Primordial pouch
Herschel displays his primordial pouch
The seemingly
effortless ease and elegance with which cats run and leap and climb is a source
of great pleasure to many people. Big cats, like panthers or cheetahs, or small
domestic or feral cats, are startlingly similar in appearance and behaviour. In
good health, they are lithe and sleek athletes, whether hunting antelope or
moths.
The primordial pouch is present in all cats, both male and female, though it is more noticeable in some than others. It is a flap of fur covered loose skin and tissue under the belly, which swings from side to side as the cat runs. It is similar to the loose skin at the scruff of the neck, the part that a mother cat grabs to carry a kitten, but has a different purpose.
It develops when the cat is about six months old and there appear to be three main theories for its existence. It is thought to be a protective armour for the internal organs of a cat in fights, as it provides an extra layer of fat and fur against the onslaught of the sharp teeth and claws of an opponent.
Cats are known for their flexibility and ability to reach between surfaces which may be far apart, and to leap high. The extra skin on the primordial pouch enables them to stretch and also to turn, allowing them to twist to land on their feet, when falling, for example. In flight situations, longer strides mean that the cat can escape much quicker.
The third main theory relates to food. If a cat, particularly a wild cat, consumes a large meal, the pouch can expand to accommodate the extra food, storing it as fat against leaner times.
I don't think an extra layer of fat on a human belly achieves the same effect!
How interesting! In all my decades of having cats, I've never read this. Also quite nice of Herschel to pose so attractively.
ReplyDeleteHerschel says: Thank you kindly. 😺
DeleteI have sometimes wondered about the extra flap on cats.
ReplyDeleteIt varies from cat to cat and is more difficult to see on a long-haired cat.
DeleteWhen a female cat is pregnant, can you see the growing uterus and the primordial pouch as two separate elements hanging down?
ReplyDeleteFrom recollections of my pregnant queens, the answer is 'No'.
DeleteI think if I got around on my hands and knees, I would display a primordial pouch.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't be alone!
DeleteMy elderly cat has a huge pouch, it swings a lot when she runs!
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating to watch, I think. 😺
DeleteI used to have cats, and had no idea. Very interesting. And loved your final statement, an extra layer of fat on a human doesn't achieve the same effect, lol. I'm not feeling agile at all this morning. Had a hard time getting out of bed. My back is an issue in the mornings. I work it out during the day; may be I need a pouch, lol.
ReplyDeleteThings do 'ease' as the day wears on, then you have to start again the next day. Oh, joy!
DeleteI had no idea about this, I'd always presumed it was something to do with ageing!
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
You could be forgiven for thinking so, Alison. We get all sorts of 'extras' as the years pass.
DeleteMy extra layer of fat certainly doesn't have that function. Too bad.
ReplyDeleteNor mine. My leaping days are long gone, anyway.
DeleteHi Janice - Nooooo to our extra layer that more and more we seeing hanging around ... but a fascinating post - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIs there such a thing as a primordial chin? It sounds so much better and more impressive than a double chin.
DeletePrecious would love it if I would feed her enough to fill that pouch of hers out to taught!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny that some cats are gluttons and others are quite picky? Jellicoe is a Labrador in disguise, but Herschel eats what he's given and is satisfied.
DeleteInteresting. I like that I"m not fat, but I have a primordial pouch. 😺
ReplyDeleteIt sounds quite sophisticated, really.
DeleteOur girl has quite a pronounced pouch. But it doesn't help her athleticism, for she is an elderly gal.
ReplyDeleteAge makes us all slow down, though some of us weren't very speedy to begin with.
DeleteThat's interesting. I didn't know it was an actual thing. Now I know what to call mine.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds better than an apron or other strange name.
DeleteInteresting, thank you.
ReplyDelete"I don't think an extra layer of fat on a human belly achieves the same effect!" LOL Neither do I !!
Can't believe it's Friday tomorrow, the grandchildren all survived 'back to school' well.
All the best Jan
The summer is truly over when school starts again. All of a sudden the children look more grown up in their uniforms.
DeleteHave a good weekend, Jan.
I've seen the flap of skin on my cats but never knew what it was. Thanks.
ReplyDelete😺🐱😸
DeleteWell I did not know this & thank you for sharing it Janice as The Mr tells me that Pippi is "fat" ... "just look at that big flab of fat hanging under her belly" he says. I tell him its just fluff. So now I can tell him its her primordial pouch. I am wondering what the name would be for HIS primordial pouch now 😉😉
ReplyDeleteThere are a few names that spring to mind, Julie! 😂😁😆
DeleteI think it is probably the 1st theory. Seems more intuitive.
ReplyDeleteThe first and second seem sensible to me. Cats kick with their back legs when fighting, particularly at their opponent's abdomen. They can also leap extraordinary distances, vertically and horizontally.
DeleteInteresting! I always thought this was a result of our cats being overweight. I was insulting them, I see now!
ReplyDeleteAnd re your last line . . . . . dang it :)
It would be nice to think our primordial pouches were of some use . . . 😸😺
DeleteI never knew that about cats.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember when I first came across it- some years ago, now. I wonder what else I don't know and probably never will! 😺😸
DeleteI've always wondered about this, although in Bess it isn't noticeable ... xxx
ReplyDeleteJellicoe's is quite neat, too. 😸😼😾
ReplyDelete