My Genet

[LutinoMom]

Just though I'd post some pics of my 2 year old male large-spotted African genet (genetta tigrina). His name is Loki, but we usually just call him Monkey. I got him when he was 4 weeks old and bottle fed him for many weeks. He came from a breeder in Waco, TX named Linda. Her website is: Critterhouse. He's a very sweet boy to his mama, but is shy around strangers. He loves to cuddle in my shirt. He loves to play (much like a kitten or ferret), but is really rough with his pointy teeth! He has a large 5-story ferret cage, but has free roam of the house about 12 hours per day. He is mainly nocturnal. He gets along well with my cat and 3 dogs, though he would probably be happier without my dachshund bugging him all the time.

Genets belong to the Viverridae family - NOT Felidae (cat family) or Mustelidae ferret/weasel/skunk family. There are many different species of genets (around 14? The taxonomy is confusing and highly debated), which live in Africa as well as Asia and even Europe. They are classified as carnivores, but I believe they also scavenge and well as eat some insects and fruit. (Loki loves crickets.) They are small, Loki is around 4 pounds, but some websites say they can get up to 10 pounds. (?) They have extremely long tails and retractable claws like a cat. They also have civet glands, which can be expressed when they are frightened - produces a thick, extremely foul-smelling fluid. The make good pets when acquired young and bottle fed, otherwise they tend to be very untrusting, anxious, fearful & flighty. Most websites have said they can be litterbox trained, but I've had two and have not found that to be the case. Loki will use newspaper if it's convenient, but if he's out and has to go, the carpet works just fine to urinate on. He will, however, always poo in the same place. During the day while he's sleeping, he stays hidden - either in a box, behind the refrigerator, or under his bed. Overall, he's a great pet. Downsides would only be that he is not sociable to new people, can be moody/hissy at times (usually involves food that he wants but can't have), and is not very good at using the bathroom where I would like him to. Despite that, he's a joy to have and I love him very much. Sorry so long! Hope you enjoy!

Sitting in window:


In my lap cleaning himself:


Chillin:


Handsome boy:


Lilly, my baby girl. RIP:


And, if you're interested, another great site/breeder can be found at: Julie's Jungle :: Quality Exotic Pets :: Genet Caresheet

[catschair]

What great shots & a beautiful animal. I don't think I have ever known anyone who had one as a pet before. Thanks for sharing!

[LorelaiVIP]

Im sorry to bother you but Ive been going crazy ever since I read your post, trying to find information. In you own honest opinion, do Genets make good pets? From what Ive read I think they are amazing creatures. I could never own one with all of the projects I have going on, but I do love learning about them! :]

[m_adams86]

Wow, I've never seen a Genet before... Loki is so pretty... I wish I could have something like that... How much do they usually range from a breeder? (we're looking for an alternative to a dog for my dad, who just lost his dog last month, my mom was like, no more dogs and no cats... Bet she wouldn't know what to say about a Genet!!!)

[Ashling]

wow that' amazing. I love genets and civets etcetc. I wish we could have them as pets here! >.< You are sooo lucky!

[huntress]

Wow, what a cool animal. It looks like a cross between an opossum and a cat! Dont like the pee on the carpet idea though,lol.

[charlieandmom]

What a beauty. Thanks for sharing the pictures. They are great.

[Courtzrocks]

Looks a bit like a possum in the face, reminds me on marsupalami with the long tail. He is gorgeous!!! Im not a cat person but he is just something else! Oh i am in love!!!