The Cape spiny mouse has large eyes and ears and a scaly, nearly bald tail that is brittle and can break off readily either as a whole or in part if it is caught.

They are terrestrial and nocturnal, but can be active in early morning and late afternoon in shadows cast by rocks.

In addition, the cape spiny mouse feed extensively on Protea humiflora flower.

Rather than having one set breeding season, cape spiny mice are opportunistic breeders, only reproducing when they have sufficient food sources.

The cape spiny mouse contributes significantly to the pollination of Protea humiflora, and in turn gains the food resources that enable winter breeding.