Cats Cannot Taste Sweet

Cats are the only mammals that cannot taste sweetness. They lack a functional gene that produces the protein needed to detect sweet tastes. This genetic mutation occurred in their evolutionary ancestors and has been passed down to all modern cats, including lions, tigers, and domestic cats. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they have no biological need to detect sweet foods like fruits. Their taste buds are highly specialized to detect amino acids and other proteins found in meat. This is why cats show no interest in sweet foods that might appeal to other animals or humans.