Most ferret owners would agree that ferrets make delightful household pets. These critters require love, attention, food and shelter. Other than that, they are easy to get along with and make great companions.

I have been a ferret owner for the past four years. I like to sit quietly and watch him slink across the carpet, carefully so he won't be noticed. If I make a sudden move, he stops. Lying as flat as possible, he moves only his eyes so he doesn't draw more attention.

When all is quiet again, he begins his hunt for treasures. Anything left unguarded becomes ferret property. A hair brush, small toy figurines, and the big rubber spider behind my son's desk all look inviting to the masked bandit.

Intrigued? Want more information about these critters? Please take my web tour. The following sites are helpful for ferret owners, as well as prospective buyers. Enjoy!

List of Ferret-Free Zones

There is much controversy about the complete legalization of ferrets in some states and areas. Before you decide to buy a ferret, please check out this site. Although it has not been updated since April 29, 1997, it will give you some idea if ferrets are legal in your state or area.

The two states known to ban ferrets completely are California and Hawaii; however, certain areas within legalized states still prohibit ferrets from being owned. Use this site as a reference, but remember to check with your local Wildlife or Fish and Game Department to be sure. Ferrets can be confiscated and put to sleep if found in illegal areas.

Ferret Net

This site provides great basic information on ferrets. It features medical questions and concerns, products to buy, organizations to join, breeders, shelters, and mailing lists. There is also help with litter training your ferret.

Be sure to meet some of the fuzzies by clicking on the individual ferret pages. Still have questions? Simply ask Buddha, the resident answer ferret from Zen and the Art of Ferrets column. What better way to get to know these little guys then to ask questions, right?

Ferret Central

Get updates about legalization, upcoming ferret events, late breaking news, tips and hints on caring for your ferret. This site also includes help with health issues and recommended vets across the US.

Ferret Central has the answers to frequently asked questions for owners and future ferret owners. Translations are available in German, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish, French and Japanese for all our international friends.

The Ferret Company

Looking for a unique gift for the ferret lover in your life? The Ferret Company site is just for you. The products they sell include cards, calendars, pewter ferret pins, coffee mugs, and t-shirts.

This is ideal merchandise for ferret owners, and the prices are reasonable. Drop by the Ferret Hall of Fame and view ferrets from around the globe or submit your little one's picture for consideration.

The American Ferret Association, Inc.

The American Ferret Association, Inc., provides information on vets, rescue shelters, and ferret research. There is a membership cost, ranging from $30 (individual family) to $100 (corporations); however, the site gives useful information without needing to join.

Articles from past issues of their newsletter are available to download from the site. Please note: the Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed in order to read some of the articles.

The Ferret Store

Once you decide to become a proud ferret owner, you will need ferret supplies. The Ferret Store has more than 400 products in stock. This includes accessories, cages, toys for ferrets, outdoor items, clothing, health care products, food, and pet memorials.

A pharmacy is available for all those over-the-counter type products you may need. Need shampoo, mousse, and sprays for fleas? Click on The Flea Market and see the large selection they have to offer. The site is more than a place to spend money. It also offers a ferret chat room, message board and links to other sites.

Wild Side Publishing

Wild Side Publishing is a huge, huge site which takes a few minutes to load (about seven minutes for my old 14.4 modem). Nonetheless, it's well worth the wait. Enjoy articles, photos, ferret stories, and humorous material from other ferret worshippers.

Don't forget to have your sound turned on so you can hear what the ferrets have to tell you. (If the noise becomes distracting, wait until the site is completely loaded, then click on stop.) Surf through 18 webrings and see what other ferret owners have to say about their furry friends. This is a site you won't want to miss!

I hope you have found these sites to be as helpful and entertaining as I have. Now, what are you waiting for? Run to your nearest pet store and buy one of these cuddly critters.

Oops, I've got to go … my ferret just went running past me with something in his mouth. Looked like it was a clothespin that was dropped by the back door. The thief has struck again!!! Now if I only knew his hiding spot this week, perhaps I would find all my missing pens.

Thank you for joining me! Happy ferret trails to you!