The first note we’re discussing in our “Today in Bizarre” series is civetone and, more importantly, the alleged attraction big cats have to it. Thankfully, research has already been done on this in the Bronx Zoo, so I don’t have to go testing whether these claims are false or not. I can tell you about this from the safety of my office.
The Bronx Zoo conducted a study, which McGill University reported on, that shows how tigers and jaguars react to certain perfumes. It turns out that, yes, your perfume can get you some attention from these big cats!
Civetone (CHEBI:78317)
Civetone, a fragrant pheromone that is a natural scent extracted from the African civet, is the reason why these big cats could be attracted to your fragrance. While some companies still extract this note from the animal itself, others have developed a synthetic version of it, offering a cruelty-free, sustainable option.
According to the study mentioned above, Calvin Klein’s Obsession For Men is the perfume that attracts big cats the most.
Let’s break down this perfume.
1. Calvin Klein Obsession For Men EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Calvin Klein |
| Best for | Men |
| Notes | Top Notes: Cinnamon, Lavender, Coriander, Mandarin Orange, Lime, Bergamot, and Grapefruit Middle Notes: Myrhh, Nutmeg, Carnation, Brazilian Rosewood, Pine Tree, Sage, Jasmine, and Red Berries Base Notes: Amber, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli, and Vetiver |
| Release year | 1986 |
| Longevity | 6+ hours |
| Projection | Strong |
| Perfumer | Robert Slattery |
You might be wondering: where’s the Civetone in this?
It’s the musk note in the base. The musk in Calvin Klein’s Obsession is either extracted from the African civet or created in a lab to mimic the musk of the civet. Either way that is what is believed to attract those big cats.
Don’t let this shy you away from purchasing this perfume. It is an attractive perfume, not just for cats but for women as well. Keep in mind that the musk is a natural pheromone. Vanilla and patchouli notes also have a seductive effect. Besides, what are the chances you’d be somewhere with a tiger on the loose?
Now, let us discover more fragrances that contain this note that might have the same effect on big cats.
2. YSL Kouros For Men EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yves Saint Laurent |
| Best for | Men |
| Notes | Top Notes: Aldehydes, Coriander, Clary Sage, Artemisia, and Bergamot Middle Notes: Patchouli, Carnation, Geranium, Vetiver, Cinnamon, Jasmine, Orris Root and Lavender Base Notes: Civet, Honey, Leather, Musk, Oakmoss, Amber, Tonka Bean and Vanilla |
| Release year | 1981 |
| Longevity | 6+ hours |
| Projection | Strong |
| Perfumer | Pierre Bourdon |
Kouros for Men, by Yves Saint Laurent, is the perfume you should wear on a date without hesitation, especially if it’s a first date.
This is an irresistible gourmand fragrance, and with the civet note at the base, you’d be hunted by your date (and hopefully not by a lion).
3. Amouage Gold For Women EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Amouage |
| Best for | Women |
| Notes | Top Notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose, and Incense Middle Notes: Incense, Jasmine, Orris Root, Myrrh, and Labdanum Base Notes: Civet, Musk, Sandalwood, Amber, Cedar, Oakmoss, Ambergris, and Patchouli |
| Release year | 1983 |
| Longevity | 6+ hours |
| Projection | Strong |
| Perfumer | Guy Robert |
Ladies, if you want to walk around knowing you can attract a big cat, you absolutely can. With Gold by Amouage, you’d be a (big) cat magnet.
A recurring theme with these fragrances is that they are seductive fragrances created in the 1980s. Nonetheless, Amouage is a niche fragrance house that creates the highest-quality perfumes. This fragrance won’t disappoint if you choose to wear it on a first date or an anniversary date.
Is the Civet or Civetone Note a Pheromone?
Technically, this note is considered a pheromone due to its animalistic origin and warm, sensual aroma. It has a strong, musky odor that becomes pleasant when diluted. One way that Pheromones are detected is through smell, and when released, they can stimulate sexual desire and hormone levels, which is why they are used in fragrances.
Visit V Perfumes for a wide variety of fragrances that would be ideal for a first date or any other occasion you’re looking forward to being the star of.
As for our Today in Bizarre series, this is only the start, and believe it or not, we are starting off tame. So stay.
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