Evolution of the Tas1r2 Gene
The Sweet Taste Receptor in Felines

~70 Million Years Ago

Origin of Carnivora order with functional sweet taste receptors

~30 Million Years Ago

Divergence of Felidae (cats) from other carnivores

~20 Million Years Ago

Pseudogenization of Tas1r2 in Felidae lineage - sweet taste receptor becomes non-functional

Recent Times

All modern cats (tigers, lions, domestic cats) lack functional sweet taste receptors

Cats lost the ability to taste sweets forever