Believe it or not.... I've answered this question, a lot.  After having a
Golden Retriever on my Xmas card for 11 years before adding the ferrets,
people ask....
 
The best answer I've come up with "They are perpetual kittens".  Its
something everyone can relate to and it makes them smile when they think
of me with my little babies.  I read the description on some site before
I got Katie, sounded like a perfect pet!  (They are for me!)
 
Kristeen, Katie, Matt & Al
(who all resent the "kitten" moniker because they just don't purr!
[Posted in FML issue 2926]