--- title: "Cats and taste: their perception of bitter & sweet" description: "\"Results of recent research could explain why our cats are such picky eaters\"" image: https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Cat-eats-5.jpg --- [![almonature-logo-4](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg) ](https://www.almonature.com/en/?hsLang=en-gb) ![EN](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/country_flags/gb.svg) [![almonature-logo-4](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg) ](https://www.almonature.com/en/?hsLang=en-gb) - Products - [Companion for Life](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life?hsLang=en-gb) - Call for Projects - About us - [Where to buy](https://www.almonature.com/it/trova-un-negozio?hsLang=en-gb) Products - Cat Food - Dog Food - Cat Litter Cat Food - [All Cat Food](https://www.almonature.com/it/prodotti-per-gatti?hsLang=en-gb) - [Functional](https://www.almonature.com/it/alimenti-funzionali?hsLang=en-gb) - [Kibble](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-crocchette?hsLang=en-gb) - [Wet food](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-umido?hsLang=en-gb) - [Snack](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-snack?hsLang=en-gb) [![bio-diversity-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/bio-diversity-menu-icon.png) Impact on biodiversity ](https://www.almonature.com/it/impatto-sulla-biodiversit%C3%A0?hsLang=en-gb) [![nutritional-advice-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/nutritional-advice-menu-icon.png) Cat nutrition advice ](https://www.almonature.com/it/consiglio-nutrizionale-gatto?hsLang=en-gb) Dog Food - [All Dog Food](https://www.almonature.com/it/prodotti-per-cani?hsLang=en-gb) - [Kibble](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-crocchette?hsLang=en-gb) - [Wet food](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-umido?hsLang=en-gb) - [Snack](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-snack?hsLang=en-gb) [![bio-diversity-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/bio-diversity-menu-icon.png) Impact on biodiversity ](https://www.almonature.com/it/impatto-sulla-biodiversit%C3%A0?hsLang=en-gb) [![nutritional-advice-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/nutritional-advice-menu-icon.png) Dog nutrition advice ](https://www.almonature.com/it/consiglio-nutrizionale-cane?hsLang=en-gb) Cat Litter - [All Litter](https://www.almonature.com/it/lettiere?hsLang=en-gb) - [Soft Texture](https://www.almonature.com/it/catlitter-soft-texture?hsLang=en-gb) - [Grain Texture](https://www.almonature.com/it/catlitter-grain-texture?hsLang=en-gb) Call for Projects - [Home Page](https://www.almonature.com/it/re-community?hsLang=en-gb) - [Participating projects](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/projects?hsLang=en-gb) - [International commission](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/re-community-giuria?hsLang=en-gb) - [FAQs](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/faqs-domande-frequenti?hsLang=en-gb) - [Download the call for projects](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/re-community-projects/UK-Companion-for-Life-Call-for-Project-Annex-1-and-2.pdf?hsLang=en-gb) About us - [Brand Profile](https://www.almonature.com/it/manifesto?hsLang=en-gb) - [Our history](https://www.almonature.com/it/la-storia?hsLang=en-gb) - [The company](https://www.almonature.com/it/rendicontazione?hsLang=en-gb) - [Reintegration Economy](https://www.almonature.com/it/reintegration-economy?hsLang=en-gb) ![Cats and taste: their perception of bitter & sweet](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Cat-eats-5.jpg) A savvy pet owner knows the key to optimal **health of their cat** is good **nutrition**. Yet often when served their **food –** be it wet, dry or organic –  **our pet's response** to the dish can be somewhat unpredictable. Recent research that set out to explore cats' responses to bitter tastes may be able to shed some light on  **why our cats can be so finicky around food**.  ### **The study: comparing human and feline tastes** The study from  **AFB International** and **Integral Molecular,** which was published on peer-reviewed journal  *BMC Neuroscience,* set out to evaluate the response of two cat taste receptors, **Tas2r38 and Tas2r43, **to bitter compounds. The only 'certainty' in advance of this intriguing research was the fact that **cats lack the ability to taste sweetness**. Because of this knowledge, gleaned from previous research, it was assumed that domestic felines could be 'victims' of an excessive perception to bitter flavours. To confirm this conjecture, using cells grown in the laboratory the researchers tested the reactions of these receptors on organic compounds that are known for being particularly sour for human palates: *phenylthiocarbamide* and *6-n-propylthiouracil*, which have molecular structures similar to substances found in Brussels sprouts and broccoli. The researchers also tested the receptors for response to *aloin* (a substance found in several species of plant including the aloe plant) and *denatonium,* the bitterest chemical compound known.The sour combination, which would floor even the most stoic eater, has helped to clarify that a cat's Tas2r38 bitter receptor is much less sensitive to *phenylthiocarbamide* in comparison to the corresponding human receptor, but it was completely indifferent to the bitterness of the *6-n-propylthiouracil* compound. Like its human counterpart, the cat receptor Tas2r43 was slightly stimulated by the *aloin* but noticeably more sensitive to the *denatonium* than the human receptor. This last conclusion provided firm evidence to scholars: **cats perceive bitter tastes to a greater extent ** **than we do.**  ### **How to make food appealing to cats: the theories of the scholars** Thanks to the results of the study, we can better understand why our cats come across as fussy eaters. The proof is in, cats perceive the bitter taste in food much more than humans do, meaning food that tastes bland to us could represent a really unpleasant gastronomic experience for our feline friends. The research also gives scientists hope regarding the administration of medicines – a real issue for cats and their owners – giving rise to the possibility of creating compounds that block or inhibit the receptor **Tas2r43**, thus making medicines and foods more palatable to our cats. Meanwhile, **the natural nutritional suggestion by Almo Nature,** to feed a cat a diet that is made up of [**wet**](https://www.almonature.com/en/product-details/legend-cat/?hsLang=en-gb) and [**dry**](https://www.almonature.com/en/product-details/holistic-cat/?hsLang=en-gb) food that respects a cat's strictly carnivorous nature, stands true. #### Related Articles [![Cats. Eating according to nature: the principle of rotation](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/cats-eating-3.