The utility of primordial bag of the cat is well explained by the journalist and blogger Monica Marelli. In his book Because cats are made of grass and we are crazy about themthe Dr Marelli explain how it was your trusted veterinarian who enlightened you on the matter, and we will try to do the same.
Let’s find out what the cat’s primordial sac is and what it is for.
Primordial bag of the cat: this is the name of the bag that cats have under their bellies
The primordial pouch is one natural feature of this animal: this portion of soft skin it is clearly visible when the cat is standing on its 4 legs: looking at it in profile we could notice a flap of skin that “hangs” near the hind legs.
What is the cat’s primordial pouch used for?
Though it is not present in all cats, the primordial bag is a real anatomical part of felines, which therefore should not give rise to any concern, let alone make us think that it is appropriate to put our feline on a diet. It performs two important functions:
- It confers greater elasticity in jumps of the cat;
- Plays a protective function.
The pouch makes jumping easier
Facilitating the jump is the main task of the primordial bag. The primordial bag of the cat is not made up of excess fat, but and elastic fibers which allow our cat to extend and extend their body to the maximum when jumping.
The “rocket” position that the cat assumes during the most demanding leaps is supported by the primordial purse which, behaving like a real elastic“disappears” at the moment of maximum extension, to then return visible in a relaxed position, in the form of a soft portion of skin (touch to … believe!).
It protects
Another function of the cat’s primordial belly is that of protection, that is, it will act as a shield against wounds inflicted from possible prey.
If our cat is a fair predator, we will have seen him while he assumes the fighting position, also called “rabbit position”: with his belly up, and the unfortunate prey still between his front paws, he insistently kicks it with his hind ones.
Often due to this particular position, the scratches and possible bites of the victim are localized in the abdominal portion, and here the primordial sac comes into play giving our cat a extra protection.
Why do cats have bacon?
The primordial bag of the cat is, as we have said, normal constitution of the cat; however its presence can be accentuated following sterilization operations, both of male and female cats.
With the removal of the gonads and ovaries, in fact, you will have a slowdown of metabolism due to a reduced production of hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone: this will produce a consequent relaxation of all abdominal tissues, which could help bring out the primordial bursa.
How to recognize the primordial bag of the cat?
The primordial pouch is very different from the belly of a pregnant cat: in this case the abdomen will be swollen, toned and the nipples will begin to enlarge. Hard to confuse them!
More deceptive is the “soft belly”, due to simple overweight or even obesity of the cat. To understand if your cat is overweight, just look at it from above: if the curve of the hips is visible, the cat will have an excellent weight; otherwise, if the sinuosity is not evident and the shape of the belly is completely rounded, it would be advisable to contact a veterinarian who will be able to show us the diet that best suits his needs and advise us on how to make him lose weight.
When to worry about this belly?
The primal bag of the cat looks like soft e mobile: hardening of the skin, swelling and limited abdominal masses could be an indication of some pathology, such as tumors or stagnation of oedematous fluid.
If you have noticed any abdominal abnormalities of this type, it is important to have your cat examined by the as soon as possible veterinarian.