Why does my cat have a primordial pouch?

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.

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What is the primordial pouch?
What is the purpose of the primordial pouch in cats?
Breeds that tend to have primordial pouches
What is a primordial pouch?
Do all cats have a primordial pouch?
When do cats develop a primordial pouch?
Should you get your cat’s primordial pouch removed?
Is my cat overweight or is it just his primordial pouch?

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

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.

Does your cat also have a primordial pouch under its belly?

You know your cat’s not overweight, but you might’ve noticed his belly seems saggy or swings when he walks. So what’s the deal with that?

That’s what’s called his primordial pouch, and it’s not technically his belly.

The Dodo spoke with Dr. Cristina Bustamante, an associate veterinarian with Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Florida and founder of Dr. B. Vet, to explain everything you need to know about this pouch you’ve probably never heard of.

What is a primordial pouch?

While it looks like a big belly, a primordial pouch (aka a cat’s belly pouch) is actually a layer of fat that covers your cat’s abdomen.

Over the years, professionals have come up with a few theories as to why your cat might have this big pouch surrounding his tummy.

“One that I find convincing is that cats have the extra fat to protect their internal organs from trauma such as those caused when fighting with other cats,” Dr. Bustamante told The Dodo.

Another theory suggests the primordial pouch can help your cat run faster, claiming the stretchy skin will make each stride longer because it enhances flexibility. A third theory claims the primordial pouch will give your cat’s stomach some extra space to expand after eating a lot.

Do all cats have a primordial pouch?

All cats do have a primordial pouch, but the size will vary from cat to cat. Some cats might have super pronounced pouches, while you can hardly spot them on others.

“Even fit and lean cats can have a primordial pouch,” Dr. Bustamante said. “Obese cats have more noticeable pouches since they have more fat.”

When do cats develop a primordial pouch?

Your cat will develop a primordial pouch as he’s aging out of kittenhood and becoming an adult, which happens at around 6 months old.

“Adult cats have pouches; young kittens don't have them,” Dr. Bustamante said.

Should you get your cat’s primordial pouch removed?

Your cat’s primordial pouch is perfectly normal and shouldn’t be removed, especially since it doesn’t cause any discomfort or health issues.

“The biggest concern should be to make sure that your cat has an appropriate weight and is not obese,” Dr. Bustamante said.

Is my cat overweight or is it just his primordial pouch?

If your cat has a noticeable primordial pouch, you might be wondering if he’s still a healthy weight.

The best way to figure that out is to have your vet run a test called a body condition score, which is a visual and physical exam that allows professionals to determine whether your cat is underweight, overweight or perfectly healthy.

So now that you know all about your cat’s primordial pouch, you don’t have to let those questions about his saggy belly keep you up at night.

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Home / BeInspired / Culture / Yes, Your Cat’s Belly Flap (aka Primordial Pouch) Is Adorable—But What Exactly Is It?

Admit it: You have a silly nickname for your cat’s belly. Whether it’s “jelly belly” or “coin purse,” you certainly wouldn’t be the first cat parent to do so! But did you know that your kitty’s “snack pack” already has a name?

That’s right—the jiggly, swaying, irresistible “love paunch” you so admire is officially known as a “primordial pouch.” Although all cats have them, many pet parents are unfamiliar with the term. From why they exist to why we love them, here’s everything you need to know about the cutest part of your feline friend.

So, what is a primordial pouch, anyway?

It’s simpler than it sounds. “Primordial pouch” is just a fancy name for the soft, saggy flap of skin under a cat’s belly, explains Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, an associate veterinarian at Clearwater Valley Veterinary Clinic in Orofino, Idaho. It runs the length of the cat’s underside, but is typically more pronounced near the back legs.

“The primordial pouch is a mix of fat, skin and fur,” says Dr. Bonk. “All cats have primordial pouches—they are just different sizes depending on your kitty.”

Cats begin to develop stomach pouches during kittenhood, typically around 6 months old. And the feature isn’t unique to house cats, she notes. Big cats, including lions and tigers, have them as well.

Primordial pouches are goofy and endearing—but they probably don’t exist solely to entertain us cat lovers. So, what purpose do they serve?

