Your Cat Has a Primordial Pouch

When is a flabby belly not a flabby belly? When it’s a primordial pouch. Unfortunately humans can’t use this excuse, but cats sure can! Find out what a primordial pouch is and why your cat has one.

Photo by Andrey Nikiforov on Unsplash

What is a primordial pouch?

Have you ever noticed that even the slimmest feline has a slight hanging belly? This saggy layer of skin (typically covered in fur) is called the primordial pouch, and it’s a normal part of your cat’s anatomy. It is located along the length of the stomach, but tends to be most noticeable closer to the rear.
All felines have this abdominal flap, although it varies in size from cat to cat. The pouch may sway from side to side when your cat walks, or subtly jiggle. It can be more pronounced in older cats or formerly overweight felines. Even big cats like lions and tigers have a primordial pouch.

What is the purpose of the primordial pouch?

Experts believe the cat primordial pouch evolved for several reasons.

Protection

The primary purpose of this abdominal flap is to protect a feline’s sensitive lower belly during fights with predators and other cats—particularly from that adorable yet ferocious secret weapon, the “bunny kick.” In a serious skirmish, the primordial pouch shields vital organs from sharp tearing claws.

Stretching

This extra bit of cat belly may also aid in your feline’s running abilities: The primordial pouch allows cats to stretch out farther while taking long strides.

Storing food

Didn’t know you had a little bear running around the house, did you? Experts surmise that another reason cats have a primordial pouch is that their wildcat ancestor needed a stretchy stomach to gorge itself and store food for a while. Unlike our overindulged furbabies, wildcats (as well as many strays and ferals) don’t know when their next meal will present itself.

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So my cat isn’t overweight?

Photo by Trung Pham Quoc on Unsplash

Your cat may have an obvious primordial pouch but not be overweight. So how do you tell the difference between a cat with a large primordial pouch and a cat that is simply overweight?

According to South Boston Animal Hospital, “The primordial pouch is looser, lower, and swings easily as cats walk. Obese cats will have a rounder tummy that doesn’t sway when it walks… The area will feel like a hard bean bag.”

If your cat’s ribs can be felt but are not highly visible, and she has a clear waistline when viewed from above, she is likely at an ideal weight—with a little extra belly hang. However, if your cat has a round belly along with a distinct layer of fat over the ribs and no clear waistline, she may indeed be overweight. Learn more about what constitutes a healthy cat weight.

The primordial pouch myth

Some pet owners mistakenly believe that only cats that have been neutered or spayed develop a primordial pouch. This simply isn’t true—you’ll find a telltale cat belly on any feline, intact or not.

Cat breeds known for the pouch

The primordial pouch is more visible in certain cat breeds—especially those that resemble their exotic ancestors—and is even considered a breed standard in some cases.

Egyptian Mau

© Achet Aton / CC-BY-SA-4.0 

The Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat. This cat’s ancestors are visible all over ancient Egyptian artwork. The primordial pouch along with the flap of skin extending from the posterior end of the ribcage to the hind leg give the Mau an uncanny leaping ability, making this breed capable of running up to 30 mph!

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Bengal

The Bengal is a cross between an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat. This wild parentage is responsible for the Bengal’s esteemed spotted coat, while the domestic lineage gives us the friendly,  not-so-wild cat breed we know today.

Pixiebob

© Donna Cox / CC-BY-3.0

The Pixiebob is a muscular, brawny cat bred to resemble the wild bobcats found in the coastal mountains of the western U.S. This breed has a tail mutation and is often polydactyl. They are active housecats that make good playmates.
Now that you know about the primordial pouch, you’ll never look at your cat—or at least her swaying cat belly—the same way again!
Cover photo by Tuva Mathilde Løland on Unsplash
Source:

• South Boston Animal Hospital