The ferret (domesticated European polecat) of the Mustelidae (badger, weasel) family is actually closer to canines, belonging to the Caniformia (dog-like) suborder that also includes wolves, bears, raccoons, otters ans seals.
Today I learned about sub orders! Feliformia (cat-like carnivores) and Caniformia (dog-like carnivores) are distinguished by several anatomical features, primarily related to skull and dental structure, as well as locomotion. Feliforms typically have shorter snouts, fewer teeth, and more specialized carnassials (teeth used for shearing meat). They also possess a double-chambered auditory bulla (a bony enclosure around the middle ear). Caniforms, on the other hand, tend to have longer snouts, more teeth (often with less specialized carnassials), and less specialized claws (often non-retractile). They are also more likely to be omnivorous. However in this instance ferrets are obligate carnivores the way cats are.
That’s a strange looking cat
The ferret (domesticated European polecat) of the Mustelidae (badger, weasel) family is actually closer to canines, belonging to the Caniformia (dog-like) suborder that also includes wolves, bears, raccoons, otters ans seals.
Today I learned about sub orders! Feliformia (cat-like carnivores) and Caniformia (dog-like carnivores) are distinguished by several anatomical features, primarily related to skull and dental structure, as well as locomotion. Feliforms typically have shorter snouts, fewer teeth, and more specialized carnassials (teeth used for shearing meat). They also possess a double-chambered auditory bulla (a bony enclosure around the middle ear). Caniforms, on the other hand, tend to have longer snouts, more teeth (often with less specialized carnassials), and less specialized claws (often non-retractile). They are also more likely to be omnivorous. However in this instance ferrets are obligate carnivores the way cats are.