mongoose

noun2

1. •
   Any of several species of generalist predatory carnivores in the family Herpestidae; the various species range in size from rats to large cats. Indian mongooses are predators of venomous snakes, though other mongoose species have similar habits.

   • He was a mongoose, rather like a little cat in his fur and his tail, but quite like a weasel in his head and his habits. — 1924
2. •
   Any members of family Eupleridae of Malagasy mongooses, only distantly related to the Herpestidae, but resembling them in appearance and habits, with larger ears and ringed tails.