These beautiful cat like creatures have
spots on their bodies and a ringed tail.
They are in the Viverridae family that
includes civets and mongooses. Most
common in Africa but also seen in Italy,
Spain and India. They make good pets and
get along with most other animals.
http://www.ddgi.es/espais/igeneta.htm
http://www.angliatv.co.uk/survival/factsheets/surv15.html
http://www.dragonsmirk.com/art/genet.html
There are 2 genera and 10 species of
genets. The aquatic genet (osbornictis
piscivora) is in its own genera. The
other nine species are in the genera,
Genetta. They have an elongated body
from 16 to 24 inches long with a tail 15
to 20 inches long. They weigh between 2
and 8 lb. The body color varies from
gray, yellowish, tan, with spots from
brown to black. One species has rusty
spots. The spots vary in size and number
with the species. Melanistic (black)
individuals are not rare. Some species
have a row of erectile hair from the
head to the tail that stands up when the
animal is excited. Although it is
written that they have the ability of
emitting a musky smelling fluid from
their anal sacs. Some say it smells like
"fritos or pop corn".
www.waltersworld.net
Melanistic genet
Genets have
semi-retractable claws and resemble an
elongated cat in appearance. They are
extremely graceful, fast and can bite
like heck. They are predatory in nature
and eat small animals, eggs, and
occasionally some fruit.
Genets are mature
at 2 years and can produce litters of
one to four. The gestation is 56-76 days
depending on the species. They can live
to 20 years.
In Captivity
Genets can make captivating pets
however, they can fit through any
opening they can get their head through.
Their body is very loose jointed and
their head is very narrow. In captivity
they are fed chopped meat, eggs,
vitamins and some sweet fruits. We feed
ours Mazuri Exotic Feline sml. free
choice. Don't feed any pork, cooked or
raw.
Declawing is
something to consider although they are
not terribly destructive. Their claws
are very sharp and needle like. For a
pet....spay or neuter! If they are hand
raised, they will get aggressive
and attack you at sexual maturity. This
is our experience. Maybe there are
exceptions to the rule....we'll see.
They also scent mark. The males more so
than the females.
Timezones
Map
Maps courtesy of Helicon Publishing Ltd.
Italy map:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/europe/italy/italy.htm
Spain
map:
ttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/europe/spain/spain.htmh
India
map:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/indian_subcontinent/india/india.htm |
