Genet Caresheet

Family: Viverridae
Latin: Genetta
Common: Small, Large, or Rusty Spotted Genet
French: genette
Spanish: gineta
German: die Ginsterkatze
Danish: genette
Swedish: genett, ginstkatt
Swahili: kanu

Size of average adult:

Length: 16 to 24 inches long with a tail 15 to 20 inches
Weight:

Males: 5 to 10 pounds
Females: 2 to 8 pounds

Genets are in the Viverridae family. Viverrids are medium-sized carnivores with long bodies and relatively short legs. Their bodies range from around 300 mm in length (excluding the tail, which is usually moderately long) to 1000 mm in length. Most species have relatively small heads with short, pointed or semipointed, erect ears and a relatively long, pointed muzzle. Their eyes are of medium size. Most species have stripes, spots, or bands on their bodies, and their tails are often ringed with contrasting colors. Their claws can be retracted. Most have perianal (not anal) glands that produce a strong-smelling substance; in some species the odor is sufficiently potent to ward off predators. The secretion of these glands, called "civet", is used as a perfume base and medicine. Male viverrids have a baculum.

In the Viverrid family, there are 2 genera and up to 14 species of genets.

 Genetta abyssinica (Abyssinian Genet)
 Genetta angolensis (Angolan Genet or Miombo Genet)
 Genetta crisata (Crested Genet)
 Genetta genetta (Small Spotted, Common, or European Genet)
 Genetta johnstoni (Johnson's or Johnston's Genet)
 Genetta isabelae (Ibiza Genet)
 Genetta maculata (Rusty Spotted Genet?)
 Genetta pardina (West African or Forest Genet)
 Genetta rubiginosa (East African Genet)
 Genetta servalina (Central African, Servaline, or Crested Genet)
 Genetta thierryi (Thierry's Genet)
 Genetta tigrina (Large Spotted, Rusty Spotted, S. African Genet)
 Genetta victoriae (Ugandan or Giant Genet)
 Genetta villiersi (Villier's or Hausa Genet)

The most common genet, the Common Genet (genetta genetta), also known as the European Genet, or Small Spotted Genet, is native to north Africa excluding the Sahara, central-eastern Africa, and south-western Africa, but has spread to Europe, where like ferrrets, they were kept since the middle ages as pets to catch rodents. They are one of the most widespread carnivores, and the most widespread viverrid. They prefer to live in forests and dry areas. They basically live all over Africa excluding the tropical rainforests and the deserts.

The Common or Small Spotted Genet has a body length of approximately 20 inches (50 cm), with a tail of equal length. Their body is long and lean, set on short legs. They weigh from 2 to7 lb. (1to 3 kg). Their base pelage is yellowish to grayish in color, with small spots on its body often set in an almost striped pattern, with stripes on the tail. It has a black muzzle, with white around the eyes and mouth. They can erect a mane of hair along their back when frightened. Like all viverrids, they have well-developed perineal glands used to mark territory. Genets have 40 teeth. Females have 4 teats, and males have a well-developed baculum. Both the front and hind feet have five digits, with well-furred soles and semi-retractable claws. Their eyes are large and round, and their ears are large and triangular shaped.

The most obvious differences between the Common, European, Small Spotted Genet (genetta genetta) and the Large Spotted Genet (genetta tigrana) is that the Common or Small Spotted Genet has small spots and a white tipped tail, while the Large Spotted Genet has large spots and a black tipped tail.

The Large Spotted Genet's spots can vary in color from dark brownish black to a rusty color, in which case, it is often also known as the Rusty Spotted Genet.

The Rusty Spotted Genet ranges in body length from 19-24 inches (49-60 cm) with a tail length of 16 to 21 inches (42 to 54 cm). Their weight ranges from 4 to 4.4 lb. (1.8 to 2 kg). Their background color is a yellowish to grey, contrasted with large black spots with rusty coloration in the middle, black rings on their tail, and a stripe that runs from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail. The legs and underparts are lighter colored. They have white around their eyes and mouth in striking contrast to the black on their muzzle.

