To which biological family do civets belong, differentiating them from felines?
Answer
Viverridae
Civets are classified biologically under the family Viverridae. This distinction is explicitly noted because the common assumption that they are a type of feline, often leading to the informal name 'civet cat,' is inaccurate. Because they do not belong to the cat family (Felidae), assumptions regarding meat derived from true felines may not be directly applicable to civet meat, making their proper scientific classification essential for accurate culinary and safety assessments.

Related Questions
To which biological family do civets belong, differentiating them from felines?Anecdotal reports suggest the taste of civet meat has often been compared to which common poultry item?What aspect of the civet overwhelmingly dominates the global discussion, overshadowing its culinary role?In regions where it is traditionally consumed, what specific category of food source is civet regarded as?What inherent risk profile is associated with civets because they are wild animals, acknowledged in Kopi Luwak discussions?What two factors create a significant distinction in the quality or 'goodness' of civet meat regarding its sourcing?What specific practical cooking inquiry illustrates the need for clear safety guidelines when preparing civet meat?What ethical debates concerning civets kept for coffee production influence the modern acceptability of their meat?Based on its carnivorous classification, what nutritional composition is speculated to be high in civet meat?Why is the biological distinction that civets are not felines important when assessing their meat?