Reuters article of interest: Why cats will never live the sweet life

[steely]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Cats may like ice cream, but it is not the sugary taste that appeals to them because they are genetically unable to taste sweet flavors, researchers reported on Monday.

Domestic cats and big cats alike have a slightly different version of the sweet receptor gene than other mammals, the British and U.S. scientists found.

"I say jokingly, no wonder cats are cranky -- not only do they have to hunt for their food, but they also can't enjoy a sweet dessert," Brand said.


Interesting press-release from the Monel Center. May explain why boobookitty can be so durned finicky.

Wasn't sure where to post this - on LBN, GD, or here with the rest of the cat lovers. Sorry if a dupe.

[SoCalDem]

1. Marvin eats grapes, ice cream, cookies, doritos, popcorn

macaroni & cheese, strawberries.. Basically anything WE eat.. He goes berserk when he hears the spoon hit the side of a china bowl.. The ICE CREAM receptor in his little pea-brain goes off.. He will not leave us alone until he has licked the bowl clean..

OTOH he hates sherbet:)

[steely]

2. Information is compelling, but I have to agree with you.

Our last cat insisted on having the rasins from my tea biscuit.
If we left them out, she'd chew thru the bag.

If it's true (the article), that'd tend to raise a lot of questions (and be sad for kitties).

[SoCalDem]

3. Marvin also chews through every bread wrapper he can get

and "customizes" the bread slices. We rarely get "pristine bread" anymore.. He prefers whole wheat though:)

[prole_for_peace]

4. i don't know...

my previous cat loved cottage cheese with pineapple juice. she wouldn't eat plain cottage cheese. it had to have the juice. and she also preferred the milk left in the bowl after my frosted flakes to plain old milk.

[AlienGirl]

5. Then why do cats lick powdered sugar off of donuts?

I've known several cats who did this. They didn't eat the donut, just licked all the sugar off. :shrug:

Tucker

[SoCalDem]

6. Because they are cats.. and they can do anything they like

my cats are odd. they turn up their noses at tuna or meat, but they love the carbs :)