You may not want to drop one down your trousers, but ferrets make excellent pets. Dogs have been man's loyal companion for more than 10,000 years but recent changes in lifestyle have made smaller, fluffier pets more appropriate for the home.

A recent study has shown that more people than ever are opting for a pet ferret, instead of a dog or cat, because they are easy to look after and cheap to feed. Apparently they're cuddly for children, too, although Richard Whiteley, who was famously savaged on live television, probably wouldn't agree.

The study by two psychology experts from the University of Warwick has found that busy lifestyles have led to the desire for more manageable pets. And ferret mania is catching on to such an extent that it is now becoming trendy to own one.

The furry favourites even come with their own brands of shampoo, vitamins and harnesses, should owners want to take them for a walk. It is all far removed from the image of the typical ferret owner - a bluff northerner with a flat cap, and a ferret or two in his trousers.

Ferrets have traditionally been kept as working animals, used for catching rabbits, but the new breed of ferret fancier would no doubt balk at the idea of putting their precious pet down a filthy rabbit hole.

Jane Bewlay, who runs The Ferret Trust in Blyth with her husband Jim, says that over the past six or seven years the animals have become increasingly popular, especially with families and career women.

Jane, who has owned ferrets for the past 18 years, says: "People's image of ferrets has been completely transformed and more families are taking them on as pets. I think this is due in part to the fact a lot of the myths surrounding ferrets are being dispelled. More and more people are realising that the stereotypical image of ferret owners in flat caps isn't all true."

Ferrets are becoming more popular with families who perhaps can't have a dog or cat because somebody in the house may have an allergy to it. They are also ideal companions for single, childless people and those who live in towns or cities because they don't mind being caged or living in small spaces.

Jane says: "They are ideal pets. They behave very well and are very clean, intelligent and affectionate. They also interact with people very well, but anyone taking them on must remember they are not likely just to curl up in their lap like a dog or cat does. They do spend quite a lot of time asleep though."

Ferrets are carnivores and enjoy a high protein diet, although they also love bananas, melons and raisins.

Cats still remain the nation's favourite pet, followed closely by dogs and rabbits, but ferrets are now slowly catching them up. Jane says she is concerned that people will see ferrets only as a temporary accessory and will then wonder what to do with them once the novelty has worn off.

"Ferrets can live up to 14 years and my serious concern is that people don't realise this. People do often take them on and don't look into it properly. Sadly, we do get a lot of people who contact us to say they are unable to look after their pet any more and ask us to take it on. Ferrets are not a disposable commodity."

Ferrets do require less work than other pets and are quite manageable.

Anyone interested in buying one is advised to do their homework and to buy them in pairs so they can keep each other company.

"People tend to want ferrets for the same reason they may want a cat, because they require very little attention. They do not need to go for walks and their owners can go off to work and not have too much to worry about," says Jane.

"They also provide company in the evening. I have had ferrets for 18 years now and although they are not an animal that first springs to mind when people think of getting a pet, they give their owners a lot of pleasure.

"They are not too demanding and if you are feeling down or unhappy, they are a great pick-me up as they have such cute little personalities. As anyone can tell, I'm completely hooked on them."