An example of a mutation that is shared among all felines, including the big cats, is a mutant chemosensor in their taste buds that prevents them from tasting sweetness, which may explain their indifference to fruits, berries, and other sugary foods. In some breeds of cats congenital sensorineural deafness is very common, with most white cats (but not albinos) being affected, particularly if they also have blue eyes. The gene responsible for this defect is the KIT gene and the disease is studied in the hope that it may shed light on the causes of hereditary deafness in humans. Mutations in this gene also causes white spotting.
