An apparently run-of-the-mill scent—Calvin Klein’s “Obession for Men” original—produces an unexpected impact: it can entice large wild cats from far distances directly to the source.
What explains that a man’s perfume attracts animals that are notorious for keeping their distance? The claim is supported by evidence found in zoos, tests, and field trials.
Throughout the next few slides, we’ll delve into why wild cats are so attracted to the smell, how scientists found out about it, and what role it plays in conservation. Keep reading—this story will surprise you.
A Scent That Defies Expectations
Bronx Zoo keepers witnessed this strange spectacle in the early 2000s: when they sprayed “Obsession for Men” on rocks and trees, it drove the big cats crazy.
Cheetahs, tigers, and snow leopards were all drawn to it. They didn’t just randomly smell the designated area—the animals pounced on it with vicious cheek rubbing, clawing, and even drooling.
They stayed in the area longer than usual, entering an almost trance-like state. But why would a human scent enchant a natural predator so strongly?
Zoos, Colognes & Cat Behavior
Pat Thomas, Bronx Zoo general curator, began controlled experiments on 24 perfumes on domestic cats. Calvin Klein’s ‘Obsession’ stood out, intriguing the cats for significantly longer than the others.
Some stayed longer than 11 minutes. All this led to curiosity and interest, suggesting something biologically significant was at play: the scent wasn’t necessarily just musky—it was interesting biologically.
Wild Tests in the Field
Interested in whether this worked outside of enclosures, scientists applied the cologne in wild environments in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala.
Trees near camera traps were sprayed with ‘Obsession!’ The outcome was astonishing: jaguars, pumas, and other wild cats approached and lingered near areas around cameras for up to three times longer. They exhibited natural behaviors like cheek-rubbing.
Conservation Breakthrough
This easy method provided conservationists with a non-invasive means of observing typically hidden large felines.
With more cats appearing on camera, scientists had clearer photographic records and improved population counts.
It allowed for the marking of individual cats and noting mating or territorial behavior. Instead of using sedatives or traps, a luxury perfume became an unexpected tool in conservation biology.
What’s in the Bottle? Civetone Mystery
The secret seems to reside in a molecule known as civetone—originally derived from African civet glands and now replicated synthetically. Civetone resembles the pheromones big cats naturally produce, which trigger instinctual reactions.
Researchers believe the compound is responsible for the attraction of “Obsession” to them. Its muskiness appears biologically relevant, rather than merely pleasing, to cats’ olfactory systems.
Science Supports Sensory Power
Chemical studies indicate that big cats possess a remarkably sensitive sense of smell; tigers, leopards, and cheetahs rely almost exclusively on scent for breeding and scent marking.
Civiltone in “Obsession” replicates such natural scents, eliciting strong biological responses. As a result, cats interpret the sprayed substances as conspecific scent marks—urine or gland secretions—eliciting reflexive investigating.
Historical Underpinnings
The idea of enticing wild cats using smell is centuries old. 18th-19th century naturalists and trappers long ago suspected that perfumes had the power to entice panthers or tigers.
Modern-day scientists took that old wisdom and turned it into scientific tests, ultimately confirming that certain artificial chemicals, most notably civetone, directly affect big cat behavior.
Ethical & Practical Cautions
While clever, the method raises ethical concerns. Conservationists worry that poachers would use these scents as a means of finding large cats.
In response to the potential risk, conservationists restrict access to the perfume to guarded research sites and use costly formulas that are difficult for the general public to obtain.
Zoo Enrichment & Welfare
Keepers at zoos such as the Bronx Zoo and Carolina Tiger Rescue employ musky odors—like “Obsession”—as a way to promote animal welfare.
The enrichments mimic the stimulation wild cats experience naturally: novel smells elicit exploration, play, and typical behavior. Keepers observed signs of excitement: rubs, rolls, and salivation—all indications of positive interaction.
Beyond Big Cats
Though targeted at jaguars, tigers, lions, pumas, and cheetahs, tapirs and peccaries, along with other mammals, have also responded to the scent in research settings.
Domestic cats even occasionally respond with interest. Further research is still being undertaken, but early evidence suggests these scent stimuli may broadly affect mammalian species.
Research Implications
This finding brings new opportunities in wildlife science. Baiting with non-invasive pheromones has the potential to maximize surveillance tactics, collecting biological samples (e.g., hair) and capturing elusive behavior on video.
It is time and cost-saving, and improves welfare by reducing dependence on traps or tranquilizers.
Conservation in Action
Scientists have learned more about jaguar movement and population density by using “Obsession for Men” in camera trap setups across Central America.
This is crucial, as jaguars are a keystone species, and precise tracking of populations is required to protect habitats. A designer fragrance has become an unlikely conservation tool.
The Fragrance Factor
Ironically, a handmade human luxury is being used for wildlife conservation. Calvin Klein’s “Obsession for Men” which was meant to tempt human senses now helps us observe the secretive world of top predators. So what’s next? Could other fragrances unlock even more of nature’s hidden stories?
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