The first few months of a kitten's life are characterized by rapid growth. But, in some cases, we may realize that our little one is not growing as much as he should. Kittens are so vulnerable that the presence of parasites or an inadequate diet can interfere with their proper development. However, there are other causes that explain why a cat does not grow
In this article on our site we review the main reasons why a cat does not grow or gain weight and we show what to do.
Why isn't my kitten growing?
First of all, it is important to note that there is a feline breed known as munchkin cat and characterized by its small size due to its short paws. For this reason, if you have adopted a kitten and you don't know if it belongs to the breed or not, the first thing we recommend is to consult the veterinarian if it is a munchkin.
That said, once breed has been ruled out as a cause, kittens should be kept with their mother and siblings for at least the first eight weeks of their lives. That is why it is usual for us to adopt them with about two months. Depending on its origin, we can receive the new member of the family dewormed, vaccinated and well accustomed to eating alone and solids. But we don't always find this ideal situation, which may explain why our cat doesn't grow.
Thus, a kitten that has not been dewormed internally is at risk of stunted growth, in addition to other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, bad appearance of the coat or anemia. Therefore, if we do not know if the kitten has visited the vet or we have doubts, it is best to go to a clinic as soon as you receive it. There this professional will review it and prescribe the necessary drugs.
On the other hand, feeding is always essential for animal welfare. If poor nutrition can cause problems in adult cats, the situation in kittens will be much more compromised. In fact, if they are not well nourished, their growth will be hindered. That is why it is essential to offer him a good diet, with a menu appropriate to his age to ensure that all his nutritional needs are covered. If we opt for homemade food, we have to be very aware that it is not synonymous with offering them the leftovers from our table. A menu must be prepared with the advice of a specialized veterinarian. Check out our article on the BARF Diet for cats.
Other causes of dwarfism in cats
While poor nutrition or the presence of parasites can explain why a cat is not growing or gaining weight as it should, there are other causes, although rare. In general, kittens are born apparently he althy and it is as they turn weeks when symptoms begin to be seen, among which stunted growth stands out. This will be more evident if the little one stays with his siblings, since it is possible to establish comparisons. A dwarf kitten may be suffering from conditions that affect development and cause other symptoms as well. These rare diseases are:
- Congenital hypothyroidism: it is due to a problem in the thyroid that prevents the synthesis of its hormones and, in addition to disproportionate dwarfism, these cats have short necks and legs, a wide face, alterations in the nervous system and, at the cerebral level, delayed teething, apathy, loss of appetite, dull hair, low temperature, etc.
- Mucopolysaccharidoses: These are diseases due to enzyme deficiencies. Affected kittens are small, have small heads and ears, wide faces, wide-set eyes, short tails, clumsy gaits, retinal atrophy, bone, neurological, and heart problems, paralysis, etc.
- Pituitary dwarfism: is caused by a deficiency in growth hormone. It causes constipation, delayed teething, vomiting or dehydration, in addition to its small but proportionate size.
- Portosystemic shunt: in this case there is a circulatory problem that prevents the body's toxins from being purified, passing directly into the bloodstream and causing different symptoms among which are a delay in growth and mental problems.
What do I do if my cat doesn't grow?
Reviewed several situations that can explain why a cat does not grow or gain weight, if you suspect that this is the case with your kitten, the simplest thing is to start with deworm himand provide an appropriate food at this vital stage. Before long, if this was the problem, we should see the improvement.
If you are already eating well and have been dewormed, it is essential Go to the vet He must establish a differential diagnosis between ailments such as those we have explained. To do this, different tests are carried out that will include blood tests or x-rays. Depending on the result, the prognosis will vary.
Treatment of dwarfism in cats
Unfortunately, not all diseases that explain why a cat does not grow have a cure. When there is hypothyroidism, it is possible for the cat to grow, improve its symptoms and obtain a good quality of life if we follow a hormonal treatment that the veterinarian will prescribe. The shunt can be operated, although it is not always possible, and for mucopolysaccharidosis there is the possibility of treating the symptoms, but the prognosis, in both cases, will be reserved. Kittens with pituitary dwarfism often die.
