Why is My Cat So Small?
As a proud pet parent, it’s natural to be concerned if you’ve noticed that your cat is smaller than other cats. There are many reasons why your cat might appear to have a small stature. The size of your cat can depend on factors like genetics, age, sex, and the specific cat breed.
Some pet breeds are naturally petite, which means they will have a lower spectrum of normal size compared to larger breeds. For example, a small cat of a certain breed might still be completely normal, and there’s often no need to worry.
However, if you’re noticing a significant difference and feel concerned, it could be a medical problem worth addressing. In such cases, it is recommended that you consult a vet, who can offer useful insights and check if the small size is due to nutrition or any medical concerns. It’s important to remember that, while a big cat might seem more common, a small one can still be perfectly healthy and innocuous.
7 Reasons Why is My Cat So Small
1-Breed
As a pet owner, I have experienced that One of the main reasons your cat may be small is its breed. Certain cat breeds have been bred over decades for a small stature, which plays a huge role in their size. For instance, the Singapura, a small breed, typically weighs under 10 pounds (4.5kg) when fully grown, making it naturally petite.
Other breeds like the Munchkin cat have a distinct design with short legs, contributing to a smaller body size. In contrast, breeds like Maine Coons and Savannah Cats are renowned for their large size. This significant difference in size across cat breeds is due to the specific traits these breeds have been bred for, such as coat type, shape, and personality.
When I adopted a Singapura, its tiny size really surprised me, especially compared to my other cats. If your cat is smaller than the average house cat, it could simply be that it belongs to one of the smaller breeds, naturally designed to stay on the smaller side.d to stay on the smaller side.
Some types of common small Breeds:
- Singapura: One of the tiniest cat breeds, the Singapura is known for its small size, typically reaching only half the size of an average domestic cat. Even with their small size, they’re full of energy and playfulness, carrying a personality that’s larger than life.
- American Curl: Famous for its unique backward curling ears, the American Curl is typically small in size but big on affection. They are affectionate, kind-hearted, and enjoy forming strong connections with their human family.
- Munchkin: The Munchkin is easily recognizable for its short legs, which give it a kitten-like look throughout its life. Despite being small, they are playful, curious, and enjoy interacting with their environment.
- Siamese: Siamese cats are petite in size but boast a big personality, often described as talkative and affectionate. They love attention and form strong bonds with their owners.
- Devon Rex: Known for their curly, soft coat and large ears, Devon Rex cats are small but very active and playful. They love socializing and are often found cuddling with their owners.
- Cornish Rex: Cornish Rex cats are small with a unique curly coat, and they are incredibly affectionate and energetic. They enjoy being the center of attention and love playing with their family members.
- Japanese Bobtail: Japanese Bobtails are small in size with a signature bobbed tail. They are playful, active, and form close bonds with their owners, often engaging in fun, interactive play.
2-Have Parasites
If my cat is small or not gaining weight, it could be due to internal parasites like gastrointestinal worms that affect kittens and adult cats alike. Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and pinworms are common internal parasites that cause weight loss, malnutrition, and loss of nutrients.These worms steal vital nutrients from your cat’s food, leading to health problems such as anemia and flea anemia.
Additionally, external parasites like fleas can cause appetite changes, leaving your cat struggling to get enough food to maintain a healthy weight.
If left untreated, these parasites can spread and create more serious issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and a swollen abdomen. Seeking professional advice from veterinarians and getting the right anti-parasite treatment is key to stopping these infestations before they turn into a public health risk.
3-Gender Size
If your cat is small, it’s possible that they are a female cat. Female cats are generally smaller and lighter compared to male cats due to dimorphism, which means physical characteristics differ between the different sexes.
Male cats, or boys, tend to grow larger, heavier, and more bulky because of testosterone during their development. Additionally, if your cat was neutered at an early age, this might have affected their growth plates in the long bones, which can result in a smaller cat.
Cats that are neutered early may not reach full maturity or grow to their full size, especially compared to male cats. Your cat’s breed also plays a role in how big or small they become, as some species naturally grow larger or smaller. So, if your cat is a girl, this could explain why she is smaller than other cats.
4-Dwarfism
If your cat seems smaller than usual, it could be due to dwarfism, a rare condition often caused by genetic factors. Chromosomal mutations or hormonal deficiencies can disrupt normal development, leading to abnormal growth plates that prevent the bones from growing properly.
This results in short legs and a disproportionate body, which gives your cat a unique look. I noticed this in my own cat, who has always been on the smaller side but still full of energy. Some breeds, like the Munchkin, are selectively bred to have short limbs and a small stature, but other small cats might experience this due to a mutation in their genes, causing abnormal growth of their bones.
Conditions like osteochondrodysplasia and achondroplasia are common in cats with dwarfism, leading to deformation and causing the bones to stop growing. While most of these cats lead normal lives, they can be prone to health issues, so it’s important to have them checked by a veterinarian if you suspect any concerns.
