What is a Runt Kitten?
A runt is a kitten that is significantly smaller or weaker than the rest of its litter mates (Cat World). This occurs when the kitten fails to receive proper nutrition in the womb during pregnancy. Runt kittens are typically at least 25% smaller than the other kittens in a litter and often weigh less than 100 grams at birth. They may have health issues and struggle to compete with their larger litter mates for nursing time. Runts can face challenges with thermoregulation, immunity, and physical development.
Due to their small size and underdeveloped state, runt kittens require supplemental feedings and extra care in their first weeks to help them survive and thrive. With dedicated attention and nurturing, many runts catch up to their litter mates in size and go on to live long, healthy lives. The most crucial time is the first 1-2 weeks when extra feedings and monitoring are needed.
Common Causes of Runt Kittens
There are several common causes that can result in a kitten being born unusually small or underdeveloped compared to its littermates, leading to a “runt of the litter.”
Poor prenatal nutrition is one of the most frequent causes of runt kittens. If the mother cat experiences illness, stress, or malnutrition during pregnancy, this can impair the development of some kittens in the womb. Kittens rely completely on the mother’s health and diet while in utero, so any deficits will affect their growth.1
Infections in the mother cat during pregnancy, such as feline panleukopenia virus, can also cause stunted development. Viruses impair the kitten’s ability to receive proper nutrition.1
Large litter size is another common cause of runts. When one mother cat is carrying many kittens, some may not receive adequate nutrition in the womb and will be born smaller. Competition for resources in a crowded uterus can prevent proper growth.1
Genetic factors can also play a role in runts. Some purebred cats with very large or small body types may be predisposed to having small or weak kittens.1
Health Concerns for Runt Kittens
Runt kittens face some unique health challenges due to their small size and underdevelopment. Some of the main health concerns include:
Higher risk of birth defects – According to Cat World, runts are more likely to be born with developmental issues due to a lack of blood supply and nutrients in the womb [1]. Common birth defects include cleft palate, hydrocephalus, and congenital heart problems.
Greater susceptibility to viruses – Runts often have weaker immune systems, making them more prone to illnesses. Kittens already have an underdeveloped immune system so runts are at an even greater disadvantage. Viruses like panleukopenia and respiratory infections can be dangerous.
Problems with temperature regulation – As mentioned on Hepper, runts can struggle with hypothermia due to their small size and inability to regulate body temperature [2]. Keeping runt kittens warm and monitoring their temperature is crucial.
Other issues like gastrointestinal problems, flea infestations, and respiratory distress are also common in runts. Close monitoring and proper care is essential, especially in the first few weeks.
Providing Proper Care
Runt kittens often need extra care and attention in order to thrive. One of the most important things is to keep the runt kitten warm, as they can have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Using a heating pad set on low under a blanket in their sleeping area can help provide supplemental warmth.
Runts may also need additional nutritional support, since they have to compete with their larger littermates for nursing. Bottle feeding an enriched kitten formula a few times a day can provide the calories and nutrients needed for proper growth and development. According to one vet, “It is best to weigh them every day. Many do not gain weight as they should. If they don’t gain weight, you will need to supplement feed them” (Source). Frequent weigh-ins allow monitoring of weight gain patterns.
With extra warmth, nutrition, and monitoring, runt kittens can get the proper care they need to thrive. However, they do require more attention and caregiving effort than the average kitten.
Growth and Development
Runt kittens typically experience slower initial growth and development compared to their littermates. This is due to receiving less nourishment in the womb and having to compete for milk once born. According to Cat World, runt kittens are often “25-50% smaller than the other kittens” at birth and struggle to gain weight at the same pace early on [1].
While runts tend to be much smaller initially, they can often catch up developmentally over time if given proper care. As noted by Love to Know Pets, “with a little extra attention, most runts mature into normal-sized, healthy cats” [2]. However, some runts may always remain on the petite side compared to standard cats.
The key is providing runt kittens with plenty of nutritional support and monitoring their growth in the early stages. With dedicated care and nurturing, many runts can overcome their challenging start and live long, healthy lives.
Lifespan of Runt Kittens
Runt kittens often have higher mortality rates shortly after birth compared to their larger littermates. This is because they can have more health problems and difficulties thriving early on. However, if a runt kitten survives the first critical weeks, many go on to live normal lifespans with proper care.
