Growth Spurts and "Flabdominals"

**KatMcD** · 10th January 2013, 03:41 AM

Hi guys,

I have a gorgeous Maine Coon boy named McIntosh who is now just over 6 months old. He has had quite a growth spurt and gotten very long, but still seems disproportionately short for his length! Almost like a munchkin if you know what I mean! Ok, well thats an exaggeration, but you get the idea. I'm assuming his next growth spurt will be in height? Is it normal for growth in height and length to occur at separate times or do I just have a dwarf Coonie?

His tail has filled out nicely and after a horror kittenhood from 12 weeks on due to a nasty case of ringworm complicated by a secondary skin infection, his coat has finally grown back and he is his beautiful self once more! (I thought he'd grow to hate me after all that ointment and malaseb baths and treatments, but he took it all without a single complaint, what a beautiful nature he has!!!!)

My other question concerns his noticeable belly flaps. He is 4 kg, and a healthy weight according to the vet, long and lean but not skinny, but despite this the belly flaps still swing under there! I thought it might perhaps be due to his being desexed so early (10 weeks) because he's certainly not fat. Anybody else have this prob?

Kind Regards,
Kat

**Howlinbob** · 10th January 2013, 09:36 AM

Hiya, McIntosh sounds absolutely wonderful. I don't think there is anything to worry about. 4kgs is a good weight for his age, and at 6 months he's still got a lot of growing to do. They all grow in different ways and there are lots of different shapes and sizes within the breed, that's one of the things that makes MCs so interesting. With my lot, Larry is stocky and solid, and the heaviest at 7kgs, but his littermate Monty is long lean and leggy - completely different shapes even though they have the same parents.

As for the bellyflap, most cats have a bit of a belly hang-down even if they are not overweight. I don't know if it could be related to early neutering. But again, don't worry about it. Just enjoy your lovely boy!

**Musicalife** · 14th January 2013, 05:02 PM

I love the term "flabdominals"! Some cats have them, some don't. I always think its spare skin they need when stretching for that catnipped mouse you put on the counter top where you thought it was out of reach.

**deovolens** · 14th January 2013, 08:53 PM

Ours is a sturdy one without the "flaps" but he does a lot of miles a day in the trees and bushes.

At 10 months

**BasilHayden** · 18th January 2013, 01:06 PM

My Moggie Phoenix (rip boy) had a sag on the belly for years, I thought it was to do with them being indoor cats? When Phoenix ended up going outside when we moved to a better area it seemed to got smaller. My other moggie River was the same he had one but now its totally gone.

I know what you mean about the legs Basil is really long but his legs dont look big enough for him.

His weight is good and his coat is amazing. still working on the brushing he seems to take a better brushing when the dog get a shot of brushing aswell lol.

**KatMcD** · 6th May 2013, 08:38 AM

Thanks for the replies! The flabdominals are still swinging away, and he's now a solid 5 kgs at just under 12 months old. Again, still lean and healthy, so I just leave it be!.....well, apart from tickle time....

**inexcelsis** · 3rd June 2013, 11:28 AM

Oliver's got some serious flabdominals! The vet said there wasn't any reason to worry, unless lumps form in the flab. So incorporate a little check-up in your tickle time.

**donnad** · 6th June 2013, 01:05 PM

The skin that hangs on their bellies, we always called that their jungle pouch!. I do not even know where that term came from, must have been my mom.

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