Should You Keep a Genet as a Pet?

Owning a wild animal like a genet can be intriguing, yet they often do not make suitable pets for most people. These cat-like animals are known for their striking patterns and appeal as exotic pets, but they lack affection and cuddly behavior. Genets are agile and solitary creatures, naturally uninterested in companionship, though some may form limited bonds with their owners. They require large, secure enclosures with trees or climbing structures. As nocturnal animals, genets in captivity are active at night and rest during the day, which may not appeal to those seeking a diurnal pet. Additionally, finding a vet with the expertise to care for a genet is challenging due to their rarity as pets.

Before considering bringing a pet genet into your home, you first must determine whether or not that’s legal—in the majority of states it is not—and then give serious thought as to how much time, money, and attention you have to spare for an exotic pet that is not easy to care for. Read on for guidelines to safely and healthily keeping a pet genet.

Can You Own a Pet Genet?

Legality

In the U.S., many exotic pets are banned, and most states classify genets as wildlife, making their ownership illegal or subject to special permits. Confirm their legal status with your state’s Department of Agriculture, county, neighborhood association, and other pertinent jurisdictions. As of 2019, only a few states specifically mention genets in their laws. If not explicitly stated, genets are generally regulated under the broader category of “wildlife.”

Ethics

As wild animals, genets are not suited for captive life, making it unethical to confine them to enclosures. They do not bond with humans, nor are they friendly or cuddly, lacking the qualities of domesticated pets. Keeping a genet for entertainment or to impress others is unfair to the animal. Many seeking exotic pets for the wrong reasons lack the ability or dedication required to provide an appropriate habitat for wild animals.

Things to Consider

A genet is not suitable if you seek a soft, cuddly companion. Often shy and aloof, these solitary creatures show little interest in human interaction, let alone snuggling or leash-walking.

Genet Behavior and Temperament

Genets are not hands-on pets; they are typically aloof and independent. Although they may resemble larger ferrets, which are often cuddly and playful, genets generally resist being restrained or handled.

Genets have retractable claws, very long tails, and are agile, squirrel-like climbers. If it feels comfortable with you, your genet may decide to climb on you, much like a tree. However, they do not have the restraint necessary for keeping their claws from digging into you. Some genet owners consider the controversial practice of declawing, but most agree declawing these creatures is unethical because it renders the animal unable to engage in its natural climbing behavior.

Without early and consistent socialization, genets may become extremely skittish and wary of people, including their owners. They might hide at loud noises because they are nocturnal creatures, preferring not to be awake during the day.

Genets generally do not thrive in groups, though they may tolerate dogs and cats if raised together. They see smaller pets, such as mice or hamsters, as prey, which can stress these smaller animals if kept in the same room.

Ideally, a home without other pets is preferable to ensure exclusive attention for bonding with the genet. Keeping young children away is wise, as a genet might inadvertently scratch or injure them, or become frightened by noise or proximity.

Genets are territorial and will mark their areas. When spaying or neutering, an experienced exotics vet can remove their scent glands, akin to skunk or ferret gland removal. Although genets regularly mark their cages, cleaning all marked areas simultaneously can cause stress.

Housing

A large, secure enclosure of at least 4 by 8 feet and 6 feet high is essential for your genet. A spacious ferret cage is ideal, as it includes climbing levels and tightly spaced bars to prevent escape. If a genet can fit its head through an opening, it can fit its whole body through.

Cage your genet only when unattended; otherwise, they require at least three hours of supervised playtime outside their cage daily.

As agile jumpers and climbers, genets often leap to high platforms for observation. They require space to run and jump safely.

Specific Substrate

Most genets are litter box trained. You can provide a small cat litter box with recycled newspaper litter or unscented cat litter in the cage. If properly trained, your genet should return to its cage to use its litter box when free in the house.

What Do Genets Eat and Drink?

Genets, as opportunistic feeders, eat a variety of foods they can access. Their dietary needs resemble those of felines, including high-protein and taurine levels, alongside low carbohydrate intake.

In the wild, genets prey on small rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. In captivity, offer a grain-free ferret food and high-quality commercial food cat food with human-grade ingredients. Feed amounts according to the packaging instructions and the weight of your pet. You can also give fruit, insects, and cooked chicken. A genet may enjoy chicken bones to crunch on, but bones should not be cooked to avoid splintering. Provide fresh water daily in a heavy cat bowl.

Genets can exhibit food aggression. Feed them in their cage to prevent unintentional bites due to perceived threats while eating.

Common Health Problems

Genets’ rarity as pets makes finding experienced exotic pet veterinarians challenging. While no vaccines are approved for genets, exotic vets advise annual check-ups. Some owners and vets choose rabies and distemper vaccinations, though their effectiveness and safety remain uncertain. Spaying and neutering, along with de-scenting, should be performed early (by 6 months) or as advised by your vet.

Genets are prone to behavioral issues when re-homed. Typically bonding with their original owner from a young age, if abandoned or surrendered, the separation may cause lasting distrust of humans.

Size Information

Genets are longer than house cats, primarily because of their long tails. As adults, they range from 32 to 43 inches from nose to tail tip, weighing up to 4 pounds, with males slightly larger than females. This weight is roughly half that of an average house cat.

Pros and Cons of Keeping a Genet as a Pet

Although genets may be intriguing and attractive pets, they are unsuitable for typical pet enthusiasts. Obtaining a young genet and ensuring regular socialization is essential for fostering a rewarding pet-owner relationship. Intelligent and active primarily at night, genets need ample space to explore, climb, and move. While not everyone can provide the necessary habitat and attention for humane care, some owners succeed in creating a content home for their wild pets.

Purchasing Your Genet

The cost of acquiring a genet can surpass $1,500, including purchase and shipment. Look to obtain a genet from a reputable breeder, though they can be scarce. Aim for a baby or young genet, as older ones are harder to handle and bond with. Exotic pet brokers may also be an option. Choose sellers who proactively provide detailed information about the animal and inquire about your suitability to care for a genet.

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