Spotted Genets as Pets: One of the animal species that is gaining popularity as exotic pets is spotted genets. It might be because of their mixed features from animals like kittens, ferrets, cheetah, and lemur.
Genets are mammals that live in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The small-spotted genet is present in Southern Africa, though it is known to avoid temperate areas such as Namibia. Genets are small carnivores that weigh about two kilograms depending on whether they are large-spotted or small-spotted.
They are fast, energetic, and independent creatures who need special treatment, but they can make fun pets for the right owner. Among all the 14 species of genets, the spotted genets are considered to be the most domesticable.
Spotted Genets as Pets - All that you Must Know Before Owning One!
Genets have stolen the attention of the home pet industry with their slinky shape and leopard-like fur markings. A lot of people are keen on making spotted genets their pets. But before acting on this decision, there must be proper knowledge of the needs, behaviors, and other requirements of genets to ensure that they have a healthy environment to live in. Here are some facts about spotted genets that may be informative about their lifestyle.
BEHAVIOR AND NATURE OF GENETS
Genets are usually distant and self-sufficient. They can appear to be bigger, cuddly ferrets, but they normally avoid control and handling. If you want to carry them outdoors, you must wear a harness. Start harness training them at an early age and exercise indoors to get them used to it.
Genets are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night. Genets do not do well in families, but if they have grown up around dogs and cats, they normally accept them. Smaller creatures, such as mice and hamsters, are used as prey by genets. It is advisable to avoid having another pet as a company for genets.
COMMUNICATION AMONG GENETS
Genets use a variety of contact calls. Males use a “hiccup” call during the mating season. Females use this type of call to entice their young. These species often purr and meow, which are noises identical to those made by domesticated animals. Aggression is often communicated by clicks and growls.
When comfortable with human interaction, genets may sometimes climb up on the owner. But, they do not restraint from letting their claws dig into your skin for grip, so that must be looked out for.
VETERINARY CARE FOR SPOTTED GENETS
Many people may find it difficult to have a professional veterinarian nearby their residence for an exotic creature like a genet. They must undergo an annual check-up for safety purposes. Spaying and neutering should be performed at an early age or as recommended by the veterinarian.
DIET AND NUTRITION OF GENETS
The genet, as a self-serving feeder, can eat whatever it can get its hands on. Genets have common food needs to felines, with a high intake of taurine amino acids and a reduced intake of carbohydrates.
Domestic genets can be fed a combination of grain-free ferret food and high-quality commercial pet cat food containing human-grade ingredients.
Feeding proportions should be determined by the package guidelines and your pet’s weight. Melon, insects, and cooked chicken with the bone may also be provided.
Provide fresh water in a big dish on a regular basis. Genets are often food violent. Feed your pet in its cage to prevent an unintentional bite from an animal that is feeling threatened when feeding.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO OWN A PET SPOTTED GENET
Check with the Department of Agriculture in your province, as well as your district, community group, and any other related jurisdictions. In terms of legality, only a few states specifically mention genets as of 2019.
This animal, for example, is legal in New York and Indiana but illegal in California and Kentucky. Hence, make sure that there are no legal obstacles in the process of bringing a pet spotted genet home.
DO SPOTTED GENETS MAKE GOOD PETS?
As spotted genets are not highly trainable, they cannot be considered domestic. But, if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife and an open area nearby, you can consider owning a spotted genet as a pet.
They will still need to be close to their natural habitat to thrive and lead a happy and healthy life. Social and friendly behavior is not in their genetic nature which must be kept in mind before bringing them home as a pet. Even veterinary care is very hard to find for genets as they are a rare and exotic species.
Spotted genets are the kind of animals who thrive the most in their natural environment. That is why it is important to make sure that the place that the potential owner would keep them in should be almost like their natural habitat. This is important in order for them to live a healthy life.
