You know that saggy bit of belly that hangs a little low on your cat? You may call it a “pooch” or a “food belly,” but it’s actually a primordial pouch and there are biological reasons why cats have them. All cats, domestic and wild, both male and female, have primordial pouches. No other creatures have them, which is just one more reason why cats are so special.
A primordial pouch is extra loose skin and fatty tissue and is relatively similar to the “scruff” on their neck. The pouch is most noticeable near the rear legs of the cat’s body, though it spans the length of the belly. Kittens are born with these pouches, but they don’t become prominent until kittens are about six months old. As with humans, cats’ skin loses elasticity so the pouch becomes more noticeable and sags more with age.
Aside from making them even more adorable, why do cats have primordial pouches?
One reason for the belly pooch is protection. The extra fat and skin serves as an added layer of cushion over the vital organs. Teeth and claws can do some serious damage so a primordial pouch can prevent life-threatening injuries during a cat fight or even an accident.
The primordial pouch can also help cats to better extend their bodies, especially when escaping predators or chasing prey. That extra skin means extra flexibility and allows cats to run and jump just that much higher and faster. Since the pouch runs the length of the belly, it lets them twist and turn with ease, allowing them to zig and zag and outrun their enemies.
Another possible reason for the extra belly is storage. After a big meal - think a lion eating a gazelle - the pouch can temporarily expand while the cat digests their food. In this way, the pouch acts as a fat reserve for the cat to use as energy later on when a meal may not be readily available.
Whatever the reason, we are glad cats have their primordial pouches. Nothing makes us smile like seeing that sweet bit of skin swaying back and forth as our cats run up to greet us.
Love, Nala
