Wild Genets as Exotic Pets

Should Wild Animals Be Kept as Pets? Consider the risks to human health and safety, animal welfare, and the environment.
~The Humane Society of the United States

Genets look kind of like cats with a long raccoon tail. Sort of. Genets have pointed noses and long whiskers. They have long bodies (16 to 24 inches, 15 to 20 inch tail) and big ears. Their fur is brown or gray with spots or completely black. They share many characteristics with cats, but are only distantly related. They are quite cute and playful and can be kept as pets.

There are ten different types of genets:

• Abyssinian genet
• Angolan genet
• Small-spotted genet
• Johnston's genet 
• Panther genet
• Servaline genet
• Haussa genet
• Large-spotted genet
• Giant genet
• Aquatic Genet (A.K.A. the fishing genet. See video here.)

In the wild genets are nocturnal, but may roam in the daytime during the rainy season. They hunt in trees (birds and eggs), and on the ground (burrowing rodents and other prey). Genets are solitary, and do not group with others except for mating. Genets are from central, eastern Africa.  Genets can be found in a variety of habitats including arid to semi-arid regions as well as forested areas. The small spotted Genet is most often found in arid regions while the large spotted Genet is tolerant of most habitats including the densely forested regions of eastern Africa.

The Small Spotted Genet (Common or European Genet) has become a popular exotic household pet. (State laws vary on keeping exotic pets.) As pets genets do not tend to tear, claw or bite the furniture but they do climb. They will seek to reach the highest place in any location. They are generally cautious in disposition, easily frightened and skittish. Genets do not bond with groups, usually just a few people and can coexist with other household pets including cats and dogs. They will eat hamsters, gerbils, and other small mammals.

A genet needs plenty of room to roam. They will escape through open doors or windows if not closely attended. They have an independent nature and do not respond well to small confining places. Genets can be trained to use a litter box. They are clean pets and groom themselves. Classified as a carnivore, genets are not really  picky about what they eat, cat food (canned or dry), meat, even fruit.

Something else I learned: It is legal to own a genet as a pet in Michigan.