Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (2024)

It's normal to think of your cat like a family member or a sweet furry companion. However, understanding your cat's behavior is actually much more complicated than simply regarding him as another friend. In reality, cats are very different from humans in terms of both biology and psychology — and this is particularly true when it comes to diet.

When you are enjoying a delicious food (whether that's a quick snack or a full human meal), your cat may be interested in partaking in it, too. Some bold cats may be daring enough to try to steal bites of your plate. Or, they may have a tendency to try to get into human food when no one is looking. In reality, however, what they're after is probably different than what you realize — and really different than what you'd be after if you were looking to steal a bite from someone else's plate. This means that even if you are tempted to give your cat a bite of whatever you're eating, it's important to understand that not only may it not be good for them, they might not even like it.

One thing that might surprise you about cats and what they can eat is that there's a popular taste sensation that you probably really enjoy that your cat simply does not: the taste of things that are sweet. That's not because cats loved their canned food or because they prefer tuna over cake. In reality, it is because cats can't even taste sweet foods — which is an important reason why you should avoid letting your cat eat things that are sugary or high in carbohydrates.

Here's what you need to know about cats' ability to taste sweet flavors, what cats should eat and like to eat, and why you should be careful giving your cat anything that might be sugary or dessert-like.

How Sweetness is Experienced in Most Mammals (but Not Cats)

We often think about giving our cats snacks that we call "cookies" or "treats." In the human mind, we probably conjure up images of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies or sugary wafers. In reality, however, cat treats (at least those you get from the store) don't taste sweet. Instead, they probably taste like meat or fish. This is not necessarily a preference thing, though cats do enjoy the taste of protein-y foods. In reality, it's because they actually lack the biological ability to taste sweetness. One more surprising fact: cats are the only mammal that we know of that cannot taste sweetness.

Mammals experience the ability to taste thanks to the tiny bumps we call tastebuds on our tongues. These little buds are actually receptors. that can read proteins in the cells of foods, then send messages to the brain about the ingredients as they experience them. In humans, the taste of sweetness is picked up by a receptor that's comprised of two couple proteins, which are created by two genes: Tas1r2 an Tas1r4.

Tasting sweetness is important for most mammals, especially us humans, because sweetness sends our brains an important message. That message is that the food we are eating is likely high in carbohydrates. It could also be that the food is very high in vitamin content. The human body evolved to prioritize and value carbohydrates, which are packed with energy. The same is true for plant eaters or other animals that derive valuable energy from a wide variety of sources. However, cats are meat eaters, not plant eaters, and so their taste receptors tend to be different.

Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (4)

Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (5)

Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (6)

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Why Cats Can't Taste Sweetness

Ultimately, the taste receptors in a creature's mouth are reflective of that creature's diet and food choices. Cats are strictly carnivores. This means that they need meat to survive, and they crave meat as a preference for what to eat. Cats can survive exclusively on meat; they don't need carbohydrates in their diet to survive, and they don't particularly derive any nutrition from consuming carbs. Thus, their body evolved to reflect this dietary preference, and their lacks many of the important amino acids that make up the Tas1r2 gene. The result? They physically have no receptors on their tongue that can pick up the taste of sweetness.

You may have seen your cat eating a sweet food. Perhaps they were sticking their head in an ice cream carton or licking your slice of cake. In reality, the cat was probably drawn to another ingredient in the human food and not the sweet taste. Most likely, that ingredeint was fat.

When it comes to lacking the ability to taste things that are sweet, the same holds true for all cats: no felines, from cougar to kitten, Simba to Thomasina, can pick up the taste of that sugary goodness we humans love. (That lasagna that Garfield was always coveting must have been a meat lasagna!) Otherwise, cats' tasting ability is very similar to that of humans'. They can taste things that are bitter, sour, and salty, just like us.

The Benefits of Understanding that Cats Can't Taste Sweetness

OK, you might be thinking: so what? I don't feed my cat dessert anyway. Why should I care that cats can't taste sweetness? While cat's biological taste receptors might seem irrelevant to your and your pet, understanding that cats can't taste sweetness can have some very helpful benefits for the world at large.

