June is swimsuit season and cats don’t care to get in shape for it!

Summer starts this month and even in Central NY, we will eventually get to summer and break out our swimsuits and head to the lakes.  While us humans have been dieting and exercising to look good, our feline friends could care less about their tummy pouch!  Cats embrace it and as expected, they just don’t bother with others' opinions because these pouches serve them well.

The official term is…. The “Primordial Pouch” is easy to spot on your cat and yes, some are more noticeable than others.  Look under their belly by their back legs and you will see a little bit of sagging skin and perhaps when walking or running, it sways a bit ( no judgement!) and there it is!   While it is only on cats, it is on all cats, even the wild ones. 

As with age… Just like humans, as we age, the mid section widens.   You won’t see a kitten with a pouch though. Kittens have cute round bellies and as they age towards 12 months old, it’ll become more pronounced.  The main difference is that weight doesn’t really affect as much as genetics and age do.  Also like humans, saggy skin happens to the best of us as we get older but for cats, they need this pouch. 

Best of Benefits…  The flap of skin isn’t the prettiest feature of your kitty but it helps them out more than expected.  

• Think stretchy pants as you go out to eat!   This area stretches to adjust to a big meal. 

• Yoga pants let us move easier and the pouch helps cats stretch and flex into contortionist poses.

 

• Built in fight protection for cats when they tussle or grab each other in a cat fight. 

• Humans wear coats or shorts and have temperature controlled environments but cats use the pouch to keep warm and cool off with. 

 
Kittens and more kittens…  Primordial pouches are that extra bit of skin that female cats can use to adjust their expanding waistlines during pregnancy.  Sometimes it goes back to pre-pregnancy size and sometimes it doesn’t but it sure is helpful. 

Tight or loose…  Your veterinarian can best advise with an annual check up but your cat's weight can affect the tautness of the pouch.  Tight and firm can mean that kitty might need to go on a diet.  Loose and hanging and their weight is most likely in the proper range.  Any abnormal lumps or tenderness should be directed to your vet immediately. 

• Tully was lounging on a chair here and letting his primordial pouch be on full display!