The descenting process does not actually remove a ferrets' scent - it simply removes their ability to "poof" like a skunk. A ferrets' poof isn't quite as potent as a skunks and it dissipates quickly, but it's still pretty rank. I think the US is one of the only countries left that will still perform the descenting surgery.. it's considered unnecessary in most places.

Ferrets should not smell more than a dog or a cat. There are several things you can do to minimize the odor:

1. FEED A GOOD DIET! You can NOT feed a ferret cheap food. They require a diet that is high in protein and fat (40% minimum protein, 16% minimum fat), and is low in carbohydrates and fiber. The #1 biggest mistake most noobish ferret owners make is buying cheap food. You just cannot skimp out on ferret food. A ferret's coat should be soft, sleek, and shiny. If it is brittle, coarse, or dull, it means it is not getting the required nutrition from its food. This is what a healthy ferrets' coat should look like.

2. Do not bathe them! This is the #2 mistake that all noobish ferret owners make. Yes, they will smell when you first bring them home from the pet store. The smell dissipates over time, but bathing them will only do more harm than good. First off, ferrets have naturally very oily skin, so bathing them will strip the skin of those oils, causing the skin to overproduce even more to compensate. Second, Ferrets self groom themselves like cats and do not actually need to be bathed.. like.. ever. Unless they roll in something nasty (they won't cover their messes in the litter box like a cat and will sometimes step in it - that's a cause for a bath. Otherwise, NO BATHS!).

3. Wash their beds! The oils on their skin rub off onto everything. Each week, anything they've slept in or on.. needs to be washed.

4. Keep the litter box clean.

It really doesn't take much. Buy good food and keep their stuff clean. A ferret should not smell any more than a dog or a cat.

Ferrets on the whole are friendly critters. They are extremely curious, inquisitive, and bouncy like kittens. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, such as ferrets who have seen abuse or neglect.. but in general, they are all mostly very friendly.