The Rusty Spotted Genet is most often considered to be classified with the Large Spotted Genet (genetta tigrana), although it is sometimes argued that it should be classified as Genetta rubiginosa or Genetta maculata. It is arguably a very polymorphic complex of forms distributed over a vast area roughly delimited by Cameroon and Ethiopia, on the NW and NE respectively, and Zululand on the south. The pertinent issues for Genetta rubiginosa are the phylogenetic relationships with the sister species Genetta tigrina and Genetta maculata, its microtaxonomy, and the fact that rubiginosa is an invalid specific name for the complex. For more information on the ongoing debates about the scientific taxonomy of the Rusty Spotted Genet, please see

Genets can be kept in cages sized 3' by 2 1/2', but they thrive even better in larger cages. Some states require much larger cages, up to 6' tall by 7' by 7'. Check your state laws first before you consider getting a genet. Genets like places to hide, and prefer to be up high rather than on the ground. I've found that rubbermaid boxes with a hole cut out for entry, mounted up on walls make comfortable homes. Additionally shelves and limbs are added in the enclosure for activity.

Sexual maturity: 2 years
Breeding season: year round
Gestation: 56 to 76 days, depending on species
Litter Size: 1 to 5

The common genet is primarily solitary and nocturnal. In capitity however, many genet pairs bond, and spend time together. Typically babies arrive spring and fall, although kittens have arrived at Julie's Jungle all seasons of the year.

The babies are born blind and helpless. Their eyes are open at about 10 days old.

They are weaned at around eight weeks, although they sometimes take small amounts of solid food before that. They can also be horribly spoiled to their bottle, and a bit difficult to wean.

Genets are fully mature at about 11 months, and sexually mature at about 2 years of age.

Genets are nocturnal animals. They are active from a couple hours after sunset until a couple of hours after midnight. Genets tend to sleep during the day, however in capitivty they oftentimes acclimate themselves to their owner's schedule.

Much like the cats, genets are stealth hunters, and kill with a quick bite to the neck. Their sharp claws both allow them to pin prey, and make them excellent climbers. This also means when they wish to perch on your shoulder, they can get there, even if it means climbing up your bare leg.

Genets can make a variety of vocalizations, such as mewing, purring, hissing, and spitting.

Approximate life span:

Males: 10 to 20 years
Females: 10 to 20 years

• IUCN: No special status
• CITES: No special status

• If you get them early and spend much time with them, genets can become very attached and loving.
• They are fun and amusing, insatiably curious, and very playful.
• They like to climb on you, be next to you, and sleep next to you.
• They are small, weighing between 5 to 10 pounds, somewhat like a male ferret.
• They are easy to care for and can be litter trained.
• They will form a strong, soul-satisifying bond with you that will last a lifetime.
• They are beautiful, exotic creatures.
• They purr.

From a client:

"My genet is very friendly towards everyone and has no problem jumping on a guest's head and nipping them on the lips, ears and even eyelids. She will climb up someone's head when they are wearing a cap and look at their face. It's very cute."

1.) Do they have scent glands or a smell?

MDF: I have not noticed an odor, at 18 weeks.
JR: Yes, though not as bad as a ferret. Breeders will mark.

2.) How long do they live?

MDF: They can live up to 20 years
JR: I say 10-20 years. Not really known.

3.) What is their general personality/disposition?

MDF: They like to explore and play, but are very skittish and easily frightened.
Personality: Gregarious, playful, affectionate.
Disposition: Somewhat independent minded. Extremely bonded to "the mama", extremely intelligent.

4.) Are they sweet and petable? Mischievious? Playful?

MDF: My genet is very sweet, petable and playful. However, I attribute this to my spending a lot of time with her since she was 2 and 1/2 weeks old. As for petable, you can love on my genet, but only as she allows it. If she wants to run around, their is no stopping her, and genets are not animals you can just grab and pass around at your own will. They can even turn on their skin when scruffed.
JR: Genets are somewhat cat-like. Exotics in my opinion, though, seem to be a lot more bonding and intelligent than most domestic species. They have their own way.

