You want an honest answer?
 
YES it is really that bad, ferrets are an exotic creature with a lot
of special housing, medical and diet needs, they have a very short
life span, again honestly 5 to 7 years although some live to 10 or 11
I wouldn't really call it living, they are very vulnerable to many things
disease and accident related and are not much liked by a large chunk of
the human population of the planet and in some countries and states are
considered pests and a threat to local ecology.
 
But...
They are also adorable, highly intelligent, comedic and loving, like a
dog they can be trained to walk on a leash, like a cat they can be
trained to use a litter box, and like a smaller pet, when being a royal
pain in the butt, they can be placed safely in their (often spacious)
cages.  For some of us this is enough, If you have doubts DO NOT GET A
FERRET!  The shelters are full enough as it is.
 
Mia Emery
And the fur crew, (all at the Rainbow Bridge)
[Posted in FML issue 4530]