Have you ever noticed cats' eating habits?

A new research shows that cats retain at least seven functional bitter taste receptors. This research was conducted by researchers from Monell Center. They compare cat to related species with differing dietary habits, and found that there is not a strong relationship between the number of bitter receptors and the extent to which a species consumed plants in its diet. This findings threaten the common assumption that bitter taste developed primarily to protect animals from ingesting poisonous plant compounds. Alternate physiological roles for bitter receptors may drive to mold bitter receptor number and function. For instance, recent findings from Monell Center show that bitter receptors are also involved in protecting us against internal toxins, including bacteria related to respiratory diseases. The researchers used previously published data to compare the number of bitter receptor types in cats to that of related species to provide a comparative perspective on the relationship between diet and bitter receptor function. Relative to the 12 receptors identified in cat, dog, ferret, giant panda, and polar bear all had a similar number of bitter receptors. Like cats, these species all belong to the order Carnivora. However, they differ considerably with regard to diet, ranging from strictly carnivorous to Therefore, unlike sweet receptors, there is not a strong relationship between the number of bitter receptors and the extent to which a Carnivora species consumed plants in its diet. However, it is possible that bitter taste could have a protective function related to feeding behavior. As we know, bitter taste could exist to minimize intake of toxic compounds from skin and other components of certain prey species, such as invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians. People always think that cats are picky eaters. Now we know that they have their reasons. They can taste different bitters. The findings may help to make better cat food with certain flavors and nutrients to meet the needs of the cat. The families with cats will be more happy. Read more here:http://www.cusabio.com/Polyclonal-Antibody/FGL2--Antibody-Biotin-conjugated-11098192.html