Cats may not possess as many taste buds as humans do, but they appear to be able to detect sour, salty and bitter flavors.
Cats do not possess a gene that allows them to recognize sweet tastes like humans and dogs do, so they will never enjoy these sensations as fully.
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Sour
Cats, being obligate carnivores, require meat as their main source of protein. As such, they have little need for sweet flavors like sugar or dextrose – a crystallized form of glucose.
It has long been believed to be a protective trait against unhealthy diets, since too much sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes.
Sour cat food, such as TEMPTATIONS Block Party BBQ Flavor adult dry cat food, can be an effective way to make mealtime more appealing for your feline friend. Not only does its unique flavor increase palatability and provide 35 essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids for strong bones and teeth, it’s also filled with 35 essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids!
Bitter
Cats, like humans and dogs, possess taste buds that detect salty, sour and sweet tastes. Though they also possess some bitter receptors, these don’t appear to be as sensitive to bitterness as humans or dogs are.
Scientists have long suggested that the ability to taste bitter evolved as a safeguard against ingestion of poisonous plants. This theory has been supported by studies showing some carnivores, such as sea lions and spotted hyenas, have lost their capacity for sweetness.
Recently, a study published in PLOS ONE revealed that cats still possess the capacity to taste bitter. The researchers investigated two distinct cat taste receptor genes called Tas2r38 and Tas2r43 to uncover this phenomenon.
Salty
Salt is often included in pet food to enhance flavor or serve as a preservative, keeping it fresh longer.
When searching for the ideal cat food, make sure it contains only minimal salt and is natural from a reliable source. Furthermore, avoid foods that contain too many artificial ingredients which could be hazardous to your furry friend.
Protein is another essential ingredient to check the label for on products. Make sure this comes from an identified whole meat source, free from feathers and heads.
By-product meal is a commonly used ingredient in cat foods and should be derived from clean poultry parts or carcasses, free from feathers and entrails. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case; some brands will combine both elements together.
Sweet
Sweetness is often a key element in food appeal. It also signals warmth (a trait common among predators), as well as animal protein content (e.g., milk or cream).
However, cats don’t naturally appreciate sweet tastes – they are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies were made to process meat and can’t digest sugars. This may have evolved out of health concerns since too much sugar can be detrimental for kitties in large amounts.
Umami
Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University first coined the term umami in 1908; it can be roughly translated as “yummy deliciousness” or a pleasant savoury taste.
Food historian Ken Albala describes umami as a “brothy” flavor, noting that it is “a savory chemical sensation akin to the saltiness, acidity and sweetness of broth.” According to food historians, umami tastes are stimulated by glutamic acid and nitric oxide amino acids.
Foods rich in umami can increase appetite, help you maintain a healthy weight, and leave you feeling satisfied after a meal. And these delectable flavors can be found in many processed foods.
Thankfully, you can give your cat the umami taste they crave in her food without adding any artificial chemicals. Gilpa umami cat food is made with high quality human-grade ingredients and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
