They’re really social animals and love spending time with their owners. If your girlfriend doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with them, I don’t suggest them as pets.
They love chewing on rubber and things like that, which is why almost all ferrets will destroy shoes. It’s important to baby proof whatever room they’ll be spending the most time in. They are highly curious and will get into trouble if things aren’t safe enough. (I never keep the ferrets in their cage, unless it’s to put them in for a while when they won’t stop scratching on the door.)
They’re very physical and constantly engage in games of tag. If that’s not something your girlfriend would enjoy, ferrets aren’t for her. They also jump at people a lot, but again, they’re only playing.
Humans and ferrets can transfer colds to each other, so no kisses should be given to or by whichever is sick.’
They are hard to potty train, but it can definitely be done. Yelling at them or scolding them when they do something wrong, such as go to the bathroom on the floor, will not teach them. They don’t respond to negative discipline like dogs do – they learn by repeated behavior. Potty on the floor= cage time. Potty in the pan= a treat and freedom to roam. They’ll eventually pick up on the patterns.
I do suggest looking into vets in the area before you buy one for your girlfriend. Not many vets know about ferrets, but some do, so trying to find one beforehand will be pretty important.
The biggest benefit of owning ferrets is the constant fun from watching them, the way they talk to you and each other, and the unconditional love and adoration every ferret owner is gifted.
A great accessory to accompany the little fuzzy is called, “Ferrets for Dummies”.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470139439/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0764552597&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0FPHC68QJ1Q9BF4H3E8J