What is a kurdish in cats

2. Overweight..
In obese cats, the skin fold can stand out quite a lot visually. This is natural, because it is where fat is stored.

Skin diseases in cats

Why do cats have a potbelly, what is it for and what to do about it 🐱Why do cats have a potbelly?

Everyone likes it when a cat is well-fed and its coat is shiny. But it happens that a cat has a tummy that hangs in the groin area, even if the pet is active and not overeating. Some owners are concerned about this.

In fact, this thickening at the bottom of the abdomen is not called a tummy, but a primordial sac or groin fold.

It is a genetic predisposition of some cat breeds: Bengal, British, Scottish, Sphynx and Cornish Rex cats.

They develop a skin fold between their hind legs in the form of a hanging pouch with a fat roll. It is usually small and soft to the touch, it is about 5 cm wide and completely painless.

In young cats, kurdish is considered normal and disappears when the male enters the time of mating with cats.

Can a curd be dangerous?

The main indicator that something has gone wrong is that the crease is painful and uncomfortable for the animal. Then it's imperative to see a veterinarian.

On your own, you can't do anything about the saggy tummy of your pet, nor can you determine why the cat has formed such a crease.

The main task of the owner is to distinguish the painful formation from the usual skin folds by palpation.

In addition, it will not be superfluous to contact a specialist for consultation.

Additional armor

One assumption is that the primordial pouch functions as an additional protective layer. A layer of skin, fur, and fat covers the vulnerable belly from the teeth and claws of the enemy, from mechanical damage during movement. This theory is much favored by owners of cats with a fighting temperament that have just as noticeable a kurdle, – Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtails, bengals, bobcats, savannahs, pixiebobs, etc. They believe that the kurduk speaks of the masculinity and courage of the pet.

This skin flap is quite long and elastic. When a cat jumps or reaches for something, it stretches a lot, the lower part of the body as if lengthened and nothing interferes with the movement. In the wild, this extensibility plays an important role. Pets don't need it so much, because they don't have to run away from predators or catch prey.

Stocks for a rainy day

Another theory says that this munchkin actually serves as a "supply bag." If domestic cats get balanced and tasty food 2-3 times a day, in the wild we can not get food every day. But when there is a lot of food, the hoarding organism converts it into fat and stores it in the skin sack to get energy from there on hungry days.

Sometimes it is difficult to understand why a cat's belly hangs down – whether it's a tummy tuck or excessive belly volume due to excessive accumulation of fat. The owners' anxiety in this case is not unfounded: overweight is fraught with the development of many diseases, including kidney and heart.

To check if it is not obesity, you need to look at the cat from top to bottom, smoothing the hair, if it is fluffy. A cat with a normal build has a "waist" – a narrowing of the body just below the ribs and above the pelvis. If it is not there, and especially if the sides protrude, most likely a furry beauty needs a diet and more activity. To determine what it is, will help to know of your cat's anatomy and constitution.

Rules for feeding

cat's belly sagged

The cat's body is designed so that a varied diet will do more good than changing meals every day. Breeders and veterinarians recommend that you feed your pets the same food for the rest of their lives. This will ensure that there are no problems with the liver and stomach in old age, as these organs will get used to monotonous food and will not experience severe stress.

The main rule of pet feeding is that natural food should never be combined with dry food. Conventionally, all cat food is divided into two types – "dry" and "wet".

If dry food (food) is chosen, it cannot be combined with meat, vegetables and other foods, including canned and pate cat food. Food should be given the same brand at all times. Veterinarians do not even recommend changing the flavor of food if the pet is happy with everything and the appetite does not worsen. Replace the dry food by another brand only if the cat refuses to eat or if he is allergic. Food should also be changed as the pet gets older, when the body begins to need other vitamins and minerals.

If the cat eats natural food (fish, meat, dairy products), dry food should not be given. The combination of different types of food increases the load on the liver, which can develop into serious health problems. It is not recommended to give dairy products to adult animals, as not all cats tolerate them well. An alternative is dairy products.

Feeding on a schedule will help to avoid obesity. Food should be given twice a day at the same time, regardless of whether the cat wants to eat or not.

A cat's belly can sag at any age, including young individuals who are not yet a year old. This is perfectly normal, but only if the cat has no problems with being overweight.

Sagging in a cat or cat: features of physiology or a problem?

Cat owners often notice in their pets a kind of sagging skin on the abdomen, a peculiar fold located closer to the hindquarters. It is a primordial (pedigree) sac, which is also called a kurduk. All wild members of the feline family have this formation. But is it the norm for domestic cats? And what to do if you find a kitty or cat's tummy sac?

