Did you ever look at your cat's belly and notice some extra saggy skin and wonder "why does my cat have a saggy belly"? Well, there's actually a name for it! It's called a primordial pouch and all cats have one (even big cats like lions and tigers), although the size can vary from cat to cat, and it doesn't mean that your cat is overweight or needs some kind of kitty tummy tuck!
Cat pouches are loose skin over the belly, and even slim cats have it. When your cat walks, you might see it swing from side to side. This is normal in cats! After all, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! Overweight cats bellies would be rounder and not swing from side to side.
Primordial pouches are not dangerous or a sign of bad health. That cat saggy belly is normal, is part of it's anatomy and couldn't be removed! However, obesity in cats can lead to issues like heart diseases, diabetes and arthritis.
So, you can you tell if your cat's belly is a normal primordial pouch or a sign of being overweight? Rover.com offers some things to look for if you are concerned that your cat might be overweight. Cats with hanging bellies are in the healthy category, but if your cat has a thick, firm belly, like a cat pot belly, then it could be overweight. Another way to tell if your cat is overweight is to view it from above. You should be able to see it's waist. If it is rounded in the middle that is also a sign of being overweight. You can also gauge your cat's weight when petting it. You should be able to feel it's ribs and bones of the spine when rubbing your hand along it's back and sides.
If you think your cat is overweight, a trip to the vet to help assess it's weight and come up with a plan to help it lose weight is a good idea. Like in humans, overweight cats might need to change their diet and activity levels to help get to a healthy weight.
Is the primordial pouch caused by spaying or neutering?
According to Cat-World.com it is a common misconception that spaying or neutering your cat causes the onset of the primordial pouch. They say that the cat belly flap develops more at around 6 months of age, which is coincidentally the same age that may cats are spayed or neutered, so while the primordial pouch can develop around the same time as a spay or neuter surgery, the surgery does not cause the development of the primordial pouch. After all, primordial means from the beginning, and cat-world.com says the cat saggy belly probobaly got the name primordial beause cats have had pouches since time immemorial!
So, what is the purpose of the cat saggy stomach?
We don't know exactly why cats stomachs have that extra flap of skin, but there are some theories out there.
According to Cat-World.com, the cat belly pouch might serve to protect their internal organs. That extra skin may provide some padding to protect their bellies from the sharp claws of another cat if they find themselves in a fight.
Another theory behind the cat belly flap is that the extra skin gives them some more flexibility for running or jumping. Rover.com adds that the primordial pouch is not attached to a cats abdominal wall, so it can stretch independently of the muscles beneath.
And a third theory is that the cat sagging stomach gives them some extra room when they eat a big meal, kind of like they always have on their comfy pants! Rover.com says cats may actually be able to call on the extra energy stored in their primordial pouch if they miss a meal.
Can you pet the primordial pouch of a cat?
Well, the answer there, like most things related to cat, is if the cat will allow it. In our article about whether cats like to be petted, we noted that cat's bellies are their most vulnerable point, so you usually have to build up some trust with a cat before they will let you touch their belly. If you are let into that circle of trust and a cat allows you to touch it's primordial pouch, that can help you keep track of any changes in that area. If you ever feel any lumps or bumps in that area, it's a good idea to check with your vet, because it could indicate a tumor in the mammary gland, a swollen lymph node or other type of mass.
To sum up, a swingy, saggy belly in your cat is normal! A rounder, firmer belly could actually be a sign that your cat is overweight, and if you think your cat is overweight, a trip to the vet may be in order to assess it's weight and come up with a plan to help it get to a healthier weight.
Cover photo by Berkeli Alashov on Unsplash
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