First, knowing that cats can't taste sweet things and don't covet them can help you choose the right cat food. More affordable mass-produced cat foods today include carbohydrate ingredients. In fact, experts believe that most popular cat foods these days have around 20% carbohydrate ingredients in them. These ingredients are usually corn or grain. However, cats don't even enjoy eating those carbohydrate ingredients, and it can even be bad for them. Experts believe that many cats are getting diabetes today because so many are eating grain that they do not need and cannot process properly. So, by understanding what your can actually enjoys and wants, it can help guide you in making smarter, more informed decisions about choosing the right food for your pet.

Also, knowing that cats cannot taste sweetness may be able to help scientists and companies make better cat food. This means that people can better understand how to make a food that a cat will want to eat—even if that cat is particularly picky. This can also be important for people who are trying to make cat food that is medicinal. If a cat is sick and needs to be enticed to eat or gain weight, that food does not need to be high in sugars or carbohydrates. It should be high in protein or fatty ingredients if you are trying to make the cat feel drawn to it.

Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (7)

Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (8)

Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (9)

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Why You Should Be Careful About What You Feed Your Cat

This part probably seems obvious, but you should be mindful about what food you give your cat or allow your cat to have access to. Cats have very specific nutritional needs. If you want to both keep your beloved pet feeling well and healthy enough to live for a long time, you should make sure you meet these needs.

Here are a few basics about what you should know about cat nutrition, beyond the fact that your cat cannot taste sweetness and does not need to eat carbs or sweets.

  • Water is an essential nutrient for cats. Keeping your cat hydrated is just as important (if not more) than ensuring your cat is properly fed.

  • Your cat needs protein. Animal sources of protein are good choices since your cat is naturally a carnivore.

  • Fat is important in your cat's diet because it helps keep their skin and coat healthy. Many meat and fish sources have essential fatty acids in them.

  • Cats can become overweight easily, just like humans. Be mindful not to give your cat too much food, or food that is too high in carbohydrates and thus too packed with calories. Cat obesity can cause a slew of problems for your pet, including joint pain, diabetes, liver problems, and more.

Can Cats Taste Sweet Food? (2024)

FAQs

What do cats taste when they eat something sweet? ›

The truth is, cats don't like or dislike sweetness. In fact, they can't taste “sweet” at all! Cats only have 470 taste buds. Compare this to 1,700 in dogs, and 9,000 in humans.

Can cats smell sweet things? ›

Cats lack the genes that would enable them to develop taste buds to detect sweet flavors, because the amino acids in meat contain very few simple sugars.

What foods can cats taste? ›

According to Scientific American, cats are the only mammals that lack taste receptors for sweetness. They do seem to have taste receptors for sour, bitter, salty, umami (savoriness) and possibly fat along with a taste for something we don't have: adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Can my cat eat sugar? ›

Is sugar bad for cats? As obligate carnivores, cats don't have much of a sweet tooth. Your pet's natural diet consists of protein, fat, and other nutrients they'd normally harness from freshly killed prey. Like most carbohydrates, sugar isn't toxic to cats but shouldn't exceed 3% of their daily meals.

What flavor do cats like best? ›

The most popular are seafood and poultry: salmon, tuna, whitefish, shrimp, chicken and turkey. Look for a wet cat food that has chunks of meat or fish blended with gravy for a smooth and easy-to-digest texture. The food should be protein-rich and have a nice aroma the cat enjoys.

What is toxic to cats? ›

Insecticides: Insecticides containing organophosphates and carbamates are highly toxic to cats. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, muscle tremors and seizures. Insecticides that contain Pyrethrins and pyrethyoids can be toxic to cats too.

What flavor can a cat not taste? ›

Cats Can't Taste Sweetness, Study Finds Some scientists have long suspected that cats, which are strict carnivores, are "sweet blind." Now there's proof: Cats lack the receptor for sweetness.

What is a cat's best sense? ›

Smell. A cat's sense of smell is the primary way he identifies people and objects. Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses; humans have just 5 million. Their sense of smell is 14 times better than that of humans.

