How Do Animals Respond to Perfume?

A cat's sense of smell is about 14 times better than yours, so it's not a surprise that they notice when someone sprays perfume nearby. The surprise is that some big cats love it. In fact, the lions, leopards, and tigers at Banham Zoo in Norfolk, England, are so enamored with the scent of perfume that the zoo is asking visitors to drop off their unwanted bottles.

All felines like to investigate new odors around them, so spraying the perfume in the big cats' enclosures is one way to add some stimulation to their day, and it helps to keep them mentally and physically active. As the zoo explains, perfumes typically contain animal musk, which is what excites the cats.

While any perfume will do, animal manager Mike Woolham says the giant felines do have a preference. "For some reason, Calvin Klein perfume is a huge hit with all big cats," he told the BBC. Calvin Klein's Obsession includes civetone, a pheromone secreted by civets and other small creatures. When a big cat gets a whiff, it wants to check it out and ultimately mark its own scent over the musk.

The zoo is accepting all perfumes and aftershaves at its admissions department, but anyone who wants to send some scents through the mail can also ship them to Zoo Animal Management, Banham Zoo, Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk, England NR16 2HE.

Big cat basics:

Animals can have varied reactions to synthetic perfumes, often due to the strong scents that can overwhelm their sensitive olfactory systems. Some may exhibit signs of stress or confusion, while others might become curious or even irritated. It's important to remember that animals' sense of smell is typically much more acute than humans', making some fragrances potentially distressing for them.

Yes, perfume can affect an animal's natural behavior. For instance, scents can mask or interfere with pheromones, which are crucial for communication and mating behaviors in many species. According to studies, exposure to certain chemicals in perfumes can alter hormone levels in wildlife, leading to changes in reproductive and social behaviors.

Caution is advised when using perfumes around pets. Animals like dogs and cats have a more developed sense of smell and can be sensitive to the chemicals in perfumes. This can lead to allergic reactions or irritations. It's best to use fragrances sparingly and ensure pets are not directly exposed to avoid potential health issues.

Perfumes can pose health risks to animals, including respiratory distress, skin irritation, and allergies. Some ingredients in perfumes may also be toxic if ingested. For example, essential oils, commonly found in fragrances, can be particularly harmful to cats, causing symptoms ranging from drooling to difficulty breathing and even liver damage in severe cases.

Wildlife can be impacted by perfumes when these scents infiltrate their habitats, potentially disrupting foraging, predation, and mating activities. Chemicals from perfumes can accumulate in water sources, affecting aquatic life. Studies have shown that certain compounds in perfumes can act as endocrine disruptors, affecting the reproductive health of fish and other wildlife.

While most commercial perfumes are not designed with animal safety in mind, there are products specifically formulated for pets that can be safe when used according to instructions. These are usually free from harmful chemicals and are made to cater to an animal's sensitive sense of smell. However, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new scents to your pet's environment.