[1] Like other genets, it is nocturnal and arboreal, preferring to live in the riparian zones of forests, as long as these are not marshy areas.

[2] The Cape genet is ash grey with brown irregular spots and a black stripe along the spine.

[7] It differs from other genets by a short dorsal crest and poorly spotted hind legs, which are dark at the back.

[1] It is the most widely distributed and common small carnivore in KwaZulu-Natal, and rests in large trees, rock overhangs and caves.

[10] It lives in moist environments near streams, rivers and standing water, in lowland and mountain fynbos, where vegetation cover is high.

When walking on branches, they stay low and laterally swing their legs out so that any misstep is easily correctable.

They are considered to be opportunistic omnivores, since they also catch and feed on insects, spiders, scorpions, and scavenge fish on the beach.

Eating grass may aid digestion, dislodge hair in the intestines, induce vomiting to get rid of ingested toxins, relieve throat inflammation and stomach irritation.

Outside reserves they are unprotected, and not listed in the South African Red Data Book nor any CITES appendices.