Zoo seeks donations of Calvin Klein Obsession for its big cats

If you didn't know, now you know: Big cats can have little a perfume, as a treat.

Experts have known for years that tigers, leopards, lions, and their other large felines are fans of fragrances, particularly Calvin Klein's Obsession for Men. Zoos all over the world incorporate scents into their animal enrichment programs, and big cats are known to roll around excitedly (presumably to replace the scent with their own) when the right smell hits.

There's a scientific reason for this, as the New York Times reported in 2018: Cats love civetone, a pheremone secreted by a mammal called the civet. It's also frequently manufactured synthetically for use in perfumes, which is how it made its way to zoo animals' adoring nostrils.

Big cats' Obsession obsession is in the news again thanks to a BBC article about the Banham Zoo in Norfolk, England, which recently called for perfume donations for its lions, tigers, and leopards.

"For some reason Calvin Klein perfume is a huge hit with all the big cats," zoo animal manager Mike Woolham told the BBC. However, the cats reportedly love a wide range of scents — especially musky ones — so those looking to Marie Kondo their collections should bring 'em all.

According to an AP report, ocelots at Carolina Tiger Rescue are big fans of Axe Body Spray, while one leopard (who is perhaps an anomaly) favors fruity, lemony fragrances. At Halloween, the rescue sprays hollowed-out pumpkins with each animal's favorite scent, then fills the pumpkins with meat for a delicious snack.

And zookeeper Dan Baker, who's worked at several American zoos, tells Mashable that Victoria's Secret Bombshell and Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar were favorites among the tigers. Worth noting: Obsession also has vanilla notes.

The taste!