Beginner About To Adopt A Cat From Shelter

Never owned a cat but I saw this foster cat a few days ago. Male adult about 6 years old. Big orange tabby. Very sweet. He has this very pronounced belly flap though (see pic). I googled and learned that this is not abnormal, but I have never seen such a big flap... I petted his back and could actually felt his ribs so he may not have weight issues. But again haven’t seen such a droopy belly...should I be concerned...?

My Dexter is only a year old and he has a flap like this. Very pronounced, flaps when he runs. It's ok. Don't be concerned.

Thank you for adopting this sweet older boy!!!

Lots of kitties have those. All three of mine do, although your cat's primordial pouch (the scientific name for it) is pretty big. Perfectly normal, though.

Welcome to TCS!
This is perfectly normal and all the more to cuddle

You'll love being loved by a big ginger boy; they are often amazingly smoochy cats.

Do let us know how you get on.

I would not worry. He looks pretty good to me, just needs a good brushing.
And just so you know, I had a cat who's pouch drooped even closer to the ground. And he was perfectly healthy (just a bit overweight ).

Thank you so much for adopting an older cat, they so often get overlooked, but honestly, end up being the best companions.
I'm sure you'll both be super happy!

Welcome the cat site and thank you for adopting an older cat. They grow to be loving and so grateful for a home. He looks like a cross between my Ford, who is a big cream boy (adopted as an adult) and Zyngi, who is an orange tabby with a primordial pouch. Does your baby’s pouch swing from side to side when he runs? So cute. And what’s his name?

It's called the "spay sway"

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! I actually haven’t adopted yet. I contacted 2 rescue groups and saw a few cats - all adults - based on their recommendations. I specified I want a solo mellow adult cat, which I think would suit my lifestyle. I so far love a 12 yo bicolor male, this 6 yo ginger male, and tomorrow hopefully I will meet another 3 yo tortie girl and her foster mom tomorrow, then I think I will decide. I don’t care about looks, only the temperament. Bottom line I want the cat to be happy with me so compatibility is key to me. I was surprised I would like a 12 yo cat but I did when I saw him - only hesitation I might have is I don’t know as a beginner, I can handle the earlier onset of sickness for a senior cat well. And I love this 6 yo male I am showing you guys as well. He licked me when I first saw him at his foster home! I have the feeling I will love the tortie girl when I see her in person as well - based on what her foster mom told me on email. Awww...one thing I know - whichever I pick, I am going to miss the others that I don’t choose. It’s so hard!! Really tough!!!

Get them all!

Ginger male cats always seem to be awesome. friendly, loyal, mellow. For a first-timer, I would recommend that fellow. I guarantee, you will be getting a real treasure.

I have a 4 year old calico/tortie. She is just a ball of energy, love, attitude and intelligence. In other words, a bit of a handful. I've had cats all my life, and this is my first tortie. "Tortitude" is a thing, and its real! Be prepared!

Hi! You're wonderful, and maybe this will help;

First-time Cat Owner's Guide

So after much waiting, my adopted cat had just arrived. And yes I picked the ginger cat. He’s now hiding in my bedroom . They did a checkup on him and he’s overweight, so I will start him on diet... I am excited! hopefully he will get adjusted to me and his new home soon!

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Hi Szewan and a belated welcome to the forum !

Quite honestly, any change in his diet should come later on. He is naturally under a great deal of stress now. His entire world has been turned upside down.

His food, the type he was getting and the amount and frequency should not be changed now (and, when you do begin to make adjustments, slow and gradual are keywords).

You need to get some understanding about feline nutrition before making any changes as well. The main article here would be a good starting point: Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition – Common Sense. Healthy Cats.

Then, to understand the dangers associated with cats losing weight, read the piece on obesity: Feline Obesity: An Epidemic of Fat Cats

Finally, your story is just really neat, really heartwarming - and your concern for him over yourself....well, that just takes the cake ! What a lucky cat !
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white shadow said:

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Hi Szewan and a belated welcome to the forum !

Click to expand...

Another belated welcome! I agree with white shadow 's advice regarding not to make any changes too soon. Just let him settle in, get to know you and his new surroundings.

Here's a great Article about helping a new cat adjust to your home, Note # 10 that discusses nutrition and diet changes:
How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home

Best of luck, please keep us posted on your ginger cat. BTW, what did you decide to name him?

Yay, Zyngi the ginger says says concatulations! And, yes, a name, please.

As I am typing, I am settling in my air bed - this v smart ginger cat somehow managed to jump to my bed, snuggle himself under the bedspread and cover himself completely lol...this is his way of hiding...when I tried to put my hand near him on top of the blanket and call his old name (Simba), he growled and hissed awww poor cat he must be very scared...so I am moving myself to the living room...I live in a small apartment...it’s almost midnight here in NY and I will just let the ginger boy settling in for tonight...will he eventually come out tomorrow...!? Oh, and I want to call him Pancake...it was my first impression on him in the foster home...round and fluffy...

Aww, I love ginger boys. They seem to always be the snuggliest.

Yeah, don't change anything on him just yet. Use the same food and litter that he's been using for at least a month. After that, if everything seems to be going well, you could try to gradually change. Cats hate change so you never want to do anything too abruptly. You might hold off on a name change too, although it doesn't seem to be an issue for most cats, unlike dogs.

Once he's settled in, I recommend an all-wet-food diet. It's so much easier for them to reach a healthy weight with wet food, and since he's a middle-aged male (who are most at risk for urinary problems) it'll be beneficial for his bladder health too.

Tomorrow night try sleeping in the bed in your bedroom, even if he has commandeered the blankets. A sleeping human is less intimidating to a cat, so he'll have the chance to get used to your presence in a low-key way. But don't try to force affection on him---wait until he asks for petting. I'm sure it'll be soon!

Thanks everyone for the advice. Pancake did come out this morning to the living room to hang out a bit with me, although he hasn’t started eating yet. Boy, look at the pic I have vet appt in 2 weeks and will sure ask about how best to start on a diet.

Congratulations re: your new fur baby! Thanks oodles for taking an older kitty into your heart and into your home.

We've loved all of the cats we've taken in, but there's just something special about a ginger cat. They're so sweet and endearingly goofy.

Just adding my voice to the choir about not making too many changes right away, especially regarding his diet. Cats can get very sick if you cut back on their calories too much too soon.

Wish y'all all the best, and please keep us updated re: your bundle of joy's progress!