Is a Cat with Cheeks the Ultimate Indicator of Quality?
Roundfaced cats exude an undeniable charm, and many cat owners dream of their pets developing such a cute, rounded face. As a result, the question of "how to make a cat's cheeks plump" has become a timeless hot topic. In pursuit of this goal, some cat lovers are willing to spend extra money on a variety of foods labeled as "cheekplumping" aids.
But do these foods really help in plumping the cheeks? Before we delve into this question, we need to first understand what exactly "cheekplumping" entails in cats.
What is "cheekplumping"?
In the world of cats, what is referred to as "stud jowls" in English is actually a unique secondary sexual characteristic found in male cats. This is due to the influence of testosterone hormones during their development, which gradually causes the cheeks of male cats to become wider and more robust. This is akin to the way human males develop stubble and Adam's apples during puberty.
It's important to note that male cats' cheeks don't just appear for no reason. They serve two primary functions:
The first function is to act as a mating signal to females, making the cheekplump male cats appear more masculine to them.
The second function is to provide protection during fights. The robust cheeks help shield the delicate neck area.
Can neutered male cats still "cheekplump"?
We know that male cats' cheekplumping is caused by testosterone hormones. If a male cat is neutered before its first heat, it may find it difficult to develop cheek plumpness. However, if a cat that has already matured and developed cheek plumpness is neutered, its cheeks may shrink slightly but are unlikely to disappear completely.
Be cautious about "cheekplumping" in female cats
If your pet is a female cat, she should not exhibit cheekplumping. You might argue that some female cats have round faces, which could be due to two reasons:
Firstly, it might be the fur rather than the face that is round, such as in British Shorthair cats, which are naturally roundfaced; or
Secondly, it could simply be that she is overweight, in which case you should be mindful of her diet and consider weight management.
If you come across a female cat with thick cheeks, this may not be a good sign for her. It could be a sign of abnormal hormone levels, much like how some women develop facial hair and Adam's apples during puberty. In such cases, it's important to take her to a veterinarian for a checkup.
Are "cheekplumping" foods effective?
After learning about "cheekplumping," if you still believe that food can help achieve this, then it's time to revisit today's lesson. Merchants exploit the desire for roundfaced cats by marketing "cheekplumping" as a feature. If there were truly foods that could easily plump the cheeks of cats of any gender or breed, then we would need to be cautious.
When preparing food for your cat, always prioritize health. Ensure they receive adequate protein, a full range of vitamins, appropriate amounts of fat, and carbohydrates. Additionally, make sure to feed them in appropriate portions. Don't force your cat to become overweight in the pursuit of a round face.
