Why cats don't eat chocolate

Does your moggy turn it's nose up at chocolate treats, while your pooch steals them when your back's turned?

Researchers in the US and UK have identified a genetic mutation in feline DNA, which means that cats never develop the sweetness receptors on their tongues that exist in other mammals. Therefore cats can't taste sweet things.

This lack of feline sweet tooth is shared by domestic & feral cats as well as their larger relatives including lions, tigers, jaguars etc.

The research is published in the journal Public Library of Science Genetics, and the findings will be used to create better tasting catfood, presumably not chocolate flavour.

Joseph Brand, of Monell Chemical Senses Centre in Philadelphia, and member of the research team, said: "No wonder cats are cranky. Not only do they have to hunt for their food, but they also can't enjoy a sweet dessert."

So pet owners only need to keep an eye on their canine friends when chocolate's around, their feline housemates won't be dipping their paws in the chocolate box.