Genet: Cat-Like Exotic Pet

Genets are very similar to Civets. In Europe, Genets were kept as pets until the Middle Ages due to their ability to catch rodents.

Genets tail makes up ½ of their body length. The legs of the Genet are short. Males get larger than females weighing 5-10 pounds and females are commonly 2-8 pounds. Small heads with huge ears, and long pointed muzzles are a characteristic of the Genet. The body color varies greatly including gray-yellowish to yellowish tan with spots from rusty brown to black. Occasionally, a Genet will be all black. The coloration helps them avoid being detected. Claws can be retracted and the fur of the Genet is baby soft.

The Genet is carnivorous and each species has different food it prefers. For example, one species eats insects and the other likes bats. Genets live in trees, but hunt on the ground for their food. It is quite common for a Genet to live 10-20 years.

In the wild, Genets live in seclusion. Females are more territorial than males. Predators of the genet are Owls, Leopards and Pythons.

Females mature in two years and have a litter of 1-5. The babies are born in the spring or fall after a gestation period of about 3 months. The babies when born are blind and helpless. The eyes on the baby Genet normally open after about 10 days.

Genets are becoming more popular as an exotic pet. Some states have restrictions on the Genet as an exotic pet including a minimum cage size. Even though solitary in the wild, in captivity many pairs bond and spend time together. If you want a Genet as an exotic pet, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages.

Genets can be like a friendly cat and are playful and will purr. Climbing on their owner is common place. Genets are easy to care for and can even be litter train. They tend to become attached to human companionship.