Characterization and Description of the Fecal Microbiomes of Pet Domestic Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) Living in Homes

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study compares the gut microbiomes of healthy domestic ferrets and cats, which are both carnivorous pets. While ferrets have a population of around 500,000 in the United States, little is known about their gut bacteria. We collected stool samples from 36 healthy ferrets and 36 healthy cats and analyzed their bacterial DNA. We found that the ferrets had more Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, whereas the cats had higher levels of Bacteroidota and Actinomycetota. The ferret microbiomes had lower diversities. Specific bacterial genera like Clostridium, Streptococcus, Romboutsia, Paeniclostridium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactococcus were associated with the ferrets. The significant differences in the microbiomes between ferrets and cats suggest unique gastrointestinal care requirements for ferrets, particularly if they have digestive issues. Future studies should explore how the gut microbiomes of sick ferrets differ from healthy ones and how they respond to diet and medical treatments. ABSTRACT: The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a popular companion pet in the United States, with an estimated population of 500,000. Despite being obligate carnivores with a fast digestive system, little is known about their gut microbiomes. This study aims to compare the fecal microbiomes of healthy domestic ferrets and cats, which are both obligate carnivores. We collected and analyzed stool samples from 36 healthy ferrets and 36 healthy cats, sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Using QIIME 2, we assessed the alpha and beta diversities and identified the taxa differences. Compared to cats, ferrets exhibited a higher representation of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while Bacteroidota and Actinomycetota were more prevalent in cats. The ferrets’ microbiomes displayed lower alpha diversities. The highly present bacterial genera in the gut microbiomes of ferrets included Clostridium sensu stricto, Streptococcus, Romboutsia, Paeniclostridium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactococcus. Notably, the ferrets’ microbiomes significantly differed from those of cats. This research highlights the potential differences in gastrointestinal care for ferrets, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches. Future studies should explore microbiome variations in ferrets with gastrointestinal issues and their responses to dietary and medical interventions.