"Like cats, genets have semi-retractable claws, and they can erect a crest of hair at the base of their spine when frightened. Exclusively nocturnal and solitary, genets are agile tree climbers and feed on mice, insects, reptiles and wild fruits. They are extremely flexible and agile, and can enter very small spaces. "

"Their claws are semi-retractable. Their body is long and lean, set on short legs. They can erect a mane of hair along their back when frightened. Like all viverrids, they have well-developed perineal glands used to mark territory. Genets have 40 teeth. Females have 4 teats, and males have a well-developed baculum. Both the front and hind feet have five digits, with well-furred soles. Their eyes are large and round, and their ears are large and triangular shaped."

"Genets are arboreal, and spend large amounts of time in trees. They rest in nests in the trees during the daytime. They hunt in the trees as well, and can jump from one tree to another over a good distance. They kill their prey by holding it with their paws and biting it. Genets make sounds like cats, including growling, hissing, mewing, and even purring. They release a musky odor from their anal scent glands when stressed."

"Along with their civet relatives, genets are regarded as the most primitive and ancient of living carnivores. Fossil evidence suggest that these animals have changed little in the past 40-50 million years. Modern-day lions, leopards, hyenas, bears and wolves are thought to have evolved from a common ancestor which - in skeleton and dental structure - closely resembled a genet."