Ferrets are cute... like a gynormous LONG rat. More expensive too.

My mom doesn't seem thrilled I got a rat (she suggested guinea pig) ... but she said as long as she doesn't have to care for it or babysit that I can have whatever I want.

Rats seem to take more work then smaller rodents... but ferrets are bigger than rats, so I'd assume the same works as well. Ferrets can smell more unless their scent glands are surgically removed ... not fun for the furry, but better for "you".