Cakes, ice creams, sweets, snacks, ... all this is a real temptation for many people. It's really hard to resist trying even one bite, right? However, the cat cannot taste it in the same way that we can.
In fact, by its own instinct what it does is Avoid sugary foods. But Why don't cats perceive the sweet taste? This curiosity has a scientific explanation related to its genetics, evolution, and dietAnd getting to know it helps you take better care of your health.
Evolutionary adaptation of the cat's palate
Cats, like all other living beings, have adapted to the conditions of their natural environment. Thus, in order to survive, their bodies have undergone various changes that have ultimately transformed them into... one of the best hunters in the world. As a consequence of his diet, he has developed a specific palateNot only is it not capable of perceiving the sweet taste, but it does not really need it since the basic food, the meat, does not have that flavor.
The cats are obligate carnivoresThis means that their natural diet consists almost exclusively of the meat of their prey. Their bodies have become specialized in making the most of the animal proteins and fatsand for this reason they have developed taste buds that detect mainly amino acids and other components typical of meat. Sugars and carbohydrates have barely played a part in their evolutionary diet, so They haven't needed to develop a taste for sweets.
This specialization also has an adaptive advantage: by not being attracted to foods high in sugarsCats focus on hunting prey, not on finding fruits or other plant-based foods that don't meet their nutritional needs. Their palate, therefore, is designed for seek out quality animal protein and not energy from carbohydrates, as happens to us humans.
The science of sweet taste in cats
Sweet taste is perceived by specific receptors on the tongue, called T1R2 y T1R3In humans, dogs, and many other mammals, these two proteins work together to recognize sugars and send the signal to the brain that we interpret as a sweet taste.
Something very different happens in cats: The gene that codes for the T1R2 protein is mutated and it works like a pseudogeneThat is, a gene that has lost its function. As a result, the sugar receptor is incomplete and It cannot be activated correctlyWithout this essential component, cats simply They don't perceive the sweetnesseven if the food has a lot of sugar.
Despite having fewer taste buds (around 470Unlike dogs and humans, cats compensate for this lower amount with a highly developed sense of smell which also plays a role in taste perception. Its taste buds are more specialized in detecting flavors associated with meat and potentially dangerous substances, such as bitter compounds, which are difficult to recognize in sugar.
In addition, the cat's tongue is covered with filiform papillae in the shape of small, backward-curving barbs, responsible for its rough textureThese structures help you to grooming and removing bits of meat of the bones, but they do not play a role in the perception of sweet taste. The mushroom-shaped taste buds, located on the tip and sides of the tongue, are responsible for recognizing the flavors available to this species.
Flavors that cats can perceive
The cat only perceives the sour, salty and bitter tasteIt can also detect taste umamiIt is related to amino acids and animal proteins, which they find particularly appealing. They need nothing more to survive and avoid consuming toxic substances.
It is believed that the detection of the bitter It is very important to recognize toxic secretions of some prey or animals, such as certain amphibians, as well as spoiled food. This natural aversion to bitterness acts as protection mechanism in the face of possible poisonings.
Cats also have receptors sensitive to watercapable of perceiving slightly bitter or acidic flavors in it. For this reason, some cats show a marked preference for it. fresh running water, such as that which comes from the tap or from special sources, where these nuances are better perceived.
Although they can't taste the sweetness, cats enjoy a wide variety of taste and smell sensationsFactors such as smell, temperature, texture, and nutritional content all play a role. This explains why some kibble or canned food is much more appealing to them than others, even if they seem similar to us.
Why some cats seem to enjoy sweets
Now, humans can get used to trying different flavors during the first six months of life. To do this, what we can do is, for example, give him wet cat food (cans), homemade chicken broth (boneless), cat treats, and very occasionally (once a week or less) pieces of cooked ham, some ice cream -not chocolate-, or the odd potato chip.
Although cats don't perceive sweet tastes, many people observe that their feline shows interest in ice cream, yogurt, or cakesThis is not due to sugar, but to other factors: creamy texture, the fat contentThe smell of milk or even the temperature of the food. Their attention is drawn to these components and not to the sweetness itself, which they are unable to detect.
In some cases, cats can become accustomed to certain human snacks because they associated them with a certain food from a young age. positive experience along with its caregiver, or because the mother was exposed to certain flavors during gestation and lactation. The mother cat's diet can influence the puppies' taste preferences through the placenta and milk, so that babies tend to better accept the flavors they knew as safe before birth.
It has also been observed that early experience And the individual characteristics of each cat (genetics, habits, level of curiosity) influence why some seem more adventurous with human food. However, even if a cat asks for something sweet, its body is still not prepared for it. process the sugars wellTherefore, it is not advisable to offer them to them.
Consequences of sugar and carbohydrates on your health
This inability to perceive sweetness is directly related to their nutritional needsUnlike humans, who get their energy from carbohydrates and sugars, cats get their energy primarily from... animal proteins and fatsYour metabolism is not designed to process large amounts of carbohydrates, and sugar can even be harmful to your health.
When sugary or refined flour foods are overused in a cat's diet, the risk of obesity, diabetes and digestive disordersThe feline body does not process excess glucose well, and this can accumulate or disrupt their metabolic balance. Furthermore, most human sweets contain other ingredients that are dangerous for them, such as chocolate or artificial sweeteners.
So, for your own good, It is important that we only feed him feed, wet food or Barf dietbecause it's the only way to prevent illness from ingesting something toxic. It should always be done food specifically formulated for catsthat meet their needs for protein, fats, vitamins and minerals without adding unnecessary sugars.
Quality commercial cat foods are formulated to be highly palatable using animal proteins and appropriate fats, without relying on sweetness to be appealing. This allows us to respect the carnivorous nature of the cat and reduce the risk of overweight problems and metabolic diseases in the medium and long term.
Sweet foods and other products you should avoid
Cats don't need sweet tastes to live, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep potentially harmful foods out of their reach, such as... chocolate or children's sweets. Even a small amount can cause problems.
Foods to avoid include:
- ChocolateIt contains theobromine, a substance toxic to cats and dogs. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures.
- candy and gumMany contain sweeteners such as xylitolwhich can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures, lethargy, and serious metabolic disturbances.
- Very sugary foodsCakes, pastries, condensed milk, or other desserts contain large amounts of sugar and unsuitable fats, which overload the cat's digestive system.
- Excessive dairyMost adult cats are intolerant to lactoseConsuming milk or dairy products rich in lactose can cause diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain.
If your cat ever accidentally ingests any of these products, it is advisable to Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.especially if you notice digestive symptoms, changes in behavior, or signs of poisoning.
Knowing that cats don't perceive sweet tastes and understanding how their palate works helps us to offer them appropriate food. adapted to its speciesAvoiding human indulgences that could harm them. Always choosing food specifically formulated for cats and reserving treats for people is the best way to protect their long-term well-being.