According to veterinarians, if a runt makes it to 6-8 weeks of age, their chances of continued survival are good. With a healthy diet, proper veterinary care, spay/neuter, and a safe indoor lifestyle, runt cats can live long lives comparable to regular sized cats.[1]
While runts may be more prone to illness, congenital defects, and low weight as kittens, they can catch up developmentally. With dedicated medical care in the first year and extra nutrition, many runts thrive into adulthood. While some may stay smaller than average, runts can live full lifespans into their late teens or beyond.
In the long-term, there is no significant difference in expected lifespan between runts and normal siblings once they get past the initial critical growth phase. With attentive care and annual vet checks, runt cats can live happily into old age just like any other cat.
Adopting a Runt Kitten
Adopting a runt kitten can be rewarding but does come with some extra responsibilities. As the smallest kitten in a litter, a runt may need special care and attention in order to thrive.
Runts often have health issues and physical defects, so it’s important to have them examined by a vet regularly to catch any problems early. Issues like respiratory infections, heart murmurs, and low blood sugar are more common in runts. With diligent medical care, these issues can often be successfully managed.
Runts may also need help with feeding, temperature regulation, and socialization. Bottle feeding, nutritional supplements, warming beds, and gentle encouragement can all help a runt kitten develop properly. With some extra patience and care, most runts go on to live long, healthy lives.
While more work than a standard kitten, the runt of a litter can make a delightful pet. Their small size and increased dependence on their owner often makes runts very affectionate and loving cats. With proper medical oversight and extra attention, adopting a runt kitten can be immensely gratifying. Just be prepared for the additional responsibilities required to raise the smallest furball of a litter.
Caring for a Runt Cat
Caring for a runt kitten requires some special considerations to ensure they grow up healthy. Since runts are often smaller and weaker than the rest of the litter, they need extra attention when it comes to nutrition, veterinary care, and monitoring their development.
Because runts can have trouble competing with their larger siblings for nursing, it’s important to feed them smaller, more frequent meals. Their nutritional needs are greater relative to their size. If possible, consult with your vet about specialty kitten formula or supplements to support their growth. You may need to bottle feed a newborn runt if they are unable to nurse effectively on their own.
Routine vet checkups are also essential for monitoring a runt kitten’s health and development. The vet can track their weight gain, assess any underlying health issues, and provide advice on diet and supplements if needed. Catching any problems early is key.
It’s also important to keep a close eye on a runt’s growth and achievement of development milestones. While runts may eventually catch up to normal size, they are often slower to walk, develop teeth, etc. Track their progress and discuss any lags with your vet. With attentive care, most runt kittens go on to live long, healthy lives.
With extra nutrition, veterinary monitoring, and a watchful eye, runt kittens can thrive despite their challenging start. While caring for a runt takes dedication, the rewards of watching them blossom are well worth it.
Behavior of Runt Cats
Runt cats often exhibit some unique behavioral traits compared to their normal-sized littermates. While each cat is an individual, runts tend to be more timid, anxious, and attached to their owners.
Because runts struggle to compete with their siblings for food and warmth when young, they become more dependent on human affection and care. This makes many runts extremely loving and attached to their owners as adult cats. They crave attention and affection. According to one cat owner, “My runt is the sweetest, most loving cat I’ve ever had” (https://catproductguide.com/cat-runts/).
Their small size and difficult start can also leave runts more anxious or skittish around strangers and new environments. Proper socialization is essential. However, runts tend to be highly intelligent and trainable cats when given the time and patience. While timid at first, runts often warm up quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement and routine.
In summary, runt cats are often extra affectionate and attached to owners, but may be more timid or anxious initially. With proper care and training, runts can become smart, loving family members.
Lifespan Expectations
Runt kittens often have a stigma of having shorter lifespans, but with proper care and nutrition they can live a normal lifespan just like other cats. Some factors that impact a runt kitten’s lifespan include:
Health issues – Runts can be more susceptible to health problems which, if left untreated, could impact lifespan. Providing good veterinary care helps mitigate this.
Nutrition – Malnutrition early in life can stunt development. A nutritious diet supports healthy growth.
Environment – Keeping cats indoors and minimizing exposure to infectious diseases supports longevity.
Genetics – Some purebred cats are predisposed to genetic conditions that may impact lifespan.
Litter competition – Struggling to compete with litter mates for food can be detrimental. Monitoring eating and supplementing is important.
With attentive care, early health screening, proper nutrition, vet checkups, and a safe indoor home, runt kittens can overcome initial disadvantages and live a full normal lifespan. One study showed no difference in lifespan between runts and normal siblings when provided with comparable care. While their start in life may be more challenging, runt cats can live just as long with dedicated owners.
