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.

To which biological family do civets belong, differentiating them from felines?
foodSafetytasteMeatCivet