Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is one kitten in my litter weighing less than its siblings?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 5 months old

Kiara gave birth to a litter of five Sunday morning and unfortunately one of the little babies passed away. I've weighed the rest of them and these are the weights. Kitten 1- 109g Kitten 2-94g Kitten 3-110g Kitten 4-112g My concern is for kitten 2 as it weighs considerably less then the other ones. It feeds well. Could you shred some light as to why it doesn't weigh as much as the others.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 14th, 2018

Hi there again, cats can breed multiple times to multiple males during their heat. So it is possible that the smaller Kitten has a different DNA makeup and it is also possible that it may be a day or 2 younger than the others if if was from a later breeding. Of course there is always a possibility that something may be more concerning with the kitten such as an internal birth defect. Keep weighing them to make sure they are all gaining weight daily. If you have any concerns please have them examined by your veterinarian. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on March 13th, 2018

    Good job weighing them! I wouldn’t be too concerned about the weight difference. However, I would continue to weigh them twice a day. Each kitten should be gaining weight every day. If the weight doesn’t increase daily then that is a red flag that something is wrong. At that time supplemental feedings with KMR after it nurses is appropriate. Also having it examined by a veterinarian to make sure there is no cleft palate or heart murmur etc. Best of luck and have fun with those kitties! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 20th, 2019

    I wouldn't worry too much unless that kitten looks frail, sick or not well for some reason. I would not force anymore milk onto them and let them drink what they would like. If the kitten isn't doing well then I highly recommend taking them to a veterinarian as soon as you notice that. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my female rat pregnant? What are the visual signs of rat pregnancy?
Frustrated trying to tell if your rat is pregnant from a photo? A Petco vet explains why a physical exam or sonogram is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I think my pet is pregnant. How can a vet confirm it for sure?
Is Candy pregnant? A professional vet explains how to confirm pregnancy, as photos alone aren't enough. Discover key signs and what to look for in your pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My mouse has a growing lump. What can I do if I can't afford a vet?
Concerned about your mouse's growing lump and vet costs? A trusted Petco veterinarian provides guidance on managing her comfort during this difficult time.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored