in the form of play and exercise to stay healthy. Consider buying a play enclosure where your pet can play safely. This can either be separate or part of their housing. You should also buy toys to keep them occupied when you cannot participate in a play session. However, you must ensure they’re sturdy and have no loose parts; ferrets are rough on their toys and can accidentally swallow a piece that causes an obstruction.

Health & Care

Just like other pets, Ferrets have their fair share of health issues. Before you buy one, ensure they have been vaccinated against rabies and distemper. They should also be neutered or spayed before sexual maturity. Sterilizing protects the female from conditions such as pyometra and aplastic anemia. It also reduces the strong, pungent smell produced by males. Fortunately, a good breeder will have implemented these measures already.

Ferrets also have a pretty high risk of getting fleas. Other common health issues include human influenza, pancreatic cancer, skin tumors, and adrenal disease. Visit the vet regularly to have your pet examined for potential health issues.

Diet and Nutrition

Like cats, ferrets are carnivores and require a protein-rich diet. You can feed them commercial ferret food or a raw diet of bones, skin, and organs. You can also choose to mix the two. However, do not feed them processed meat or cat and dog food. Occasional treats are allowed, provided you do it with moderation.

You must always provide clean drinking water and keep it away from the litter box. It is important to note that ferrets are lactose intolerant. Therefore, do not feed them dairy products. Also, avoid chocolate, raisins, and grapes since they are toxic to ferrets.

Grooming

Ferrets are skilled groomers, and although they emit a strong odor, you shouldn’t bathe them regularly because the natural oil causing the odor protects their skin. When the oil is reduced after a bath, the body will only compensate by producing more.

However, trimming your ferret’s nails is vital. Long and sharp nails can get caught in clothing, carpet, and bedding, resulting in injuries. Also, clean their ears once every 2 weeks because they can get quite waxy.

Suitable for:

Ferrets are best for active singles and families looking for a friendly and affectionate pet, but like polecats, they’re not suitable for families with young children.

Which Breed is Right for You?

Polecats are solitary and are less social compared to ferrets. However, both breeds can make excellent companions. If you prefer having more than one pet, the ferret is the better choice. They thrive in a group environment and will be more than happy to live alongside their counterparts. However, if a single pet is all you can handle right now, you are better off buying a polecat because they enjoy living alone.

• See Also: Ferret vs. Cat: Which Should I Choose? Key Differences

Featured Image Credit: Top – ajwetton, Pixabay | Bottom – ambquinn, Pixabay