Are ferrets and polecats the same species?

They are both part of the weasel family. Genetically they are very similar and, to the untrained eye, one very much resembles the other in appearance.

However, there is much debate as to whether they are two distinct species or whether the ferret is a sub-species of the European polecat.

However, speciesism aside, there are marked differences between ferrets and polecats.

Ferrets are smaller than polecats, with a more fragile bone structure and a slender face and body.

Polecats have very strong jaws and muscular bodies, enabling them to hunt prey very effectively - as owners of rabbits and hens will know only too well, polecats can kill animals that are significantly larger than they are, and they will kill more than they can eat.

Polecats and ferrets have different markings.

The polecat is dark brown, with a lighter brown stripe across its face, and pale yellow under body fur; whereas ferrets can be a wide variety of colours including one called ’fitch’, which looks like a polecat’s markings, just adding to the confusion over species.

They can also be beige, black, white, silver even ’champagne’.

Their coats can either be one ’solid’ colour or be patterned, with the tail and legs a different colour from the body, or with dark markings around the eyes.

The polecat is a territorial, solitary creature, and only meets with other polecats during the mating season, whereas ferrets are very sociable.

They enjoy the company of other ferrets and, provided they have been handled from an early age, they love to interact with humans and can form strong bonds with them.

This makes them great pets. They have been domesticated for at least 2,000 years - and ferret ownership is fairly common on the Isle of Man.

But they are not easy pets to keep and anyone considering ferret ownership should do lots of research before they make a commitment.

Their Latin name is ’Mustela putorius furo’ which translates as ’stinky, raging thief’ - enough to put off the more faint-hearted would-be owner.

Some of the challenges involved with ferret ownership include:

Keeping them stimulated, mentally and physically, and allowing them to explore

Housing them in appropriate accommodation that gives them plenty of freedom but which is secure (ferrets are very supple and agile, and can escape through the smallest gaps)

Protecting them from diseases like colds and influenza (they are highly susceptible to several strains of the human virus)

Feeding them a protein diet that is varied and healthy (special ferret pellets, raw meat, kitten food, etc.)

Providing them with a special, safe place to sleep (which they do for up to 20 hours a day).

It’s also worth noting that the average life span of a ferret is six years but that many can live for up to ten years, and so they are not a short-term commitment.

We’re not sure how Pluto, the ferret pictured, came to be roaming the streets of Peel last week, but he ended up in the back yard of a local pub and the kindly publican took him in. He was tired and hungry, but none the worse for his adventures and we have already found a new home for him where all his needs will be met.

He’s a cheeky little chap, with a big personality, and it’s easy to understand why ferret enthusiasts have such a passion for these amazing creatures.

We can only help Pluto, and the hundreds of other animals who come through our doors every year, with the support of the Manx public.

Our charity shops on Bucks Road in Douglas and Parliament Street in Ramsey create much needed income for us, and so please make sure you shop in them.

And if you have three or four hours a week to spare, please consider becoming a shop volunteer - it’s a great way to help our animals.

Please contact Rosie on 678785 for more details.