Related to the cat family, this unique spotted creature has qualities similar to the civets, with a strong musky odor. The musk is used to warn away predators, defend themselves and for sexual and social purposes such as marking their territory. The agility of genets allows them to climb quickly and move fast. They are unique because they can stand on both hind legs.  In addition to large ears, small heads and long banded tails, they can move through any hole that their head can fit into. The tails make up at least one and a half times the length of their bodies and are used for counterweight when climbing and jumping from one tree limb to another.

Genets are usually solitary and nocturnal by nature, with the males more active than females. The amount of range for females is slightly over one hundred seventy acres, with the range for the males double. The gestation period is usually around eleven weeks, with peaks in the population occurring twice a year, in the spring during April and May and the autumn, from August to October.  Adult genets weigh an average of 4 pounds. The young are primarily raised by the mother and the genets can reproduce at two years of age.

Except for the common genet, all others live in Africa. The range of habitat will vary as the geographic location, with the woodlands, savannas and forests being favored for living in. The genet is a predator, feeding on both plants and animals, with animals being preferred.  There are other animals that prefer to feed on the genets, among them being owls, pythons, foxes and goshawks. It is thought that the first genet was brought to the Mediterranean areas over one thousand years ago.
The common species of genet is not endangered and are kept as pets. Like cats, they can be trained to use a litter-box. Playful and curious, they will get along with other animals except birds, hamsters or gerbils which are considered prey.

Genets – Related To Cats – Genets Move Quickly