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.angliatv.co.uk/survival/factsheets/surv15.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. 

        

 Declawing is something to consider although they are not terribly destructive to furniture. Their claws are very sharp and needle like. For a pet....spay or neuter. They  scent mark "everything". It is a brown stain and it smells....  Some describe it as smelling like freetos or popcorn. In a closed in area, it gets to strong.