Objective To establish ferret models for the novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza virus.Methods A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) virus was administered by intranasal instillation to groups of ferrets. Clinical signs, virus shedding from respiratory tract and pathological analyses were recorded. Results Inoculated ferrets developed typical clinical signs including body weight loss and sneezing. Peak virus shedding from respiratory tract was observed on 3-5 days post inoculation (d.p.i.). Virus could also be detected in heart, liver, and olfactory bulb from inoculated ferrets. The inoculation of H7N9 could elicit seroconversion titers up to 1280. Leukopenia, significantly reduced lymphocytes but increased neutrophils were also observed in ferret models.Conclusion Collectively, the ferrets models enables detailed studies of the pathogenesis of this illness and lay foundation for relative drug or vaccine evaluation.