Why is my cat Small and not growing – know the causes


The first months of a kittens’ life are characterized by rapid growth. But, in some cases, we may find that our little one is not growing as much as It should. Kittens are so vulnerable that the presence of parasites or an inadequate diet hinders their proper development. However, there are other causes that explain why a cat does not grow up.

In this Shelterapet article, we go over the main reasons why a cat is not growing or gaining weight and we show what to do.

How big should a cat grow

One of the constant concerns of every pet owner is the growth of their four-legged friend. If the cat does not grow it is certainly due to some problem since one of the constants in the growth of a feline is its rapid growth: in a year it manages to gain several pounds and obviously its size also changes.

Obviously, they have fundamental importance: nutrition, treatment, and prevention of some diseases that affect Its health. The right nutritional intake will ensure that Its bones and muscles develop properly.

Like humans, cats tend to grow quite quickly: this is true in general but it is always better to rely on the opinion of an expert since each feline is a specific case. In principle, we can say that a cat reaches its ‘final size’ between 6 and 12 months if fed and cared for correctly. But even in the feline world, there are exceptions, such as the Maine Coon, whose growth never seems to stop, even up to 5 years of age.

My Cat Is Not Growing: What Might Be The Problem

If a cat does not grow, it is because it has ‘shortcomings’ of various kinds. Let’s see what are the possible causes that affect its growth or not.


DNA is essential in the growth of the feline. But how do you know how much a cat should grow? Taking a look at its parents should give you an estimation. Even the breed to which it belongs can give us very useful information in this regard: we have already mentioned the Maine Coonkeeps growing up to 5 years of age. Some recommend watching for paw growth, as you do with dogs, but that can’t be a reliable assessment.

my cat is small


The nutritional supply to be given to our kittens is important for the development of bones and muscles. Generally, their weight, depending on the breed, will oscillate between 8 kg and 18 pounds. So what to feed them to ensure that they grow up healthily and correctly? Meat! In fact, the image of the kitten drinking from the bowl of milk could lead one to think the opposite: cats are carnivores and predators. So even the smallest of kittens have the hunting instinct and feeds on \ animals it manages to capture.

This does not mean, that they do not also need food that we can easily find in pet stores, perhaps to be integrated with their usual kitten food. A bad diet can affect its growth and even stop it. The important thing is that Its daily food intake contains at least 70% meat and is grain-free.

Family history

The conditions of the mother are to be considered. Especially if it’s a stray cat found in the street, malnourished and with possible diseases, even Its kittens could have repercussions on their state of health. Kittens can grow thin or with intestinal parasites. It’s best to consult an expert opinion and bring the cat to a vet visit.


There are several pathologies that affect the growth of the cat until it stops completely. Some of these diseases are distemper or feline leukemia.


This could also be one of the causes, although it’s rare, it can affect the growth of a cat.

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