One common myth is that this excess flab develops soon after neutering or spaying, but if you look at large cats in the wild you‘ll realise that this is not the case at all. Many of the big cats also sport excess layers of skin flapping about on their underbelly.
The technical term for this extra layer of sagging skin is the primordial pouch. Whilst spaying or neutering is not the cause, sometimes the pouch will becomes more prominent due to the bit of extra weight that animals commonly put on after the procedure.
Aging may also cause the pouch to increase in size as the cat’s metabolism slows down and it starts to store excess fat. The pouch may also appear to be more prominent in previously overweight cats that have been put on a diet to shed extra pounds. This is only because the overall excess fat may have effectively hidden the pouch from view. In any case, the primordial pouch is a natural part of a cat’s anatomy and serves a variety of purposes – especially in the wild.
Image: Nicolo Lazzati via Flickr
If you have ever watched cats fight (even if they are playing) you’ll notice that they regularly kick at their opponent’s abdominal area with their hind legs – which is known as ‘bunny kicking’. The excess skin serves as an added layer of protection to shield them against injury. If you carefully observe a cat’s movement you’ll also notice that the extra skin gives a cat the ability to stretch out when in full flight.
Another theory suggests the primordial flap may enable the stomach to stretch and hold an extra measure of food whenever it may be necessary. After all, a cat in the wild can never be sure of its next meal, so the extra storage space provides the room to horde a little more energy.
Image: Adrian Scottow via Flickr
So, there you have it. . . mystery solved. The primordial pouch is a necessary part of your cat’s anatomy. It’s still wise though, to pay attention to your cat’s weight and overall health so they can remain a healthy member of your family for many years to come.
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Ellie says
March 31, 2019 at 10:04 amThank you all for the information about belly flab, my cat of about 5 months old has this flab and I started to be concerned. But reading all the reports I’m content. Thank you all
Aly says
January 30, 2019 at 5:59 amMy 9 month old male Maine coon cross was “fixed” a couple of months ago and since then I’ve noticed his saggy tummy. I was beginning to worry something had gone wrong with op and about to take him to the vet. He is a large cat being a Maine coon and makes his little rag doll sister (same age and op the same time) look tiny. They’re both long haired so it’s only when I was having a cuddle with him I noticed it. He’s still eating, running around, playing with his toys and chasing his sister so think he’s ok. This post has helped put my mind at rest though so thank you for sharing.
Shelia says
February 22, 2017 at 7:16 amThank you so much for this info. I always wondered why my cats have these. We call them fat sacks.
Cathy Armato says
December 31, 2016 at 9:47 amThanks for shedding light on this aspect of kitty anatomy. I’m glad it’s not the result of spaying or neutering, that actually prevents some people from spay/neuter!
Jeanne Melanson says
December 30, 2016 at 9:27 amHuh! I am one of those people who always thought it was the result of spaying or neutering. I stand corrected. Primordial pouch. Good to know. Thanks!
Ginny says
February 15, 2019 at 2:14 amWell my female cat developed this after she was spayed her brother was neutered at the same time both were still kittens and neither one of them had that pouch beforehand so in my case I still think it has something to do with her being spayed and I’m wondering if it’s milk glands or something that developed anyway there is no milk there.
Tina says
July 24, 2016 at 6:48 pmThankyou I was so worried I had neglected my cat and she had a prolapse from bring spayed I love her belly but it swings when she walks bless her
Arby Abraamyan says
June 1, 2016 at 4:36 amI’ve always been curious about this. I wonder if this is more common for certain breeds or it if it’s just a general property of cats.
Debra H says
April 26, 2016 at 4:56 pmI have three cats. Only one of them have the Primordial pouch that sags really bad. She also is the only one that got spayed right at 12 weeks. The others were around 5 and 6 months. So I do believe this is from being spayed so young.
JFM says
February 3, 2017 at 9:06 pmYou’re mistaken, that was just a coincidence. Many cats develop a significant pouch even before they’re spayed/neutered.
Dorothy Kovacs says
February 13, 2017 at 3:43 amI have 2 cats. One spayed early one later. Both have pouch.
Amanda says
January 19, 2016 at 9:48 amWow, I had no idea! I am SO thankful for this post. As both of my cats have gotten older, I have noticed the extra flabby skin. For the past year I’ve been really wondering what’s going on because one of my cats is in really great shape. I thought it was odd, but now I know why! My other cat is disabled so it’s hard to tell with him, but he does have an extra little pouch.
Thank you!!!
Spencer the Goldendoodle says
January 18, 2016 at 10:08 pmWonderful post! Callie the Cat has primordial pouch and we never knew where it came and thought it was either from her getting older, she is gaining weight, or she lost weight. Thank you so much for helping us to solve this mystery! 🙂
Debbie says
November 8, 2015 at 1:46 amAlthough you have set my mind at ease with the above information,I still worry about it.
Is it a nuisance,is it stopping her sitting comfortably,does it need to be removed?
Patty says
January 1, 2017 at 4:20 amNo it doesn’t need to be removed. It’s natural and normal and could cause discomfort being removed, such as when she stretches. It’s there for a reason, if she didn’t need it she wouldn’t have it.
JFM says
February 3, 2017 at 9:11 pmExactly, Patty. Removing it is not only unnecessary, but could potentially cause discomfort and affect mobility since the cat won’t be able to stretch as much. Not sure why people are so concerned about a normal, natural part of feline anatomy.
Jen Gabbard says
April 28, 2015 at 11:18 amGrowing up our thin kitty had this; I always wondered about it because it seemed so weird for a skinny cat to have extra flab. Thank you for this information – glad to know it’s normal.
Melissa and Truffles says
April 25, 2015 at 2:22 pmThis is fantastic information! Truffles has a lot of flab down there and I always wondered why since she’s so slim.