Genetta genetta
small-spotted genet

The common or European genet is native to northern Africa and has also spread to Europe.

Common genets prefer drier areas than other members of the genus. They prefer forests, as they are excellent and agile climbers.

Genets are long, lean carnivores with a tail usually at least as long as the body. They appear catlike, except for their longer faces. They usually have a dark spotted or marbling pattern over a cream to buff colored background. Their fur is incredibly soft. They have semi-retractable claws. They are extremely flexible and can enter very small spaces.

Genets are primarily solitary animals, though male and female ranges may overlap. Individuals of the same sex have exclusive territories. They are nocturnal and only rarely appear during the day, though they are sometimes reported as foraging at twilight.

They are stealth hunters, much like the cats and kill with a quick bite to the neck. Their sharp claws both allow them to pin prey and to be excellent climbers.

Genets are carnivorous and eat most small animals that they can catch, such as rats, mice, insects, small reptiles, and birds.

Genets occasionally consume game birds and poultry, but hardly do enough damage to be considered a threat to either.

Genets help keep vermin populations down, and since they often live on the edges of a human community, this helps alleviate pest problems with crops.

The common genet is still plentiful throughout its range and seems to have little to fear in the future.

The viverrids are commonly regarded as the closest living mammals to the extinct common ancestor of the carnivores. Although the genets are very catlike, they also display some primitive features of this ancestor, making them an interesting study for people interested in carnivore evolution. It is suggested that others interested in this topic also research the civets, palm civets and linsangs for more information on viverrids.