Pandora, Explained

[lagilman]

Genetic flaw leaves felines without sweet tooth
Monday, July 25, 2005; Posted: 12:55 p.m. EDT (16:55 GMT)

Researchers found a dysfunctional feline gene that probably prevents cats from tasting sweets.

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Cats are notoriously finicky eaters, as millions of pet owners can attest.

Now, there's a scientific theory explaining, at least in part, why cats have such snobby eating habits: genetics.

Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia and their collaborators said Sunday they found a dysfunctional feline gene that probably prevents cats from tasting sweets, a sensation nearly every other mammal on the planet experiences to varying degrees.

Researchers took saliva and blood samples from six cats, including a tiger and a cheetah and found each had a useless gene that other mammals use to create a "sweet receptor" on their tongues. The gene in question does not produce one of the two vital proteins needed to form the receptors.

"Because cats can't taste sweets, they're cranky," joked Joseph Brand, Monell's associate director and an author of the paper being published Sunday in the inaugural issue of the Public Library of Science's journal Genetics.


more here

Comments

[kradical.livejournal.com]

Well, that sure explains a lot.......

[lagilman]

Well, that sure explains a lot.......

Doesn't it, though?

[neutronjockey.livejournal.com]

No, momma says cats is so mean cause they have all them sharp teeth and ain't got no toothbrush to brush 'em.
...or maybe cats are cranky because of a larger medula oblongata?
Where is Bobby Beauchet when I need logic on this matter!?
-=Jeff=-

[neadods.livejournal.com]

That was published in the Post, and now I'm stuck wondering why DB eats pastry. (I did love the comment about the marshmallow-eating cat in the study. Maybe it thought it was eating brains or something?)

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I saw this earlier--and it made me wonder, if cats have no inclination toward carbohydrates in excess (as we do, given the chance) what goes wrong and triggers their diabetes? Cats not only can get diabetes, but like humans, they can go in and out of the condition, needing insulin, and then controlling through diet, and then suddenly needing insulin, etc.

[ladycharlie.livejournal.com]

Cats are cranky, because people aren't smart enough to leave the food hanging in the tree so they can get it when ever they want. Then there is the door issue. We brainless people keep forgetting to leave the door open. At least, I'm pretty sure this is why MY cat is cranky. ;)