Kittens are cute. Well, actually, big cats, medium cats, and, erm… all cats! But if you’re the proud pet parent of a petite cat, you may be asking, “Why is my cat so small?” This is especially true when comparing your cat to other cats that are larger or more “normal” in size.
There are several reasons why you might get a small cat. A cat’s breed, sex, age, and genetics all affect body size. There are also several nutritional and medical issues that can contribute to a cat’s undersize size.
1. Is my cat still growing?
Kittens will still grow after they reach sexual maturity.
If you own a young cat or kitten, it can be difficult to tell if they are truly undersized or still developing. Cats are fast growers and typically reach their full size around 40 weeks (approximately 9 months of age).
Growth of over 75% is achieved by the time they are 30 weeks old and then slows down rapidly. Confusingly, your cat may be sexually mature at 4-5 months of age, and then is generally considered an “adult cat”, so it’s worth mentioning that their physical development continues beyond this time . Larger breeds, such as Maine Coons, may continue to grow beyond 1 year old.
ALSO READ: The Complete Feeding Guide for Kittens to Big Cats
2. Variety
Now there are many breeds of cats, resulting in different sizes.
Cat breed evolution has made tremendous strides in recent decades. Now, there are significant differences between breeds in terms of many factors: coat type and length, colour, personality and size. The breed of cat you have will play a big role in their size.
Some felines are notoriously small in stature, even when fully grown. The average domestic cat weighs about 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), and cats below this normal adult weight are known as “small breeds.”
Also read: 12 smartest felines – The smartest felines ranked
Here are some of the most common small breeds:
- Singaporean cat – One of the smallest breeds, they are only about half the size of the average house cat.
- American Curl – Known for their ears that curl back, members of this breed are usually on the smaller end of the scale.
- Munchkin – Munchkin cats carry a genetic mutation that causes their characteristic short legs and kitten-like disposition.
- Siamese – The chatty Siamese cat is small in size but big in character!
- Devon Rex and Cornish Rex – These are small, dainty breeds.
- Japanese Bobtail – With its adorable tail, this breed is also one of the smallest, which only adds to the “aw” factor.
3. Gender
Nutrition is important to a cat’s growth.
As with many species, female cats are usually smaller than male cats. Cats that undergo early spaying may be slightly larger than those that are not spayed until adulthood. This is due to delayed closure of the growth plates of long bones.
4. Nutrition
A good diet is essential for both health and growth. Nutrient deficiencies can cause developmental delays in kittens and health problems in adult cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are highly dependent on animal protein in their diet and have specific nutritional needs that can cause growth problems if not handled properly.
Also Read: The Complete Guide to Feline Nutrition
Kitten Nutrition
Protein and fat are the keys to a kitten’s healthy growth.
Kittens grow quickly, so they need high levels of protein and fat. Kittens 5-6 weeks old should be drinking milk, if not given enough milk due to loss of mother or illness, their growth may be affected.
Sudden or premature weaning can also cause growth problems. After weaning, kittens should be offered wet or dry food specially formulated for kittens to ensure the high levels of protein and fat needed for growth and development.
adult nutrition
Cats are natural herbivores, although during domestication they will eat at specific times.
Adult cats require a diet primarily based on animal protein. They should be provided with a whole food that is properly formulated for their life stage and therefore nutritionally appropriate.
Traditionally, cats are herbivores, feeding on multiple meals of small prey. This means they often need to be fed at least twice a day. Insufficient amounts or quality of food that lead to malnutrition can lead to chronic health problems.
Also read: How to Put a Cat on a Diet?
feeding habits
If your cat is losing weight despite getting enough food and water, see your veterinarian.
Cats typically eat several small meals a day, although our domestic pet cats usually do well to eat two meals a day when fed by loyal owners. However, some cats have difficulty adjusting to a strict feeding schedule and would benefit from more impromptu feedings.
In busy households with multiple pets and multiple people, some cats who are more stressed may find it difficult or stressful to find quiet and unobstructed times to eat and thus receive proper nutrition. Multi-cat households can be problematic if one cat is dominant, preventing the other cats from getting enough food.
If you’re concerned that your cat isn’t eating enough and looking thin, make sure your cat has plenty of fresh food and water, even if it means creatively placing food bowls around their environment.
Also Read: 10 Best Cat Foods of 2022
5. Medical problems
If you are concerned about your cat’s growth, it is always a good idea to have a physical exam of your cat.
If you are concerned about your cat’s size or weight, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea to rule out medical problems. There are genetic traits that can cause cats not to grow normally, and there are various diseases that can cause weight loss and frugality. If you are concerned about your cat’s growth, a physical exam by your veterinarian would be a good start.
Dwarfism
Dwarfism is very rare in cats and can be caused by genetic or chromosomal mutations, hormonal deficiencies, or growth plate abnormalities. Cats with dwarfism often have short legs and disproportionate bodies, giving them a very distinctive look. This condition can be accompanied by a variety of health problems, so if you suspect dwarfism in your cat, consult a veterinarian.
parasite
Dwarfism, although rare in cats, can occasionally occur.
Intestinal worms can cause weight loss in adult cats, and in kittens, they can stunt growth. Common internal parasites include tapeworms, roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms. Some of these can be transmitted to humans, so they are a public health risk.
Other symptoms in cats include changes in appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, and abdominal swelling. Veterinarians recommend regular antiparasitic treatments for your cat to prevent infection.
Also read: Hirschsprung’s in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
other medical conditions
Some conditions that affect cat size are more common in older cats.
Felines have several health issues that can lead to weight loss, with diabetes and hyperthyroidism being common candidates. Both conditions cause a loss of appetite accompanied by sudden weight loss, and affected cats are also often very thirsty and exhibit frequent urination. These diseases are most common in older cats.
Hyperthyroidism can also cause hyperactivity and poor coat condition. If your cat is losing weight despite a healthy appetite, a veterinary health check is recommended.
Also read: Best Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism
add up
We all love our cats, no matter their size or shape. If you have a petite kitten, it’s most likely due to their age, breed or gender, and it’s most likely completely normal.
However, if you’re concerned that your kitten isn’t growing as expected, or that your adult cat has experienced changes in weight, appetite, or feeding habits, it’s never a bad idea to take them to the veterinarian for a checkup. There are certain nutritional and medical issues that can alter body shape, growth and weight, and it is safest to rule them out.
Also Read: Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Causes
frequently asked questions
Is it normal for cats to be small?
Yes. Some breeds and types of cats are naturally small, such as the Devon Rex or the Siamese. Female cats are also usually smaller than male cats. However, cats can also become smaller due to malnutrition or medical conditions such as dwarfism.
Will the runt get smaller?
“Pups,” or the smallest in the group, can catch up to their littermates as long as they are healthy and getting good nutrition. If they are short due to congenital health problems, or if they are not carefully monitored to ensure they are not too weak to eat, they may still be small and stunted.
What is considered a small cat?
The average cat weighs about 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). Adult cats that do not reach this weight are considered kittens.
Why is my cat not growing?
Cats usually stop growing around 9 months of age, or slightly older if they are a large breed. If your kitten stops growing before then, it could be due to parasites, malnutrition or an underlying medical problem and veterinary advice should be sought.
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