I'm a big fan of Rosendo Mateu 5, which Babycat is always compared to. Vanilla is my favorite note, I like the animal print this was inspired by and I obviously adore baby cats (who doesn't?). So I was already sure that I wouldn't hate this before I even tried it, and it really is quite a lovely fragrance.
It has the same blend of sweetness, muskiness and sharp saffron that RM 5 has, so this is not a simple vanilla scent. I wouldn't say the two are twins though.
Babycat starts out quite spa-like and even herbal. I have no idea where this is coming from, nothing in the notes list indicates a herbal scent, but I got it every time I sampled this. This is something I don't get in RM 5 and can honestly do without.
The next difference I notice is that the vanilla in here is warmer and more buttery, which I love. It's mixed with a cool, almost soapy frankincense note. Together they feel soothing and cozy, but the saffron and pepper keep everything lively.
This is a scent of contrasts that come together in harmony.
There is something smokey about this, too, but if you want an even smokier version of this scent profile, you also need to try Queen of the Night by The Merchant of Venice.
There is one thing that I love in 5 and don't get in Babycat (or Queen of the Night), and that's the heavy dose of floral creaminess. It just takes the scent to a whole new level.
I would say that these are different enough to own both, but I know that I would always reach for 5 if I had to chose. So I don't need Babycat in my life. My bank account surely feels relieved.