There are other signs of dwarfism in cats that you might notice, but if you’re worried your cat may have it, it’s best to take them to the vet. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Bowing of the legs
- Shorter bones
- Shortened jaw and teeth misalignment
- Slow growth
- Lack of growth
- Large head
- Enlarged joints
5-Nutrition or Diet
During kittenhood, a cat’s growth is crucial, and poor nutrition or an unsuitable diet can lead to stunted growth. Nutritionally balanced foods are essential to ensure they get enough protein to develop healthy muscles and sufficient calcium for strong bones.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their specific nutritional needs must be met with animal protein to thrive. The calorie intake needs to be adequate to support their active metabolism and to prevent them from being underfed.
If your kitten’s diet doesn’t meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), it could lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may slow down their growth. Whether feeding commercial kitten foods or preparing meals yourself, always ensure the food meets their growth and health requirements to avoid long-term issues with their size and overall well-being.
Kitten Nutrition
The growth of young kittens depends heavily on their nutrition. If a kitten is drinking milk adequately, especially during the crucial 5-6 weeks of life, they receive the high levels of proteins and fats necessary for growth.
However, if a kitten is weaned too early or does not receive the correct wet or dry diet formulated for kittens, their growth can be affected. Illness, or an abrupt change in their diet, could also cause growth problems or even loss of weight. Making sure they receive the essential nutrients will promote their healthy development.
Adult Nutrition
If your adult cat seems smaller than usual, it could be a result of inadequate nutrition. Cats, as natural grazers, require a diet high in animal protein from sources like small prey to stay healthy. Their food must be formulated to support their life stage and provide complete food that is nutritionally balanced.
Without the right balance, especially if they are fed only twice daily with low quality of food, they may develop chronic health problems and poor growth. Offering multiple meals throughout the day with suitable food can help your cat reach its optimal size.
6-Still Growing
If your cat is so smaller than expected, it might still be in the process of growing. Many kittens reach their full size at different times depending on their breed. While some fast growers reach near maturity by 6 to 8 months, others, like the Maine Coon, may take over 1 year to achieve their full size.
At 9 months old, your cat could still have a growth spurt left, with physical growth slowing down after the 12-month mark.For most cats, growth is typically 75% complete by 30 weeks old and they become sexually mature by 4-5 months. However, certain larger breeds or those with a slower growth rate may continue to develop physically for up to 2 years, making them seem undersized for a while.
Keep in mind that age, size, and growth rate vary with different breeds, so a small, young cat could still be undergoing important developmental stages before reaching its adult size.
What should be the weight of a cat or a kitten?
The weight of a cat can easily vary depending on its breed and lifestyle. A Domestic Shorthair typically falls within a normal range of 5 pounds to 10 pounds, while some cats, especially large-boned ones, may grow to 15 pounds or more.
For mixed-breed cats, the adult weight might be slightly different, with some reaching 25 pounds. It’s important to monitor if your cat stays fit and healthy, as being too slim or overweight can indicate health concerns. Kittens should steadily gain weight as they grow, but even they can vary in size based on their breed and health. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure whether your cat is in a healthy weight range
How to Know if Your Kitten is Growing Well?
If your cat is so small, tracking their growth is an important step in understanding whether they are growing at a healthy pace. Using a baby scale, you can weigh your kitten every day and track their growth. In the early stages, most kittens gain about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) per week.
By plotting their weight on a graph, you should see a steep curve that eventually begins to level off by 6 months old.At around 1 pound (450 grams) during their first month, you’ll notice how their weight increases steadily.Comparing your kitten’s growth rate to the kitten growth chart can help you assess their development.
If your kitten falls behind on the percentiles, it might indicate they are a small kitten compared to others of the same age. However, this doesn’t mean they will remain small.Male kittens tend to grow into larger cats, while females may remain smaller but still become average-sized kittens or even larger adults.
To gauge if your kitten is growing properly, pay attention to their interest in food, how active they are, and their playful behavior. These are all good markers to ensure they are healthy. Occasionally, kittens experience growth spurts, but if you’re still concerned, a quick visit to the vet can provide clarity.
Can Do Anything Special if My Kitten Was the Runt of the litter?
If your kitten is the runt of the litter, they might face extra challenges right from birth due to their low birth weight. Being the smallest of the group can put them at a higher risk for health problems, but with the right support, they can still thrive. It’s important to monitor their growth closely, as they may need a special diet to help them catch up with their brothers and sisters.
Watch for any signs of illness or poor health, as runt kittens are more likely to face such issues. Taking your kitten to the vet can help catch any worries early and make sure they’re headed in the right direction for a happy, healthy life.
With the proper care and attention, even the small kitten can grow into a healthy cat, just like the others in the litter.
Should I Be Worried If My Cat Is so Small?
If your cat is looking small, it’s normal to worry about their health. You might be concerned if they’re not growing as expected or if their weight seems off. However, it’s important to remember that some cats are naturally small due to their breed or genetics. Always keep an eye on their eating habits, energy levels, and overall behavior.
If you notice your cat losing weight or not gaining the usual amount of growth, it’s a good idea to see a vet. They can help ensure your cat is healthy and not facing any issues that could affect their growth. If everything else seems fine, your cat is likely just a little smaller than the average. But if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to take them in for a check-up.