Veterinarians aren’t exactly sure why cats have stomach pouches, says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, owner and director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, but there are some theories about why this cat belly came to be:

Protection: One theory is that the pouch and its fatty cushion offer protection to the cat’s internal abdominal organs, which would be especially beneficial for wild cats. "This protection could be useful in fighting situations, as well as for injuries," says Dr. Whittenburg.
Flexibility: Another theory is that the pouch provides extra flexibility while running, enabling the cat to cover more ground with each stride. This flexibility could also aid a cat in cutting from side to side quickly when they are escaping predators, or while they are chasing prey.
Energy: It's also possible the primordial pouch comes in handy when food is scarce. "Some theorize that the pouch may act as a fat reserve, storing fat that can be later used as energy if reliable meals are unavailable," says Dr. Whittenburg.

Many pet parents assume the primordial pouch is akin to a kitty “spare tire.” However, even a sizeable cat pouch doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is overweight, explains Dr. Bonk.

“The size of the pouch has a genetic component, and can vary with breed, as well as with individual cats,” she says. “A healthy, lean cat can still have a large pouch.”

The following factors can influence the size of a cat’s primordial pouch, according to Dr. Bonk:

Genes & Breed: The size of a cat’s primordial pouch is largely based on genetics. Some breeds (including the Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, and Bengal) are known for having sizeable pouches. Most pet cats are mixes of various breeds, so their pouch sizes vary widely.
Weight: Your cat’s shape and weight distribution can affect how big their pouch appears. In fact, if your cat’s pouch looks especially large, it might actually indicate that your cat is in great shape. That’s because overweight cats tend to have bigger midsections in general, which can obscure the actual pouch, while a thinner cat’s pouch may appear more prominent compared to the rest of their body.
Age: Like humans, cats tend to lose muscle mass and skin elasticity as they age, potentially making the pouch hang a little lower.

Not sure if your cat is overweight or simply pouchy? Consider these signs, Dr. Bonk says:

If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, check in with your veterinarian, and find out more about pet obesity and weight management.

If you love cats with saggy bellies, you’re not alone. On social media—where, of course, cats have long enjoyed star status—admirers regularly post photos of their cats’ so-called “tum-tums” and “cookie pouches.”

Animal behaviorist Sarah-Jane White has a theory as to why we humans can’t get enough of kitty bellies.

“We have a built-in radar for anything baby-like, because during our evolutionary history, it was important to protect helpless infants,” she says. “When you witness your cat do something extra-cuddly, your brain simultaneously instructs you to safeguard it, and rewards you with happy hormones for doing so.”

Our natural instinct to nurture may render us defenseless to cute tummies, reasons White.

“Soft, fluffy bellies that we just want to snuggle with are part of our DNA,” she adds.

Evolution might have something to do with it, but let’s not forget the primordial pouch’s, uh, unique aerodynamics.

“No doubt about it, cat pouches are entertaining,” Dr. Bonk laughs. “Especially when your cat streaks across the room with it swinging side to side!”

“Primordial pouch” is a mouthful. Thankfully, creative cat parents have come up with plenty of cute nicknames for kitty bellies.

Jelly Belly: For the cat who's as sweet as a jelly bean.
Tum-Tum: With all due respect to “primordial pouch,” the much cuter and sillier “tum-tum” is far more fitting.
Cookie Pouch: One of the most popular terms, “cookie pouch” is just plain fun to say.
Snack Pack: If the primordial pouch’s fat provides backup energy, as some theorize, then “snack pack” is both cute and accurate.
Puddin’ Belly: Because this pouch is as sweet and jiggly as a bowl of pudding.
Fluff Armor: As silly as this one sounds, the primordial pouch may offer some fluffy protection from predators.
Jungle Pouch: You’ll also find primordial pouches stalking around the jungle… but it’s best not to snuggle those.
Coin Purse: Like a fanny pack for your cat (which should definitely be a thing).
Swiffer: Because if your kitty’s tummy hangs low enough, it can sweep the floor!

Like cats themselves, primordial pouches are a bit of a mystery. While we’re not sure exactly what they do or why we can’t resist them, one thing’s for sure—they’re adorable. Stay squishy, kitties!