Many cat owners may have seen their cat’s sagging bellies and believed their pets were overfed. Some even resort to putting their cats on a diet.
However, that little pouch in their belly is not a sign of obesity or eating too much. In fact, it’s a natural phenomenon that lingers though cats have been domesticated for more than nine thousand years.
When all cats were wild, they had to hunt prey to fulfill their caloric and protein needs. Their pouch aided by providing the cats with a place to store fat during the lean times when prey was hard to find.
Their extra skin on their tummies also allows the cats to eat in excess when food is aplenty. Cats with pouches can overeat without harming their bodies since their skin will stretch.
This pouch is a genetic carry-over. Though many domesticated breeds no longer have their belly pouches, some breeds still do. The extra skin is very flexible and swings side to side when the cat runs or jumps. The pouch doesn’t get in the cats’ way or cause a problem while moving.
The extra skin on their abdomens can even act as a protector for cats’ vital organs. If a cat was to fall or be attacked, the pouch acts as a shield to keep these organs safe.
Cat owners have thought of many nicknames for these pouches, such as “mudflaps,” “handbag,” “snack bag,” and even “tutu.” Most cat lovers find the primordial pouch another thing to love about their fur babies.
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