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Ferret vs Rabbit
Two playful, free-roaming pets with very different diets and personalities.
| Ferret | Rabbit | |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Meat-based carnivore | Mostly hay plus greens — herbivore |
| Lifespan | 6–10 years | 8–12 years |
| Free-roam time | Several hours a day, ferret-proofed room | Several hours a day, bunny-proofed room |
| Heat | Overheats above about 80°F | Overheats above about 80°F |
| Litter training | Usually trainable | Usually trainable |
| Vet care | Vaccines; prone to adrenal disease and insulinoma | Spay/neuter strongly advised; dental checks |
| Legality | Banned in California, Hawaii and some cities | Legal almost everywhere |
Pick a ferret if…
You want a mischievous, playful pet and can feed a meat diet.
Pick a rabbit if…
You want a calmer pet and can supply unlimited hay and fresh greens.
Laws change — always verify with your state wildlife agency.