Civet (Viverra), a genus of cat-like carnivores. Besides several species of Viverra proper, there are sundry other closely related forms, such as the Genettes, which some regard as separate genera.
The long, thin body, the pointed head, the short legs, and small hairy feet are external characteristics. The larger species, such as the two first named below, are rather larger than a fox, but the Viverricula, the Genettes, &c. are often decidedly smaller. They are active and fierce carnivores. The civets are best known in connection with the strong perfume obtained from two (per- ineal) glands near the anus. Such glands are common enough: it is only their penetrating fragrance which is peculiar. The civet perfume of commerce is obtained from V. civetta, the African civet or civet cat; from V. zibetta, the Indian civet of Bengal, China, and the Malayan region; from V. tangalunga, similar in distribution to the last; and from Viverricula malaccensis, the Rasse of India, China, Java, and Sumatra. Civets are often kept in confinement for the sake of the perfume, which is removed from the glands about twice a week by means of a small spatula, and is obtained most abundantly from the male, especially after he has been irritated. A dram is a large quantity to obtain at a time. Abyssinia is one of the principal seats of the trade, and Java another. The perfume is most used in the East.