<P> The particularly loose skin at the back of the neck is known as the scruff, and is the area by which a mother cat grips her kittens to carry them . As a result, cats tend to become quiet and passive when gripped there . This behavior also extends into adulthood, when a male will grab the female by the scruff to immobilize her while he mounts, and to prevent her from running away as the mating process takes place . </P> <P> This technique can be useful when attempting to treat or move an uncooperative cat . However, since an adult cat is heavier than a kitten, a pet cat should never be carried by the scruff, but should instead have its weight supported at the rump and hind legs, and at the chest and front paws . </P> <Dl> <Dt> Primordial pouches </Dt> </Dl> <P> Some cats share common traits due to heredity . One of those is the primordial pouch, sometimes referred to as "spay sway" by owners who notice it once the cat has been spayed or neutered . It is located on a cat's belly . Its appearance is similar to a loose flap of skin that might occur if the cat had been overweight and had then lost weight . It provides a little extra protection against kicks, which are common during cat fights as a cat will try to rake with its rear claws . In wild cats, the ancestors of domesticated felines, this pouch appears to be present to provide extra room in case the animal has the opportunity to eat a large meal and the stomach needs to expand . This stomach pouch also allows the cat to bend and expand, allowing for faster running and higher jumping . </P>

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