CIVET

Use

Civet is a glandular secretion produced by both sexes of the civet cat (Viverridae). Two species are known: Civettictis civetta, which inhabits Ethiopia, and Viverra zibetha, found in India and Southeast Asia. The animals are kept in cages, and the fresh secretion is taken from the pouches at regular (about 1-week) intervals. Civet is almost liquid with a light yellow color. It darkens when exposed to light and takes on a consistency similar to that of salve. In dilutions (e.g., as an alcoholic tincture), civet has a pleasant, sweetish odor. A resinoid prepared by extraction with acetone is a dark brown-red mass. Civetone is themain odoriferous constituent of civet (2.5–3.4%). Civet contains other macrocyclic ketones such as cyclohexa- and cycloheptadecanone and (Z)-6-cycloheptadecenone. Traces of indole and skatole contribute to the animal note. Civet has a distinctly different odor frommusk andwas formerly a versatile ingredient of fine fragrances.