What can cats see that humans can t? ›

A cat's vision is similar to a human who is color blind. They can see shades of blue and green, but reds and pinks can be confusing. These may appear more green, while purple can look like another shade of blue. Cats also don't see the same richness of hues and saturation of colors that we can.

How Far Can cats smell their owners? ›

How Far Can Cats Smell Their Owners? While there is little research to go on, one study found that cats can smell their owners and find their way back home from 1.5 to 4 miles away. Cats possess a natural homing instinct, which explains why some cats that go missing suddenly show up at their front door the next day.

Do cats have inner thoughts? ›

Until then, we can only make conclusions about what and how cats think through an analysis of their communication and behaviour. Yes, they do think with their brain. But, the way they regard emotions is very different from the way we do—for instance, loyalty.

What sweet foods can cats eat? ›

Many cats enjoy small pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew or seedless watermelon. Plus, melon is high in vitamins A and C. While cats, unlike humans, don't require veggies in their diet, they can be a safe and healthy treat. Your cat might nosh on some cooked carrots, but avoid raw ones as they may be a choking hazard.

Why are cats afraid of cucumbers? ›

Cats are hard-wired to be very territorial of their food, and for all they know, this cucumber may be poised to steal some kibble. A cat sees that cucumber is a threat, and when confronted with a "threatening situation," explain PAWS Chicago, cats respond with fear and anxiety.

Can cats have ice cream? ›

Most cats are lactose intolerant

This means that consuming lactose—which milk and most kinds of ice cream contain—can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting in cats. Furthermore, with its typical sugar, fat, and dairy content, ice cream can contribute to obesity in cats.

What kind of food is irresistible to cats? ›

Use a different bait- For many cats, regular canned cat food will work just fine. But for the “big guns,” we recommend extra-special, fragrant bait. Canned mackerel, canned sardines, or canned tuna are great options! Fresh and warmed fried chicken can also be very enticing.

What food do cats find irresistible? ›

Try these baits that cats find irresistible:
  • Jarred baby food (no onions!)
  • Catnip.
  • Boil Valerian Root in water and douse the trap in the fragrant broth.
  • Instead of canned tuna in oil, try mackerel, canned cat food, sardines, anchovies, or cooked chicken.

What should cats not have? ›

Though cats can eat some vegetables, onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, shallots, and chives are particularly harmful to cats, causing gastrointestinal problems and even damage to red blood cells. Foods containing these vegetables and herbs, such as garlic bread, should be avoided, as well. Xylitol.

Why does my cat guard me when I pee? ›

Your cat guards you in the bathroom because he feels it's his duty to protect you at that time. When cats pee, they are also afraid, and they assume you are as well, so they defend you, attempting to make you feel secure.

Can cats see color? ›

Yes, cats can see colours! Although they can't appreciate the full spectrum and the vast variety of shades that we humans can, their world isn't solely black and white like many previously believed.

Do cats like ice cream? ›

While cats can't taste sweetness, they still love vanilla ice cream. They love any type of ice cream for that matter. This is because felines are attracted to the high carb and fat contents of dairy products, such as vanilla ice cream and whole milk.

Can cats tell when you're sad? ›

Can Cats Sense Depression? It appears that cats can sense human moods as well as depression. Cats are observant and intuitive, and this allows them to understand emotional cues from humans. So when you are depressed, they can sense that too.

How do you say love you in cat? ›

4 Ways to Tell Your Cat "I Love You!" - YouTube

What do cats hear when we talk to them? ›

Do Cats Understand Us - What Do We Sound Like To Them?! - YouTube

Are cats smarter than dogs? ›

Though this data might seem to suggest that dogs are twice as intelligent as cats, a direct correlation between larger brain size and increased intelligence has not been conclusively proven. Regardless, dogs' higher neuron count is often viewed as a gauge of their superior intelligence.

What Do cats think about all day? ›

During the day, cats recall memories, consider them, and adjust future behavior. Cats don't spend their time thinking about their day or how they feel. Also, cats don't have idle thoughts as they lack a default mode network, and they can't think in a language as they lack Wernicke-like areas.

