Perhaps you first noticed it when you watched your cat scurry around the room. You saw what seemed to be a large fold of skin near the end of your cat’s back swaying back and forth. You immediately panicked, thinking your cat was dangerously obese. What else could cause this? Rest assured, your pet is probably not abnormal. Rather, this is a normal physical feature commonly seen in both domestic and wild cats.
It may seem odd that dogs don’t have primordial bursae. Plus, we associate a healthy weight with a slim figure. A primordial bursa goes against the norm. After all, you want to avoid excess abdominal fat yourself, not to mention seeing it in your pet. Although normal, a large primordial bursa can sometimes be a sign of aging. Too big?
Possible purpose of primitive bags
Cats have a wilder side than dogs. They even resemble their ancestors, the African wild cats (FelidaeTo understand the purpose of the primitive pouch, we need to consider how it may have benefited wild cats. There are three possible theories.
One possible reason is food storage. Cats are not as good at hunting as you might think.Feline) leads the way among felines at 60%. Blessed with speed, cheetahs bring back food in 58% of attempts, compared to just 32% for cats. It might take a while to catch something, so it makes evolutionary sense to be able to store the food once you’ve caught it.
Another hypothesis is that the primitive pouch gave cats the flexibility to run faster and chase prey. Some domestic cats catch mice, but there’s no pressure to change their behavior. That’s why the pouch remains in modern felines. Cats are built for speed, with the Guinness World Record for the Egyptian Mau at about 30 miles per hour. For a pet that hunts mice and other prey, speed is useful.
Finally, another theory offers a simpler explanation: the extra padding is extra padding to protect the animal’s internal organs. Felines have many ways to avoid costly conflicts, with smell, hearing and visual communication. Having a primitive pouch could be part of a last resort adaptation for survival. Its position does not restrict the cat’s movement, so it is a reasonable compromise.
Keep in mind that the primordial pouch is more prominent in some breeds, such as the Pixie-Bob, and the official breed standard even mentions it. Many other breeds don’t even mention the primordial pouch unless it’s essential to the animal’s build.
Pouch or fat?
This part needs to be revisited, as the usefulness of this structure seems to be limited. The cat’s pouch usually starts to develop around six months after the animal reaches sexual maturity, which supports the survival function of the primitive pouch in the event of a collision.
But when does the primordial bursa count as fat? Your pet’s body condition will tell you the answer. A cat’s body has a pronounced curve when viewed from above, and the bursa flops around only because of loose skin. Fat, on the other hand, is solid and covers the entire body. Fat is not limited to the animal’s rear end, but is rounded all over. Due to this extra layer, it can be difficult to palpate a cat’s ribs. The bursa will also feel firmer or squishier, rather than loose and floppy.
Treating obesity
Being overweight or obese carries serious health risks for both cats and humans. The issues are similar, which is not surprising considering that humans and cats share 90% of their DNA. They are more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. Prevention is, of course, the best solution.
However, if your cat is overweight, action needs to be taken to improve your animal’s health and quality of life. Dramatic changes in diet are not the solution. Crash diets are just as unhelpful for pets as they are for people. Lifestyle changes that gradually reduce calorie intake are the best way to manage this condition. Monitor your cat’s intake and do not allow them to ad libitum feed. Exercise can also help.
A weight loss diet will help your cat keep feeling full despite the reduced calorie intake. Cats are obligate carnivores, so it’s a good idea to feed them high-protein foods that meet their dietary needs. We also recommend keeping treats to 10% or less of your pet’s caloric intake. As with food, count or measure how much your cat is eating. A 10-pound cat only needs 200 calories a day.
You can also use treats as a training aid to encourage desired behaviors. Timing and positive associations are key. We also encourage using treats interactively – place them under toys or behind objects and encourage your dog to search for the reward. They provide valuable intellectual stimulation and enrichment. They replicate how dogs find their food in the wild, where there is rarely anything available for free.
Every pet has different nutritional needs, so we recommend consulting your veterinarian for advice.
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lastly
The cat’s primitive pouch is a relic from the past that served several important purposes. To a greater or lesser extent, it is present in all felines, even the king of the jungle. It’s hard to tell that a lion is overweight, so the pouch must have some survival value. The only warning sign is if the pouch is not sagging, stiff and immobile. This could be a sign of weight gain and should be addressed immediately.
Featured image credit: Phrakrit Juntawong, Shutterstock
