What would you name said Genet?

will likely not have kids for at least 20 years
Unless you get a vasectomy or don't plan on getting laid at all for 20 years, I wouldn't honestly count too much on this.

Just saying, shit happens. That, and you're young, hell I've changed my mind 3-4 times.

I know you really, really want a genet but to be perfectly honest it will complicate your life a great deal.

Like I said, you're young, could change your mind about the kids thing after meeting someone special, you could meet someone special that doesn't want the exotic pet in your lives for "x" understandable reason (finances, space, storage, time), you could have a friend or family member dump an unexpected, unwanted cat or dog at your feet and feel obligated to keep it for lack of better options (happened to a few people I know.)

That being said, from what I'm reading, Genets are some of the easier exotic species to keep as pets. They are easily litter trained, easy to find food for, and generally have a good temperament when raised in captivity from a young age with rare exception. I can see a potential life partner having less of a problem with a genet than a fox or macaw or large reptile.

However, they cannot be rehomed. You're probably aware of that, but from what I'm reading, the breeder is absolutely reasonable in refusing adoptions to the general public. When he gets an unwanted genet, he's dealing with potentially violent neurosis, and he's probably had to put down animals he would prefer not to.

So go for it if you really, really want it. But personally, I would be very hesitant myself knowing how damaged genets that are given up become. The only person I know that's pretty much 100% stable enough (i.e. will never be in a financial crisis faced with the possibility of having to give up beloved pets) to meet the demands of an exotic pet like this is my friend's extremely wealthy father. Make of that what you will.

After 4 failed relationships, I'm not exactly keen to jump to the next girl who pays me attention. I may be a slow learner, but I learn none-the-less.

Though as far as genets personalities go, it does seem to be sort of a gamble. I've read stories about how genets hand-raised from the moment they could open their eyes grow up to be a bit anti-social, but then the same person taking in a 2 year old genet to be re-homed turned into the most affectionate one they'd had who bonded more with the owners rather than the other genets they had (Which definitely surprised the author, since as you said they're not known for being able to be re-homed). I suppose when you raise and tame a non-domesticated animal it's quite literally written in their DNA to be unpredictable.

I'd say at this point I really-and-a-half want to get one. One person I'm in contact with isn't expecting pups until May at the earliest, and even then others on their waiting list may pick those up before me. So for now I think I'll talk it over with them a bit more (the breeders that is), and get a handle on what my living situation in Texas is going to be like. Thankfully I DO know that for at least the next 4 years or so I'll only be either working full time or going to school full time, and not both.

A funny looking ferret or mongoose if you prefer.

I've had a bird, I have a snake. You live your life around the exotic,. not the other way around.

I at 20 had no plans to marry and no plans for kids.

A year later I had both. Life, happens.

At 24 I was almost certain I'd marry and have kids within 5 years. Life happens both ways.

And also, I am literally losing my mind with the amount of free time I have. I need something to take care of. Need I tell you.

Life does happen so you need to stay flexible. I'm not saying don't get the animal. Go in eyes open however. Exotics are a lifestyle not a hobby. I, as a rule, do not recommend exotics to anyone. If that doesn't stop you....

The best advice I have heard is buy the book before the animal. Know the beast nose to vent before you buy. If the idea of the care for that animal intimidates you go to the local shelter, get a cat.

BTW Pericles the Ball Python has been in my care for over 20 years now. He is bright and healthy. If you are looking for loving interaction DON'T get a snake.

We have three cats and the snake (no, no interaction between them.) I have had everything from Guinea pigs to horses. I even had a sea gull in my care for a natter of hours.

Hmm it seems like young genets are kinda like cats, but then they get more territorial and aggressive with age.

"We no longer reccommend genets as pets for the general public. They are a long-lived animal that is difficult to give the proper care to. They are not your typical pet and will quickly tire of affection and resist most of your advances to interact as they get older.

We WILL NOT sell any genet to an unexperienced exotic owner or unlicensed zoo/breeding facilty. Email me for further details."

http://www.jandaexotics.com/Genets.html

Yup, those are the guys I found. Through some searching I found maybe four or five others who aren't so stringent, for better or worse.

http://www.jandaexotics.com/Genets.html

Sounds like one of those "looks good on paper" pets.

I wanted a Savannah monitor myself for the longest time till I did some sincere research and discovered "they make great pets if you're proficient at giving yourself stitches."

I wouldn't even say "looks good on paper" as every source I've come across stresses how much work it takes to raise them.

Just so long as you know what you're in for.

The wife and I have seven ball pythons, a sunbeam snake, five crested geckos and five yellow belly sliders between us - sometimes I question whether we own the critters or the critters own us but still love 'em all.

Snakes are awesome :O

I've got a pair of Kenyan sand boas who, despite what the experts will say, enjoy climbing even though they're terrible at it :)

LOL, you should see the ball pythons, who are alleged to be skilled climbers but are so bad at it I call them fall pythons.