Are there disorders related to a cat being undersized? (further explanation in thread)

[Gesundheit]

Nym’s parents were big cats. Not overweight; just big. Her mother was on the upper fringe of “average” and her father was undeniably sizable. As for Nym? While not the runt of the litter (I think her litter didn’t even have a runt) she’s grown to be very petite. Does anyone know of disorders associated with cats who don’t grow into their expected size? The thought just hit me, and I’m not sure where to start looking for answers. She has an upcoming vet appointment, so rest assured that I’ll present the doctor with this inquiry, too. I just don’t want to discount the knowledge of my fellow lairians.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I’m sure there are some for under-developed kittens, but there shouldn’t be for just being simply on the small side. Our one boy is very tiny for a male...not even 7 pounds. I questioned our vet and he said some simply have a smaller structure and our boy is just petite. Both of his parents were not small either. Let us know what your vet has to say.

 

[Toa and Ross]

Does Nym show any health issues? Nym could just be tiny. But always good to let a vet check and see what they say, My girl Jade is very petite even though her parents are normal sized.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Gesundheit I imagine it is just like people... all sizes

my one boy is small, short stocky... no issues except for the grade 1 heart murmur I was told about years ago.. no symptoms a little wild child
my girl is very petite ...little tiny cute paws and is going on 8 yrs old no issues
my taller Male more typical size has had a grade 3 murmur for years no outward symptoms no medications .. 9 yrs old

keep us updated

as a matter of routine during any vet visit.. I always ask the vet to let me know if they hear any heart murmurs ... just something I ask while we are there anyways.. my vet and I also had a chat about vaccines.

 

[MollysMom]

With the exception of dwarfism (shortened limbs) like a munchkin cat, I would think that some are just smaller than others.

 

[Sheldon13]

With the exception of dwarfism (shortened limbs) like a munchkin cat, I would think that some are just smaller than others.

Yes I agree. I think unless there is a congenital dwarfism of some kind the cat would be asymptotic.


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[Gesundheit]

Thank you for your replies! Nym has problems, but Smidget doesn't (both are small; separate litters). Smidget's parents were average, and she grew into my adorable little runt. This has just been rolling around in my mind since I saw a documentary that very likely has nothing to do with domestic felines, but it can't hurt to check my blind spots.

@Yoda mom @Toa and Ross @Catzzzmeow @Sheldon13 @MollysMom