Why cats get the Zoomies? ›

What causes the zoomies? Cats of all ages naturally have lots of energy, especially kittens and younger cats. It is simply an effective way to burn off excess energy for these creatures who sleep much of the day (anywhere between 12 to 16 hours a day).

Do cats have a sense of time? ›

As with dogs, cats have a limited concept of time: they can learn to distinguish between different time intervals but only when these intervals are limited to a few seconds.

Is it true cats cant taste sugar? ›

Due to their physiological requirement for a meat based diet, cats appear to be one of the few animals on the planet that cannot taste sugar. Although they have taste buds just like we do, the receptors on their tongues that are responsible for detecting sweetness are not particularly sensitive.

Can cats taste vanilla? ›

Vanilla is sometimes okay to give to felines.

As an ingredient, it doesn't actually add much to the food but flavor. Therefore, your cat can technically eat as much as they want without any negative effects. (In fact, vanilla is so safe for practically all creatures that it is commonly used as a flavoring for babies.

Can cats taste fruit? ›

Can Cats Eat Fruit? Unlike dogs, cats aren't interested in the sweetness of fruit as they do not have any sweet taste receptors on their tongue. Vetstreet explains, fruit can be a good option (in moderation, of course) as a substitute for cat treats.

Can cats taste milk? ›

Cats love the taste of milk because it is high in fat. They will often choose to drink it even if it results in an upset stomach. If your cat is fed a high quality, balanced diet they do not need the extra fat from drinking milk, no matter how much they like it.

Is it OK to give a cat ice cream? ›

Most cats are lactose intolerant

This means that consuming lactose—which milk and most kinds of ice cream contain—can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting in cats.

Why do cats love ice cream? ›

Why Do Cats Like Vanilla Ice Cream? While cats can't taste sweetness, they still love vanilla ice cream. They love any type of ice cream for that matter. This is because felines are attracted to the high carb and fat contents of dairy products, such as vanilla ice cream and whole milk.

Do cats have a sweet tooth? ›

Genetic analysis explains pets' indifference to sugary treats. Life is a little less sweet for cats: an analysis of their genes shows that they lack functioning taste receptors for sugar. Throw a dog a bone or a bonbon and he'll enjoy either.

Can cats eat french fries? ›

If your cat ate cooked french fries, you don't need to worry. The fries won't harm them, but it's not a healthy food choice for cats. Make sure you don't let your cat eat fries too often; this should be a rare treat.

Can cats eat peanut butter? ›

Although many cats love the taste of this salty and sweet spread, cat parents should avoid giving their feline friends peanut butter. It provides no nutritional value and, more importantly, certain ingredients, like fat and added artificial sweeteners, can be harmful or even toxic to cats.

Can cats have ice? ›

The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat ice. After all, as long as it's just clean water, ice can be especially refreshing for cats when it comes to summer time. Of course, you must ask your vet before giving your cat ice, just to make sure kitty's teeth are in good shape.

What fruit is toxic to cats? ›

Steer clear of: Cherries are toxic to cats and dogs, and grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit as well as persimmons can cause an upset stomach.

Do cats like music? ›

Several studies have proven that felines do like cat-appropriate music to the extent that they even rub against the speakers. The secret of cat music is that the notes are similar in frequency to the notes feline purr to, or the low-pitched and high-pitched sounds they communicate with, such as meowing.

Do cats like kisses? ›

The truth is that some cats don't mind kisses, while others hate them. But even if you have a cat that doesn't mind kisses, they don't understand them as signs of affection. To them, a kiss is no different than a scratch of the belly, a pat on the head, or just about any other form of physical contact.

Are cats smarter than dogs? ›

Though this data might seem to suggest that dogs are twice as intelligent as cats, a direct correlation between larger brain size and increased intelligence has not been conclusively proven. Regardless, dogs' higher neuron count is often viewed as a gauge of their superior intelligence.

Are cats loyal? ›

While many people think that cats are standoffish and aloof, the truth is that they are loyal, loving companions (just like dogs). The key is that cats show their love in very different ways than dogs. Usually, those expressions of love are fairly subtle, so we miss them.

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