Maine Coons Primordial Pouch a.k.a. Saggy Belly!

A primordial pouch is an evolutionary physical trait that cats historically had to help felines survive the treacherous wilderness before becoming domesticated. But, do Maine Coons have one?

Maine Coon Primordial Pouch

Maine Coons share many similar traits with the apex predator wild cats that still prowl the wilderness today. One of those similarities is their need for a primordial pouch that hangs down from their belly, helping to protect a cat’s vital organs.

If you’ve noticed your Maine Coon cat’s belly sagging, and wondered if this is something you need to speak to your vet about, don’t panic!

The sagging belly of a cat is called the primordial pouch, an evolutionary adaptation to protect felines against predators.

Essentially the primordial pouch is a thick layer of hanging-down skin and fur that covers the cat’s lower abdomen. It sits perfectly over the cat’s stomach and can make your cat look like it’s put on some weight!

The primordial pouch usually develops during the Maine Coon cat’s adolescence years, from 6 months old and onwards (source 1,2).

Why Do Cats Have A Primordial Pouch?

Below are the key reasons why cats have a primordial pouch (source 1,2):

1. Protection Against Kicks

Cats, in the wild and domesticated breeds, tend to kick aggressively as a way of fighting other cats.

Cats can kick pretty darn hard and since they have sharp claws a well-placed kick to the stomach can do devastating damage.

The primordial pouch helps protect the cat’s vital organs by adding an extra layer of:

• Skin
• Fat
• Fur

2. Protection When Kicking

Cats have very strong rear kicks. They like to kick out behind them which can leave their stomach and lower abdomen exposed.

By having a primordial pouch the Maine Coon can protect itself against counter-attacks while they are kicking.

3. Extra Warmth

Cats did not evolve to live in our warm and cozy houses. Instead, they all adapted to survive the harsh, and sometimes bitterly cold, great outdoors.

An extra layer of padding on their tummies helped keep these permanently outdoor cats warmer in the depths of winter.

4. Extra Flexibility

The extra skin that the primordial pouch provides could potentially give your cat enough extra flexibility and improved range of motion to perform more impressive leaps and jumps.

It might also help them rotate themselves to be at the extraordinary and funny angles we often find them.

5. More Room For Food

It is thought that the secondary purpose of the cat’s primordial pouch is to allow a cat to store more food and therefore energy for later.

When food is often scarce this pouch could potentially make a huge difference. A bigger belly means more room for food!

When Do Cats Develop Primordial Pouch?

There is no exact date when a cat’s primordial pouch will develop, and it varies so much from cat to cat, and between different breeds and species.

Cats usually develop their pouch during adolescence. Thus, anywhere between 4-9 months is a possibility though most cats develop their pouch around their 6th month (source 1).

Do All Cats Develop A Primordial Pouch?

Both genders develop a primordial pouch. But, does every breed of cat?

1. Environmental Need

Some people argue that only cats with an environmental need at one point would have developed a primordial pouch.

From a warmth perspective this makes sense – but what about when fighting other cats?

2. Pouch Size

The biggest point of contention is that cats may all have a primordial pouch but sizes may vary to the point of the pouch being almost non-existent.

If the pouch is so small it is beyond recognition should we consider it to be a primordial pouch? Many people argue no.

3. Impact Of Domestication

There has been plenty of evidence that our domestication of big cats has changed the way they behave and communicate.

There is a possibility that cat breeds that have long since died out in the wild and are solely domestic breeds would have no need of a primordial pouch and would, therefore “stop developing one” so to speak (source 1).

Is My Cat’s Primordial Pouch Too Big?

Maine Coons tend to have pretty big primordial pouches because they have, up until recently, been living in some extremely cold and pretty harsh wildernesses.

If you think your cat’s primordial pouch is too big this is probably a breed-specific characteristic or the result of a history of fierce scraps in your feline’s family tree! Or, an overfed cat.

If you are unsure whether or not your cat is overweight it is best to consult your vet or refer to an online healthy-weight chart.

Primordial Pouch Cat Breeds

Here are some other well-known cat breeds that tend to have obvious primordial pouches on their bellies:

• Egyptian Mau
• Japanese Bobtail
• Pixie Bob
• Bengal
• British Shorthair
• American Bobtail
• Persian