If kittens do not get enough nutrition when they are just born, is it possible for

J

JackF

Member
them to be smaller than the? average adult cat?

I rescued one kitten from a shed, when it was just about a week old. I nurtured it and gave him his proper nutrients. He is looking rather healthy now, however I rescued three kittens later from the same litter because of their markings and I tried getting them back to health. These kittens seem quite a bit smaller. I just wanted to make sure that it was normal or if it is something I should look into.
 
K

Kona'sMom

New member
There are many reasons for smaller kittens. Some are just smaller, they may even have a different father (there can be multiple fathers for one litter). They may also be from a different litter, you may not have seen two momma cats but unless you are sure you may just have two different ages in front of you.

Lack of nutrition before and after birth is also possible but if they are strong enough they will pull through and though they may never really get big, they will be healthy.

Last suggestion, which I hope is not the case, is disease. There are many diseases that attack young kittens. Some are know such as FeLV and some as just seen but not understood such as Fading Kitten Syndrome.

I have found that vets do not know much more than fosters about why some kittens live and others don't. I have a home veterinary handbook for kitties that I find very useful and recommend. If you see any other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting then you have something more to worry about.
 
K

Kona'sMom

New member
There are many reasons for smaller kittens. Some are just smaller, they may even have a different father (there can be multiple fathers for one litter). They may also be from a different litter, you may not have seen two momma cats but unless you are sure you may just have two different ages in front of you.

Lack of nutrition before and after birth is also possible but if they are strong enough they will pull through and though they may never really get big, they will be healthy.

Last suggestion, which I hope is not the case, is disease. There are many diseases that attack young kittens. Some are know such as FeLV and some as just seen but not understood such as Fading Kitten Syndrome.

I have found that vets do not know much more than fosters about why some kittens live and others don't. I have a home veterinary handbook for kitties that I find very useful and recommend. If you see any other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting then you have something more to worry about.
 
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