When many people see a loose flap of skin under their cat’s belly, their first reaction might be that their cat is getting fat and out of shape. However, the loose skin and padding around a cat’s stomach has a special name call the primordial pouch, and it exists in all cats regardless of their weight.

This primordial pouch insulates and protects a cat’s internal organs and allows a cat to store extra food in its belly. So if you see a pouch on your cat, don’t panic. Your cat is healthy and likely in good shape, but go ahead and feed it treats anyway just as a reward for being a cat.

To learn more about your cat’s primordial pouch, click here.