Why do male cats have big bellies?
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Why do male cats have big bellies?
It stretches as the felines run, giving them extra flexibility and the ability to go farther with each bound — qualities that can help them evade predators or catch prey. Another possibility is that the pouch is an extra space for storing food after a big meal.
Why is my male cats belly hanging?
Have you ever noticed that even the slimmest feline has a slight hanging belly? This saggy layer of skin (typically covered in fur) is called the primordial pouch, and it’s a normal part of your cat’s anatomy. It is located along the length of the stomach, but tends to be most noticeable closer to the rear.
Why is my cat’s stomach hanging down?
If your cat’s belly hangs down and swings from side to side as she walks, this is normal. That’s the cat’s primordial pouch, also known as a belly flap or abdominal flap. This pouch presents in cats of both genders and is more obvious in some breeds than in others, and it has a purpose.
Why does my cat’s stomach feel hard?
The Expert Says: But although she could be feeling okay, something might not be all right going on in her belly–it could be worms, or a growth or something very serious, or she could be simply constipated.
Why is my cats stomach bloated and hard?
Potential causes for a cat or kitten swollen belly include organ enlargement, fluid or a mass in their belly, intestinal parasites and weight gain. In some cases, your veterinarian might be able to identify the cause of your pet’s swollen belly through a physical exam alone.
Do male cats have a primordial pouch?
Cats are born with this sagging belly, and all cats, both male and female, have primordial pouches. Some pouches are more prominent than others. Even non-domestic big cats have them! The pouch is an abdominal flap along their belly made up of extra loose skin and some fatty tissue.
Should my cat’s belly be hard?
If your cat likes a good belly rub, then you know when she’s happy her stomach is soft, palpable and comfortable to your touch. However, if you notice her stomach is starting to look distended, feels firm or she acts painful, these are signs something could be wrong.
What causes fluid buildup in cat’s abdomen?
Causes. There are several causes for the occurrence of fluid buildup (or edema) in the abdomen, including abdominal bleeding, abdominal cancer, inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, a ruptured bladder, liver damage, and low levels of protein in the blood (hypoproteinemia).
What are the symptoms of liver disease in cats?
Because the liver is involved in many crucial functions, a cat with liver disease may show a wide variety of symptoms. These may include lethargy, anorexia (loss of appetite), weight loss, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes and gums), vomiting, diarrhea and behavioral changes.
What causes distended belly in cats?
Organ enlargement: An increase in size of one or more abdominal organs can cause the abdomen to appear distended. Organ enlargement is often a sign of underlying illness such as infectious disease, inflammation, tumor, neoplasia and other conditions.
Why does my cat have a distended belly?
How long can a cat live with abdominal fluid?
The prognosis for a cat with abdominal effusion in this study was poor (mean survival time, 21 days; range, 1 to 350 days; median, 2.5 days). Clinical implications: The primary differential diagnosis for peritoneal effusion in cats is neoplastic disease in older cats and right-sided heart failure in kittens.
Which disease is usually recognized by fluid in the abdomen in cats?
In cats it can be caused by a viral condition called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Trauma can cause leakage of urine from the urinary tract or bleeding from an abdominal organ.
How do I know if my cat has hepatic lipidosis?
How long do cats live with ascites?
Peritoneal effusion was commonly accompanied by fluid accumulation elsewhere, particularly pleural effusion. The prognosis for a cat with abdominal effusion in this study was poor (mean survival time, 21 days; range, 1 to 350 days; median, 2.5 days).
