Why can't cats taste sweetness? What makes tuna so irresistible? And why do their food preferences change with age? Scientists at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute and Royal Canin are uncovering the answers.
As many owners know firsthand, cats are famously picky eaters. But behind their food preferences lies some fascinating science.
From the way cats detect flavors to how their senses change over time, research across Mars is helping us better understand what cats need to live healthier lives.
Unlike humans, cats lack the functional sweet-taste receptor. Instead, their gustatory system is particularly attuned to savory tastes.
In a 2023 study published in Chemical Senses(Opens a new window), researchers at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute explored how cats detect umami – the savory taste associated with compounds found in meat and fish.
Understanding these differences helps scientists better understand what makes food and specific flavors appealing to cats, whose sensory experiences are very different from our own – and from other pets.
Ever wondered why so many cats seem to love tuna?
Research led by Dr. Scott McGrane at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute found that cats' umami receptors respond to particular combinations of nucleotides and amino acids.
Tuna contains a distinctive combination of these compounds, creating what Scott describes as "the umami sweet spot" for cats.
And taste isn't the only factor influencing their preferences.
Additional research supported by Waltham(Opens a new window) has revealed that cats' complex nasal structures work in a way similar to sophisticated laboratory equipment used to analyze aromas.
Together, these discoveries are helping scientists understand how cats experience food through both taste and smell.
As cats age, their taste senses can change, influencing which foods they find appealing.
Research highlighted by Royal Canin in a recent New York Times feature(Opens a new window) explores how some taste sensitivities can diminish with age, while the perception of bitterness remains.
At Royal Canin's pet center in Aimargues, France, researchers study cats' feeding behavior and preferences through observation, helping inform the development of nutrition tailored to their changing needs.
Royal Canin's wider research into food palatability(Opens a new window) and digestibility also highlights why ensuring food is appealing is particularly important for cats with specific health conditions and needs.
The science behind better nutrition
From Waltham's discoveries about feline taste and smell to Royal Canin's research into feeding behavior and healthy aging, science is helping us understand cats on their own terms.
By combining insights into how cats experience food with expertise in nutrition, Mars is working to develop approaches that support their health and wellbeing throughout their lives.
Because the better we understand what cats need, the better we can care for them.
