The ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses are as fascinating as they are difficult to keep track of, especially when animals are involved. Many myths feature both sacred and evil creatures in their tales but it goes even further than that. Egyptian deities, in particular, are known for their connections to animals, most of which
What Is a Primordial Pouch?
Bennett Glace
Some cat owners are perplexed to see their healthy, active pets develop a hanging belly. Are these felines snacking in secret or suffering from some mysterious affliction?
No, there’s likely no reason to call the vet or put your kitty on a new, more restrictive diet. That furry paunch isn’t the result of excess skin or abominable fat, but a layer of flesh known as the primordial pouch. It’s a vestigial body part, evidence of your cat’s wild lineage, and all felines big and small have one.
What Is a Primordial Pouch?
The Egyptian Mau, originally a well-adapted street cat in Egypt, is known for it s tabby-like looks, its spots and its dog-like personality. Mordolff/Getty Images
Have you ever looked at the face of what you thought was a striped tabby cat, but when you saw the rest of its body, realized it was actually spotted? Most likely you met an Egyptian Mau ( mau is the Egyptian word for cat.) These elegant, midsized cats are the only natural domesticated breed of spotted cat. And yes, they really did originate in Egypt.
Betsy Whitlock, a cat breeder at Belle Hollow Farms and Exotics in Franklin, North Carolina, says technically, the Egyptian Mau is called a spotted tabby.