A primordial pouch can appear in a domestic cat regardless of its breed. It is just that in smooth-haired or naked, it is more noticeable than in the owners of thick and long hair. The tailbone is on the lower part of the body from the stomach area to the hindquarters, and is very visible if you look at the cat standing or walking slowly from the side. As a rule, a thickening of the tailbone toward the rear is observed. The appearance of a primordial sac is considered normal if its plumbness does not exceed 3-5 cm. But, depending on the size and build of the animal, the fold may be wider. When moving quickly, a large muzzle may sway from side to side.

primordial pouch 2

The curdle is a physiological feature of felines and is not considered a pathology if it does not cause any inconvenience to the animal (this happens with pathological sagging of the fold). In general, scientists cannot come to a definite opinion about the purpose of the primordial sac. But there are several versions explaining the functions of this formation:

  • The life of cats in the wild is radically different from the comfort of domestic pets. When chasing game they have to get through thorny bushes, deadwood, branches, and even to fight with prey or competitors. The most vulnerable part of the cat's body is its abdomen and internal organs. The kurduk's fold is dense and mobile. It well protects the muscles of the front abdominal wall from scratches, punctures, and wounds. Wild cats, when attacked by stronger predators, most often defend themselves by rolling over on their back and fighting back with their hind paws. And in this case, the tailbone performs the same functions as the skin fold around the neck in dogs of fighting breeds – it prevents the attacker from damaging muscles and large vessels, because it simply shifts.
  • The function of the snout can also be explained by the fact that it consists mainly of fatty tissue cells. Fat is a source of energy for many biochemical processes in the body. Wild cats have no hosts that offer them regular caloric food. Therefore, such a peculiar "storehouse" of energy reserves is designed to supply the body with energy during periods of forced starvation or food shortages. And even at home you can notice that the rate of growth of a curd depends directly on the appetite of the cat or cat. If the portions are reduced, the kurduk will also begin to shrink.
  • There is also an assumption that a cat's or cat's kurduk is just an extra volume of skin that makes it easier to move. After all, cats are incredibly flexible and agile. In a jump a wild cat, cheetah or other representative of the family (and a pet too) can stretch out actually in a string. In order to perform such movements, it is necessary that the skin is not stretched and does not restrict the movements of the joints.

Curdle as a characteristic of the breed: the degree of expression of the primordial sac

We have already found out that a curdock by itself is quite normal. Nature, through the presence of extra skin, has taken care of the extra comfort and safety of felines. But while in some domestic cats and cats the tailbone is almost invisible, in others it is clearly pronounced. And it's not a pathology either – the primordial fold is a characteristic feature of some breeds. Most often it is those breeds, in the creation of which participated wild cats and representatives of the felines of a particular area. Therefore, we observe a pronounced muzzle in such breeds:

In some breeds, the presence of a primordial fold is specified as an exterior standard. For example, in pixie bob and Bengal cats. This feature is inherited from wild ancestors. And a small skin fold near the hindquarters can be observed even in small kittens. It is not deprived of it and savannah cats, which are distinguished by a special grace. If we talk about British cats, the presence of a primordial sac is also considered the norm in kittens.

cat 10

In Canadian sphynxes, a pronounced muzzle most often appears after castration. With a diet and activity regimen that restrains excessive growth of the primordial pouch, this feature of appearance does not look like a disadvantage even in the absence of fur. The only thing that owners must remember is to ensure that their pet's skin is properly cared for. All body folds should be wiped with special wet wipes to avoid the effects of active sebaceous glands.

When breeding elite breeds, multiparity in cats is valued. This feature is often inherited. Therefore, the presence of kurdy in young females is considered a good sign. After delivery, especially with multiple pregnancies, it may seem at first glance that the kurduk has greatly increased. This, too, should not be a cause for concern, since it is due to the skin stretching out on the abdomen. After a while the skin will go back to normal and the fatty bones will be the same size or even smaller than before the birth – the fat reserves will be spent feeding the kittens. The shape and size of the tailbone can also change after a caesarean section or other surgery in this area.

What is a cat's tummy and is it normal

When cats walk leisurely, or when they just stand sideways, you may notice that the abdomen near the hind paws sags a little. More precisely, the skin is not there.

Of course, it is not so striking to the eye and does not seem to be some pathological condition of the cat, but still we must find out what it is, whether it is normal or whether you should show concern.

As it turns out, sagging skin at the bottom of a cat's belly is called kurduk. And it can be both natural and not requiring any treatment, and deviation from the norm.

