One day I hope to own a ferret. They live over 7 years usually. 
I think they usually have strong odor?
They can smell if not taken care of or have health issues. They are commonly known to have several distinct health problems. 
Aww, that is sad and they do not live long at all.
Up to 10 years but they have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years. 
That is a really long time. I cannot picture people back in the day owning them as pets.
No, I can't picture it either. Ferret's are a form of polecat which belong to the same family as the weasel. 
Their long slinky bodies kind of freak me out.