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-eating-according-nature-principle-rotation?hsLang=en-gb) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) June 24,2015 ###### [Cats. Eating according to nature: the principle of rotation](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-eating-according-nature-principle-rotation?hsLang=en-gb) Given their great ability to adapt and survive, **cats** are often thought of as animals that are easy to feed. Unfortunately, this belief is often proved wrong. **Cats**, which... [![Testing on animals: Almo Nature's position](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/testing-animals-almonature-3.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/testing-on-animals-almo-nature-position?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Product stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/product-stories) June 24,2015 ###### [Testing on animals: Almo Nature's position](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/testing-on-animals-almo-nature-position?hsLang=en-gb) ### **Almo Nature is against animal testing** We do not test our products on animals. A choice that influences the company's entire nutritional philosophy, and in turn, the... [![HFC: natural wet recipes – Almo Nature tradition](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/LegendClassic1140-2.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/hfc-wet-recipes-almo-nature-tradition?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Product stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/product-stories) June 24,2015 ###### [HFC: natural wet recipes – Almo Nature tradition](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/hfc-wet-recipes-almo-nature-tradition?hsLang=en-gb) [HFC wet recipes](https://www.almonature.com/en_GB/product/hfc-cat/?hsLang=en-gb) are the traditional choice for a high-quality food for cats; the ideal solution to satisfy even the most discerning palates. ### **Why choose these products?** ... [![Grass awns the enemy of summer](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Blog-post_1140x630_main-2.webp) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/grass-awns-enemy?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Danger,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/danger) [Vet](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/vet) June 24,2015 ###### [Grass awns the enemy of summer](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/grass-awns-enemy?hsLang=en-gb) ***Practical advice from the clinic*** Called differently in different regions and parts of the world the Bromus grass or grass awn is nothing but the ear of the grass. Its... [![Summer + Cat + Feeding routine… what's the best approach?](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/miron-cristina-HW_6USwudbo-unsplash-Dec-21-2021-12-03-04-03-PM.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/summer-cat-feeding-routine-whats-the-best-approach?hsLang=en-gb) [Uncategorized](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/uncategorized) June 24,2015 ###### [Summer + Cat + Feeding routine… what's the best approach?](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/summer-cat-feeding-routine-whats-the-best-approach?hsLang=en-gb)   The summer is just around the corner with its glorious weather and sunshine. A time to enjoy but also a time to be extra vigilant around your companion animal. Cats and... [![100% HFC Rice: the only cereal chosen to prepare Alternative](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Rice-1140x675-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/100-hfc-rice-the-only-cereal-chosen-to-prepare-alternative?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Product stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/product-stories) June 24,2015 ###### [100% HFC Rice: the only cereal chosen to prepare Alternative](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/100-hfc-rice-the-only-cereal-chosen-to-prepare-alternative?hsLang=en-gb) Alternative and Alternative 170 recipes are **single cereal**: both formulations contain a unique source of carbohydrates, namely  **100% HFC rice** – i.e. rice that was... [![Raw Pack Recipes: How best to serve them](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Almo-Nature_Cat-Wet-food-Instructions_Slider-2700x1050px_EN-1.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/raw-pack-recipes-how-best-to-serve-them?hsLang=en-gb) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Product stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/product-stories) June 24,2015 ###### [Raw Pack Recipes: How best to serve them](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/raw-pack-recipes-how-best-to-serve-them?hsLang=en-gb) *Alternative, Green Label and Classic: three different wet cat food lines prepared using an innovative “raw pack" cooking method. Let's find out more about its...* [![Holistic with fresh meat: NEW packaging, SAME quality](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Post_v_02-1-2.png) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/holistic-with-fresh-meat-new-packaging-same-quality?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Product stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/product-stories) June 24,2015 ###### [Holistic with fresh meat: NEW packaging, SAME quality](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/holistic-with-fresh-meat-new-packaging-same-quality?hsLang=en-gb) **Our Holistic range offers a complete nutritional meal for dogs, whether they are small or big, young or old, fussy or non-fussy, this range offers recipes and meals that...** - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-taste-their-perception-of-bitter-sweet?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-taste-their-perception-of-bitter-sweet?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-taste-their-perception-of-bitter-sweet?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-taste-their-perception-of-bitter-sweet?hsLang=en-gb) [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-taste-their-perception-of-bitter-sweet?hsLang=en-gb) ![Chat with us](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/icons/chat-icon.png) AlmoNature AI ![Close chat](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/icons/close-icon.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Almo Nature", "url" : "https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/author/almonature" }, "dateModified" : "2022-02-06T03:08:52.606Z", "datePublished" : "2015-06-24T22:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Cats and taste: their perception of bitter & sweet", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-taste-their-perception-of-bitter-sweet", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg" }, "name" : "Almo Nature S.p.A" } } ```