– It is a kind of protective mechanism of the internal organs. It prevents damage to the cat's belly, because the animal can be injured by sharp stones when hunting or in a fight with the enemy;

– This skin fold is necessary for active movements, as cats often twist and stretch hard. Kittens have a flexible spine that allows them to fold at different angles, but they also need an elastic skin to help with various movements;

– There is an opinion that the fatback is a kind of storage of nutrients, which will be consumed in case of hunger. Hunting is not always successful; sometimes we have to stay without food for a long time.

Therefore, we can say that a slightly saggy cat tummy is quite normal. Their wild relatives with short hair have it especially noticeable.

And in domestic purls belly fat is less pronounced and depends on the breed, build, and even the time of year (more in winter, and less in summer).

What is "kurduk" in cats and is it normal for them

Our beloved cats are full of intrigue and surprises: their behavior is sometimes not always understandable to humans, and cat physiology arouses curiosity in people.

For example, what is a cat's kennel? What does the cat need it for? Is it normal? Or an abnormality?

Image source: pixabay.com

The gizzard is the skin and fat that hangs under a cat's belly around its hind legs. Scientifically speaking, it is called a primordial sac. This phenomenon occurs not only in cats, but also in dogs.

Curdle is present in absolutely all cats, just in some cats it is barely noticeable, and in others immediately catches the eye of a person.

It all depends on the individual physiological characteristics of the cat itself or its breed.

What do cats really need a muzzle for?

Scientists put forward some basic theories concerning this anatomical feature of cats:

This fold is useful for the cat in that it helps it to be most flexible during wide and long jumps. This fold is very elastic and gives the cat extra flexibility to hunt prey.

Fat deposits accumulate in this area and help the cat survive on hungry days. That's why thicker cats have a more pronounced kurduk.

The tailbone also has a protective function for the cat – it protects its internal organs from being beaten by other cats. Cats tend to use their back legs during a fight, which can cause the most damage to the cat's internal organs.

Photo by the author. Fat cats can have a particularly pronounced tummy sag.

When is a kitty the norm?

Representatives of felines that exhibit British blood refer to cats with sagging bellies. Not all Scottish cats can "boast" of a curly belly. In order to breed modern Scottish breed, the British were crossed, but felinologists say that there are no such problems in American line, and there were used Americans, not Brits. It is considered a common occurrence if the hanging belly appears on the European line in Scottish adult cats and kittens.

The reasons for the presence of a muzzle in certain cat breeds remain unknown. There is a theory that the fat fold protected the organs of these cat breeds from damage during fights.

Alarming symptoms

If the cat has hanging skin on the abdomen and this is not a feature of the structure of the animal or a consequence of improper feeding, then the problems are hidden in a hormonal disorder. In this case, consultation with a specialist is necessary, and sterilization may be necessary.

Pathological processes occurring in the body of the animal can be identified by the sagging skin in the abdominal area. The disease is indicated by the following symptoms:

If the cat is eating well, her nose is wet, she is playful and active – everything is fine. Many begin to worry that this is a sign of the onset of obesity, inguinal hernia.

If the cat is not eating, has lost weight and has a distinctly enlarging abdomen, this is a sign of one of the following diseases and conditions:

Prevention

It is normal for cats to have a muzzle, but some measures can be taken to avoid a significant increase in it:

  1. Do not overfeed the animal.
  2. Constant physical activity. The cat should have enough toys. It is good if she has a special play center or a place where she can run and climb.
  3. The cat should receive only quality food. In the case of industrial food, these are firms of super-premium, premium and holistic.In the case of natural food in the diet should not be high-fat foods (pork, fatty veal), potatoes, legumes, chocolate, flour products, spices.
  4. The animal must receive all necessary vitamin and mineral supplements (often there is already a sufficient amount of these in high-quality dry food).
  5. Timely vaccinations should be given. The first vaccination is given to the kitten at two months of age. Then within a few months they are revaccinated. An adult cat should be vaccinated once a year.
  6. Once every 4 months it is necessary to do prophylaxis of helminth infestation. A tablet according to the weight of the animal is given in the morning on an empty stomach. Prevention should be done even for cats that are not outdoors. If the animal has been infected, the cat should be given the pill again after ten days.
  7. If the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed, the animal should be helped in a timely manner. For example, in case of constipation, the cause of constipation should be determined and appropriate changes in the diet should be made.
  8. The cat at least once a year should be taken to the veterinarian for preventive examinations.

So all cats have chicken tendrils. In some of them it is very visible, and in others it is almost invisible.

A 3 to 5 cm protrusion of the primordial sac is considered normal if the cat has no other symptoms.

However, if the owner has even the slightest doubt that the pet is healthy, you should take the pet to the vet for a preventive exam.