5.) How destructive are they for an average household?

Genets are generally not destructive.
MDF: So far, all my genet has destroyed is a shoe lace which she decided to chew on. They can destroy things while climbing and jumping though.

6.) Do they climb or tear up furniture?

MDF: They climb everything and I am sure they can tear up furniture if they decide to chew on it or claw it (depending on the furniture). Genets like to kneed, just like a cat.
JR: Climb, yes. Tear up, not really.

7.) Are their any problems associated with their claws?

They will climb whatever they wish and if that's to get up on your shoulder and you are wearing shorts, your bare legs can still be climbed. For these reasons I highly recommend declawing.

8.) Can they be trained?

Will answer you when you call them and sometimes come to your "huff".

9.) Can they be litter box trained?

Genets are fairly easy to litter train and use a litter box consistently. I recommend feeding mainly a premium brand cat food, so that the stool is hard and consistent.

10.) How are genets with other pets, larger and smaller?

MDF: My genet loves to play with my ferrets and she showed interest in my sister in-law's medium sized dog. She has spent little time with other animals other than ferrets.
JR: Genets are carnivores so they will get along with like kind if your pet has the right disposition and you introduce with patience. Will eat prey pets such as sugar gliders, birds, etc.

11.) What size cage do they need?

MDF: I let my genet run around the house and she sleeps in a cage that is about 3 ft. by 2 1/2 ft. My state requires a much larger cage which I built outside. It is about 6 ft. tall by 7 ft. by 7 ft.
JR: It depends on how much time they spend in it. There are a variety of "acceptable" situations in my opinion.

12.) What is the best diet for genets?

MDF: Chicken, mice, crickets, some fruits and vegetables.
JR: I feed mine Nutro Max cat food and mink pellets. Some treats for pets.

13.) What vaccinations/vet care do genets require?

That is a personal decision for you and your vet. I personally do not vaccinate. My best advice is if they will be in a place where they could catch something, then protect them from it. As always, consult your veterinarian.

14.) At what age would it be best to get a genet?

You should discuss this with your breeder. At Julie's Jungle we ensure that the animal is eating via the bottle, is eating well, and is healthy. The younger the animal is when you get it, the deeper the bond can be!

15.) What are some other considerations about owning genets?

Small Children. Genets have a decent bite on them and if you have very small children that do not understand about handling an animal, they could get bitten. Genets, like cats, do not like to be restrained and will do what is necessary to get away. I do not recommend them with children under the age of 7 or 8. Genets tend to bond to only one person, so if you are looking for a social or educational animal, a genet is not my recommendation. Other considerations are the same with any pet.

Chances are the answers to your questions are found somewhere on our site. There are also questions we ask of you BEFORE we'll answer any inquiries. Please review our site completely, especially our Policies page. Thanks for your time.

Please remember that the animal health and husbandry information contained on this page is merely what has worked for us. Please realize that we do not claim to know all the answers about each animal, but can only offer you the best information we have based on our experience. This information is not meant to be a substitute for common sense and proper veterinary care. Remember that age, health, sex, metabolism and individual temperament can vary from animal to animal to dictate the proper environmental and nutritional requirements for each individual animal. Please use common sense and monitor your animal's condition daily. If you have questions, please consult your veterinarian directly if the health and welfare of your animal is in question.

This caresheet is just a beginning and is not intended to be your entire education about Genets. There are so many things to know and talk about that we simply cannot remember to list everything you will need to know. We are also just one opinion, and you should solicit other opinions to see what others think before you make up your mind. It is your responsibility to find out as much as you possibly can BEFORE you decide to buy a Genet.

For more information on Genets, you can join these free Yahoo! Groups discussion lists:

• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/genet

• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Procyonid_Viverrid

If you would like to learn more about genets, there is an excellent videotape out about them by Survival Anglia called "Night Raiders".