The Civet Cat, also known as the Common Civet, is a medium-sized mammal found in tropical Africa and Asia . It has a distinctive appearance with a long body, short legs, and a bushy tail. Civet Cats are known for their unique musky odor, which is used in perfumes. Civets have a broadly cat -like general appearance, though the muzzle is extended and often pointed, rather like that of an otter, mongoose or even possibly a ferret. They range in length (excluding the tail) from around 43 to 71 cm (17 to 28 in) and in weight from around 1.4 to 4.5 kg (3 to 10 lb). Despite their name, civets are not cats . They are a separate species with their own unique characteristics and behaviors. What exactly what a civet is for those who are unfamiliar with this animal? First let's be clear on misconceptions right away. Although they are ordinarily called civet cats , civets, or (civettectis civetta), are not cats . They are actually related to the mongoose more than to the cat family.