When a hanging belly is not the norm

When a cat has a large tummy on its belly and is showing symptoms of illness, head to the vet's office. The veterinarian will examine the four-legged patient, palpate the kitty, and if suspected, prescribe urine and blood tests and ultrasounds. Sagging skin on the lower abdomen can signal obesity, hormonal problems, and internal organ disease.

obesityIn obese cats, as you can see in the photo, the abdomen sags a lot, because fat deposits form there most actively
Disorders of the digestive tractConstipation, bloating and flatulence are common symptoms of inadequate feeding, insufficient wet food and water; a swollen bowel gives the impression of a sagging belly
HelminthiasisIt is easy to tell if an adult cat or kitten is infested with worms – the belly hangs down, defecation disorders, vomiting, stink from the mouth, itching in the anus, haggard appearance; the animal eats well, but loses weight, the belly sags and swells because worms fill the intestines with gas as a result of their life activity
Difficulty in giving birththe cat may have a sack during labor when the fetuses die in the womb, the main symptom is a hard belly, the unborn cubs are palpable; during the week, painful abdominal contractions, bloody and purulent vaginal discharge signal the remaining dead fetuses
Cushing's syndromemalfunction of the adrenal glands with excess synthesis of the hormone cortisol – causing abdominal enlargement, gluttony and simultaneous weight loss, thirst, excessive urine, cramps, thinning of bones
infectious peritonitisA cat affected by coronavirus infection refuses food, suffers from cramps, abdominal walls become inflamed, causing sagging abdomen, breathing is difficult, liver function is impaired, coordination of movements is thwarted; no treatment, the pet dies
ascitesabdominal dropsy – not a separate disease, but a symptom of cardiac, pulmonary, renal, cancer pathologies, peritoneal damage, infectious lesion; accumulated fluid provokes sagging abdomen, vomiting, defecation disorders, labored breathing, tachycardia, pale skin are observed
mastitisinflammation of the mammary glands may occur not only during pregnancy and lactation but also after an injury or taking hormones to suppress sexual activity; the nipples become hot, painful, hardened and swollen and so the cat feels as if the skin on the back of her belly is hanging down and the milk brings out blood and pus
pyometraInflammation of the walls inside the uterus is a common reason why the cat's abdomen is enlarged; the disease develops due to infection during surgery, urogenital abnormalities, hormonal disorders, accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, thirst, lack of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, putrid vaginal secretions
bladder perforationUrine is leaking from the organ into the abdominal cavity; this is a very dangerous condition, and immediate surgical treatment is required.
An umbilical or inguinal herniathe cat's skin is hanging down and the abdominal organs bulge out of the stretched and torn muscles and serous tissues; the condition is common in kittens and puppies after birth traumas and castration and when looking at the kittens and puppies, a hard or soft lump that can be easily squeezed on palpation is visible
cancersMalignant tumors in cats appear in poor nutrition, reduced immunity, hormonal imbalance; bloated abdomen indicates that the tumor is in the abdominal cavity, the pet rapidly thinning, he has a painful belly, stink from the mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, mucous and bloody inclusions in the feces

Memo for the owner

If the cat is active, eats with appetite, sleeps soundly, and has no pain from being touched, the presence of a kitty should not cause concern. The owner should immediately take the pet to the veterinarian if:

  • Apathy, passivity;
  • lack of appetite;
  • rapid weight loss;
  • fever;
  • seizures;
  • vomiting; defecation disorders;
  • abdominal alopecia;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • urge to lick the belly;
  • pale or red skin;
  • abdominal soreness; negative reaction to touch;
  • bloody vaginal discharge.

The most common cause of hanging pouch in pets is obesity. It's nice to see a well-fed and happy cat, but not all owners know the limits of feeding. Weigh your cat to determine how much weight is different from the breed's norm. Obesity has a negative effect on internal organs. Put the cat on a diet, buy low-calorie food, do not exceed the portion recommended on the package.

To keep your cat from getting fat, don't feed on demand and don't give in to the complaining look. Give food strictly on schedule.

Observe the following preventive measures against kurdish growth:

  1. If no breeding is planned, neuter the animal. A neutered cat should be on a diet, as hormonal changes cause gluttony to appear.
  2. Give the pet vitamin and mineral complexes as recommended by the veterinarian. Keep in mind that quality foods contain a full range of nutrients.
  3. Avoid fatty foods, sweets, flour, beans, and cereals.
  4. Buy fresh food or holistic, super-premium food.
  5. Play with your pet. Buy toys, exercise equipment, and build a playground.
  6. Vaccinate your cat once a year.
  7. Give the cat a worming treatment every 4 months.
  8. Take your cat to a yearly preventive veterinarian checkup.
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