Civets are mammals found across Africa and Asia. Often called “civet cats,” they are not true felines but belong to the diverse Viverridae family, which includes genets and linsangs. This group of carnivores is more closely related to mongooses than to domestic cats. Their physical characteristics reveal a variety of forms within this family.
General Body Shape and Size
Civets have a slender, elongated body, often described as cat-like but with a more pointed muzzle. Their bodies are flexible and supported by relatively short legs, contributing to a low-to-the-ground posture. Size varies considerably among species, generally ranging from 40 to 85 centimeters (16 to 34 inches) in head and body length. Their weight can span from 1.5 to 11 kilograms (3 to 24 pounds).
Most civets have a long, often thick tail, sometimes nearly as long as their head and body combined. For instance, the Asian Palm Civet typically has a body length of around 53 centimeters with a tail about 48 centimeters long. While many have non-prehensile tails, some species, like the Binturong, have a powerful, grasping tail that aids in arboreal movement. Their overall build is adapted for navigating diverse environments, from dense forests to grasslands.
Unique Facial Features and Markings
Civets have distinct facial characteristics, often a pointed snout or muzzle. Their eyes are often prominent, yellow-green with slit-shaped pupils in some species, or large and black in others, like the Binturong. Ears are generally small and rounded, though some, like the Binturong, feature noticeable ear tufts.
Many civet species have “mask-like” patterns around their eyes or across their faces. For example, the Asian Palm Civet has a white mask across its forehead, with small white patches under each eye and a narrow dark line between them. The African Civet often displays black markings around its eyes that resemble those of a raccoon.
Fur coloration varies widely, encompassing shades of brown, gray, black, cream, or buff. Beyond color, civets have diverse patterns, including spots, stripes, or bands covering their bodies, legs, and tails. The Asian Palm Civet, for instance, typically has three rows of black markings on its body, while the African Civet features black spots arranged in rows and distinctive black and white bars on its neck. These markings contribute to their unique appearance and often provide camouflage.
Variations Across Civet Species
The term “civet cat” encompasses 15 to 20 distinct species, each with unique visual characteristics. The African Palm Civet, for instance, often has thick, brown to light-tan fur flecked with darker spots, appearing darker on its upper body. This species typically features short legs, small ears, a lean body, and a long, ringed tail.
In contrast, the Asian Palm Civet has a long, stocky body covered in coarse, shaggy, usually grayish hair. Its muzzle, ears, lower legs, and the distal half of its tail are black; unlike some other civets, its tail is typically unringed. The Binturong, often called a “bearcat,” stands out with its large, heavy build and shaggy black or dark gray fur, which can be grizzled with silver-tipped hairs. It also has long, white whiskers and ears with prominent tufts.
The African Civet is among the larger species, with coarse, wiry fur ranging from white to reddish, marked by deep brown to black stripes, spots, and blotches. It often has horizontal lines on its hind limbs and a short mane running along its back. The Masked Palm Civet is distinctive for its brown to gray fur that generally lacks spots or stripes, apart from the clear mask around its face. These visual differences highlight the broad spectrum of appearances within the civet family.