Why Do Cats Have a Saggy Belly? (Apron or Primordial Pouch)
What is a primordial pouch?
Have you ever observed that even the slimmest feline has a small sagging belly? This droopy layer of skin (usually covered in fur) is called the primordial pouch, and it’s a natural component of your cat’s anatomy.
It is found along the length of the stomach, but tends to be more prominent closer to the back.
All felines have this belly flap, but it varies in size from cat to cat. The pouch may wobble from side to side when your cat moves, or softly jiggle.
It might be more prominent in senior cats or formerly overweight felines. Even huge cats like lions and tigers have a primitive pouch.
What Is a Cat’s Saggy Tummy Called?
Cats have two names for the flapping, sagging skin they proudly display.
As the name implies, “Primordial” refers to the earliest possible stage of development for biological cells and tissues.
A more apt word for this fold of skin found on large cats, which serves a purpose for them in the wild rather than our domesticated felines, is the rump.
It’s said to be a trait that huge cats in the wild employed to help them carry more food, defend themselves in fights, and reach their maximum speed. So it’s a fundamental aspect of life.
In fact, it’s also nicknamed a “Apron” because the skin folds over the stomach in the same way as an apron does.
It’s just an observational name as far as I can determine. A lot simpler to remember and say than a primeval pouch, thus most people end up just referring to their cats hanging stomachs as aprons.
Do Cats Get Saggy Tummies from Being Neutered?
Most people believe this to be true when it comes to the extra skin that hangs from a cat’s underbelly.
I don’t know why it would happen, but it’s not because I was neutered. Unneutered cats and huge wild cats both have droopy skin, therefore we know this to be true.
What is the purpose of the primordial pouch?
According to experts, the cat primordial pouch originated for a variety of reasons.
Protection
A feline’s sensitive lower belly is protected by this abdominal flap during battles with predators and other cats, notably from the bunny kick, which is both charming and vicious.
The primordial pouch protects important organs from tearing claws in a violent fight.
Stretching
Your cat’s ability to sprint may also benefit from this extra amount of belly fat. Cats are able to take longer leaps because of their primitive pouch.
Storing food
You didn’t tell me there was a bear loose in your house, did you? It’s possible that cats’ wildcat ancestors required a flexible stomach to eat and store food for a while, according to experts.
For wildcats (as well as many stray and feral cats), there is no way of knowing when their next meal will come along.
So my cat isn’t overweight?
There may be a visible primordial pouch on your cat, but he is not obese. If a cat is overweight, how can you detect whether or not the cat has an abnormally big primordial pouch?
Primordial pouches are less rigid, lower, and swing more freely as cats move according to South Boston Animal Hospital.
Obese cats move with a more level gait and a flattened abdomen. A hard bean bag will be the sensation here.
As long as you can feel the ribs but not see them clearly, your cat is probably at a healthy weight with a little extra belly hang.
Your cat may be obese if, in addition to a wide tummy, she also has a noticeable layer of fat over her ribs and no discernible waistline. Find out how much a healthy cat should weigh.
The primordial pouch myth
Some cat owners are under the impression that a primordial pouch may only form in cats that have been neutered or spayed. You won’t discover a characteristic cat belly on any cat, whether or not it’s fully intact.
Cat breeds known for the pouch
Among certain cat breeds, the primordial pouch is more prominent in those that resemble their exotic progenitors. In other cases, the primordial pouch constitutes a breed standard.
Egyptian Mau
There are no other domestic cats that are naturally spotted. Ancient Egyptian art shows ancestors of this cat.
The Mau’s incredible jumping ability is due to its primordial pouch and a flap of skin that extends from the posterior end of the ribcage to the hind leg.
Bengal
An Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat are the parents of Bengal cats. It is the Bengal’s wild ancestry that gives the cat its distinctive spotted coat, but its domestic ancestry has produced the affectionate, non-wild cat that we know today.
Pixiebob
It’s a powerful, brawny cat developed to look like wild bobcats that live in the coastal highlands of the west coast of the US Polydactyly is a common trait in this breed, which possesses a tail mutation. They are playful and energetic housecats.
My Cats Primordial Pouch Looks Swollen…
When you see your cat’s primitive pouch, it’s one thing; when you see their stomach, it’s another.
You should take them to the veterinarian right away if their stomach appears enlarged to you. I don’t want to worry you, but having a bloated stomach might lead to some major health problems.
Ascites is the most prevalent medical term for a bloated abdomen caused by an accumulation of fluid. Ascites is an indication that something is wrong with your cat, therefore you should take them to the vet right away.
