Last Updated on November 12, 2022 by Pauline G. Carter
Your cat’s belly may appear to be hanging low for a variety of reasons, some of which are normal and others that may indicate a health problem. If your cat is otherwise healthy and has no other symptoms, then her belly is likely just sagging from being overweight. However, if your cat also has a distended abdomen and seems painful or uncomfortable, she may have a serious condition called bloat.
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. Other causes of a hanging belly in cats include pregnancy and fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites).
There are a few reasons why your cat may have a hanging belly. One reason could be that they are overweight and need to lose some weight. Another reason could be that they are pregnant or have recently had kittens.
If your cat is normally active and healthy, then a hanging belly may just be due to their anatomy – some cats simply have longer torsos and shorter legs, which can give the appearance of a hanging belly. Whatever the reason, if you’re concerned about your cat’s health, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.
Why A Saggy Belly Doesn’t Mean Your Cat Is Fat
Do All Cats Have a Hanging Belly?
While it is common for cats to have a slight protrusion of their belly, known as “pouching”, not all cats have a hanging belly. Pouching occurs when the stomach hangs down lower than the rest of the body and is most often seen in obese or lazy cats. While some may consider this to be an unhealthy trait, it is perfectly normal for certain cat breeds.
For example, the Sphynx breed is known for its hairless body and pronounced belly pouch. So, while not all cats have a hanging belly, there are certainly some that do!
How Do I Get Rid of My Cats Saggy Belly?
If your cat’s belly is saggy, it’s likely due to excess weight. To help your cat lose weight, you’ll need to make some changes to their diet and lifestyle. First, feed your cat a high-quality, low-calorie diet.
There are many good commercial diets available that can help your cat slim down. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. In addition to switching to a healthier diet, you’ll also need to get your cat moving more.
Encourage them to play and exercise regularly. This will help them burn off any excess calories and slim down over time. Finally, don’t forget to have patience.
It takes time for cats to lose weight safely, so be patient and consistent with your efforts. With a little time and effort, you can help your cat get rid of that saggy belly for good!
When Do Cats Develop Primordial Pouch
A cat’s primordial pouch is a developmental remnant of their embryonic cloacal fold. This structure is evident in all Felidae, with the exception of the cheetah. The primordial pouch forms during fetal development and typically disappears by the time the animal reaches sexual maturity.
In some cases, however, the primordial pouch can persist into adulthood. The function of the primordial pouch is not fully understood, but it is thought to play a role in urination and defecation. When cats urinate, they contract their pelvic muscles to force urine out of their bodies.
It is believed that the primordial pouch helps to direct this urine stream towards the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). Similarly, when cats defecate, they contract their anal sphincter muscle to expel feces from their bodies. Theprimordial pouch may help to guide feces towards the rectum (the last section of the large intestine).
The persistence of a cat’s primordial pouch into adulthood is usually harmless. However, in some rare cases, it can cause problems with urination or defecation. If your cat has a persistent primordial pouch and you are concerned about its health effects, please consult your veterinarian for more information.
Conclusion
Most cats are born with a belly that hangs down close to the ground, but as they get older, their bellies start to sag. There are several reasons why this happens. First, gravity starts to take its toll on their abdominal muscles and skin.
Second, they may be carrying around extra weight in their belly area. And finally, some cats simply have more loose skin than others, which can cause their bellies to hang lower. If you’re concerned about your cat’s hanging belly, talk to your veterinarian.