Do polecat ferrets smell

Answer 1

Some ferret lovers will tell you that ferrets and polecats do not smell - but the simple fact of the matter is they certainly do have a distinct ferrety odour that some people find unpleasant (I rather like it, personally) - their Latin name, Mustela putorius furo (or for the wild polecat, M. putorius), actually translates as weasel-like stinky thief.

This is especially true of males, which can produce a definite musky pong. However, following neutering, the smell is reduced by around 80% and is less noticeable than the smell of most dogs. Females are far less smelly, but both sexes possess glands near the anus which can release a stench comparable to that of a skunk if the ferret feels threatened - pet ferrets, which become accustomed to humans, rarely emit this smell and even if they do the stink soon fades. These glands are commonly removed in ferrets sold as pets in the USA but in Britain and other nations the procedure is seen as unnecessary mutilation.

Ferrets are well-known for doing the absolute opposite of what you want them do, and this is very true when it comes to washing - most ferrets enjoy a swim in the bath, but washing actually makes them stinkier. This is because it stimulates the production of oil glands in the skin. The oil is essential for keeping the ferret's fur in good condition, but is also what makes them smell. To reduce it, instead of washing simply change the ferret's bedding daily - the love to curl up under old towels, old wooly jumpers etc., so it's easy to collect enough bedding to change it daily while only needing to wash it once a week.