Cacomistles are small, furry mammals native to North America, with a pointed snout and bushy tail. There are various synonyms for this unique creature, including ring-tailed cat, bassarisk, and civet cat. Ring-tailed cat refers to its distinctive striped tail, while bassarisk is a combination of the scientific names for two related species. Civet cat is derived from its strong scent glands, which are similar to those of a civet. Other synonyms for cacomistles include coon cat, miner's cat, and cacomixle. These fascinating animals are a rare sight in the wild but are often kept as pets due to their curious and affectionate nature.