The elusive primordial pouch! There’s more to know (and love) about your kitty’s drooping tummy than just how silly and cute it is. You might think it’s weight gain at first, but a sagging belly can also suggest other health concerns.
What exactly is a cat's primordial pouch, and why do they have one?
What Is a Cat's Primordial Pouch?
The primordial pouch is a crucial part of your cat's anatomy. The pouch develops early in a cat's life. Both male and female cats are born with this hanging tummy, though some have more noticeable pouches than others. Even wild big cats share this feature!
The pouch is an abdominal flap along their belly, made up of extra loose skin and some fatty tissue. It's similar to the excess neck skin, or "scruff," where mother cats carry their kittens. Depending on your cat's breed, size, and genetics, this belly flap may be pronounced or subtle.
Why Do Cats Have a Primordial Pouch?
Protection: The pouch's loose skin offers protection for your cat's vital organs. Whether it's two house cats play-fighting or feral cats in a tussle, this pouch acts as an extra shield against injuries.
Flexibility: Cats are natural acrobats and the extra skin aids them when fleeing from threats. Their powerful hind legs, combined with the belly flap, allow them to extend their bodies for twisting, wriggling, and leaping.
Storage: The primordial pouch lets a cat’s abdomen expand for storing food, much like our favorite pair of comfy sweatpants providing a snug fit.
What Causes a Cat's Hanging Belly?
For cats with more prominent primordial pouches, there may be some health-related issues to look out for:
Obesity: Be mindful of your kitty’s weight and make sure you aren’t mistaking an obese cat for a natural, primordial pouch. An overweight cat's abdomen is fatty and doesn't sway like a pouch. You cannot feel the ribs or joints on an obese cat, while you can through a regular primordial pouch. Contact us to check if your cat is at a healthy weight!
Pregnancy, Spaying, and Neutering: If your unspayed female cat spends time outdoors, a sagging belly might indicate pregnancy. After spaying or neutering, cats may gain weight due to hormonal changes leading to increased appetite, resulting in tummy weight gain.
Aging: Cats experience belly expansion as they age due to the loss of skin elasticity. The extra skin on the abdominal flap may sag more, making a primordial pouch more visible in older cats. Your cat's metabolism slows with age, making weight loss harder.
It’s important to bring your cat in for an annual exam regardless of if they spend time outside or not. This is how we catch the signs before they develop into more serious issues. Your kitty’s pouch will grow and change with age. If you detect lumps in the pouch, schedule an exam to ensure your kitty's well-being!
At BLVD Cat, we provide exemplary care exclusively for cats in Chicago. Our team of cat doctors and veterinary professionals are dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of your feline companion.
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