Genet, common name for certain small carnivorous, cat-like mammals related to the civet. Genets inhabit forests and dense grasslands throughout Africa; one species is also found in south-western Europe and western Asia. The colour is pale yellow or grey, with rows of brown or black spots and a stripe down the back and tail. Some species have banded tails. The animal"s length varies from 42 to 58 cm (17 to 23 in), and the tail may be almost as long as the body. Genets hunt at night, singly or in pairs, and prey on small mammals and birds. In the wild they may only live for up to ten years, but in captivity they have been known to live for as long as 21 years.
Scientific classification: Genets make up the genus Genetta. The genet found in Europe and Asia is classified as Genetta genetta.
