Why do cats get pouches

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Visit the Fear Free Directory. I was wrong on both counts. Primordial Pouch Called many names—belly pouch, belly flap, spay-sway, abdominal fold—the feline primordial pouch has nothing to do with a cat being overweight or a hanging belly apron as a result being spayed or neutered. Theorized Purposes Experts have several theories about the purpose of the primordial pouch.

Weighty Issue The primordial pouch has a fatty texture, but that in itself does not mean your cat is overweight. Ramona D. She writes about pet care, health and behavior, and cats in the arts. Although the part of a cat's underside that swings when it walks may look like a paunch, it's actually not a tummy at all. So what is it? That bit of skin, fur and fat is a protective layer called the primordial pouch. It's positioned along the length of a cat's belly. All cats have primordial pouches, but they vary greatly in size; some are almost undetectable.

It's easiest to see a small pouch when it flops back and forth as a cat runs. There are three main theories as to why cats have primordial pouches, Arce told Live Science. The first is that it protects the internal organs in a fight by adding an extra layer between claws or teeth and the feline's insides. Related: Why do cats meow? A second theory is that the pouch allows cats to move faster. It stretches as the felines run, giving them extra flexibility and the ability to go farther with each bound — qualities that can help them evade predators or catch prey.

Nothing more, nothing less. Unfortunately, science does not seem to have an explanation for the existence of the primordial pouch. The association between spaying and neutering and the development of the primordial belly might be incidental.

Cats seem to develop their primordial bellies as they start to mature into adulthood, at a time when many cats are coincidentally spayed and neutered. But there is a big difference between a normal and healthy primordial pouch and the excesses of an overweight cat. A primordial pouch is loose, it hangs low, and swings from side-to-side very easily.

You can tell if your cat is truly overweight by becoming familiar with her body. Run your hands along both sides of your cat and along her spine. You should feel ribs beneath a little layer of fat, and you should also be able to feel the vertebrae in her back under a small cushion of fat. Both are signs that your cat is a healthy weight.

And then take a look at your cat from above. There should be a little inward curve between the ribs and hips. If there is a bulge there instead of a narrowing, your cat might be overweight. In certain breeds it is standard to have a primordial pouch.

The Pixiebob, a house cat that looks a like a diminutive American Bobcat, is required by breed standards to have a primordial belly pouch.

Bengal cats commonly have a primordial pouch. The Egyptian Mau often has a prominent pouch. I spoke with Greg Sorokin, a long-time breeder for Fujicats Cattery in Arizona, about the breed, and he confirmed this for me.

Of course, any cat can have a primordial pouch. Ben — you are so right!