18/07/2020
Have you noticed that your cat has a saggy belly? Kitty hasn't eaten too many treats; it's actually a normal part of your cat's anatomy! The technical term for this belly flap, which can often be seen swaying from side to side when a cat moves, is called the primordial pouch.
This loose skin and padding at the belly provides extra protection for the abdominal area during fights when “bunny kicking” with their hind legs. It insulates and protects internal organs and allows a cat to store extra food in its belly. (Important for our ferals who sometimes go days without eating.) It also allows a cat freedom of movement to fully stretch and extend the back legs when running at high speed or jumping.
Some people believe that spaying or neutering causes this primordial pouch. This is a myth. All felines, regardless of their size, shape, or s*x have this extra flap of skin (including lions and tigers). Even cats who lose weight due to diet or illness still have these belly flaps.
(Many thanks to My Feral Fix for sharing this information!)
