Ferrets in Martlesham RSPCA centre, near Woodbridge, looking for their forever home as charity launches appeal to adopt

An animal charity is concerned ferrets are being overlooked by prospective pet owners after launching an adoption appeal.

Martlesham Animal Centre, which runs the RSPCA’s Suffolk central branch, near Woodbridge, said it was overwhelmed with the large number of abandoned ferrets currently in its care.

Staff are hoping the small furries can find their forever home after launching an appeal to mark National Ferret Day.

Zoe Barret, centre manager, said: “We have always had a lot of ferrets coming into the centre, but this is the most we have had for a long time.

“Sadly we just are not getting any interest from people wanting to rehome them and unfortunately these lovely boys and girls are all being overlooked.”

Athena, Artemis and Aphrodite have been looking for their forever home since September after they were left abandoned in an alleyway in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

The trio were found in a faeces-covered cage with no toys, which the animals typically need for enrichment.

“People might not always think that a ferret would be a good pet - but the truth is they are brilliant pets if they are in the right home with the right enrichment,” said Zoe.

“They all have their own funny individual characters. They are wonderful to watch and bring a lot of fun and pleasure to owners' lives.”

Zoe explained the animals are sociable pets who sleep for up to 20 hours a day, but are highly active and need stimulation when awake.

She added: “Most ferrets are very curious and enjoy exploring and investigating their environment.

“This means they need plenty to keep them occupied so they don’t become bored.

“Our ferrets are all very unique individuals but they all love to play, chase, race around, play hide and seek or just enjoy some fuss and a snooze.”