CIVET, or, properly, CIVET-CAT, the name given to the more typical members of the Viverridae (see CARNIVORA), which are characterized by the presence of a deep pouch near the genital organs into which a fatty, yellowish substance, known as civet and having a strong musky odour, is secreted. Several species are known. The African civet (V i verra civetta) measures 3-4 i f t. in length, of which a third is tail, and stands Io–I2in. high. The hair is long, forming an erectile ridge down the middle of the back; in colour it is dark grey with black bands and spots. The animal is nocturnal and largely carniv orous; it climbs trees with agility.
It is kept in captivity (where, however, it never becomes tame) for the civet, the larger quantity coming from the male and being scraped out with a spoon twice a week. The zibeth (V . zibetha) extends from Arabia to India and several East Indian islands. Other species occur in India, China and Malaya. The odorous principle (a ketone) has been isolated and named libethone. Civet is used in perfumery for blending scents ; its medicinal use has practically been discontinued.