The primordial pouch in cats; what is it and what is it for?
Have you ever noticed that some cats have a hanging belly that swings when they walk? Some people think that this flaccidity is due to an overweight feline, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is the primordial pouch, and it is common in some cat breeds.
The primordial pouch usually appears in adulthood, it looks like excess skin, regardless of whether the cat is or has been overweight.
We will tell you about all the curiosities of it, so you can also identify it in your cat.
What is the primordial pouch?
If your cat is an adult, it may already have a primordial pouch under its belly. It is right in front of the cat’s hind legs, forming an excess of skin and fat. Although sometimes to the naked eye it is hard to see because of the fur, when you see a cat walking it becomes more noticeable, by its constant movement from side to side.
What is the purpose of the primordial pouch in cats?
The primordial pouch in cats is a genetic characteristic that has been maintained from the first breeds of wild cats. Nowadays it doesn’t have a key function, but it can still be useful sometimes.
Storing food. Given its fat content, it is a way to store energy in case the cat has to face a long period without food.Facilitates movement. Since it is excess skin, the cat can stretch more easily, with a more elastic abdomen.Protection. This extra layer of skin and fat serves as protection for the abdomen in case of fights with other cats or animals.Breeds that tend to have primordial pouches. #rescuecats #catsofyoutube #funny #kittens #youtubeshorts #viral
Due to the evolution of current cat breeds, in some felines the primordial pouch is more evident than in others. It can especially be better seen in pure-bred cats, although this physical characteristic is being lost due to evolution.
The breeds that have the most evident pouches are the Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Pixie Bob and the Bengal cat. As well as the mix of these and other breeds, it being more common in male cats than in females
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.
Have you ever noticed that some cats have a hanging belly that swings when they walk? Some people think that this flaccidity is due to an overweight feline, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is the primordial pouch, and it is common in some cat breeds.
The primordial pouch usually appears in adulthood, it looks like excess skin, regardless of whether the cat is or has been overweight.
We will tell you about all the curiosities of it, so you can also identify it in your cat.
What is the primordial pouch?
If your cat is an adult, it may already have a primordial pouch under its belly. It is right in front of the cat’s hind legs, forming an excess of skin and fat. Although sometimes to the naked eye it is hard to see because of the fur, when you see a cat walking it becomes more noticeable, by its constant movement from side to side.
What is the purpose of the primordial pouch in cats?
The primordial pouch in cats is a genetic characteristic that has been maintained from the first breeds of wild cats. Nowadays it doesn’t have a key function, but it can still be useful sometimes.
Storing food. Given its fat content, it is a way to store energy in case the cat has to face a long period without food.Facilitates movement. Since it is excess skin, the cat can stretch more easily, with a more elastic abdomen.Protection. This extra layer of skin and fat serves as protection for the abdomen in case of fights with other cats or animals.Breeds that tend to have primordial pouches. #rescuecats #catsofyoutube #funny #kittens #youtubeshorts #viral
Due to the evolution of current cat breeds, in some felines the primordial pouch is more evident than in others. It can especially be better seen in pure-bred cats, although this physical characteristic is being lost due to evolution.
The breeds that have the most evident pouches are the Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Pixie Bob and the Bengal cat. As well as the mix of these and other breeds, it being more common in male cats than in females
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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