Tiny Kitten Fails To Grow, But Succeeds At Stealing Hearts

Written by: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| Published on March 3, 2018

“Widdle” may seem like an odd name for a cat, but it fits this New Zealand rescue kitty purrfectly! You see, Widdle is 17-weeks-old, but so far has only grown to the size of an average 7-week-old.

He arrived at a feline rescue called The Kitten Inn several weeks ago. An experienced foster mom named Jessie took him in along with his ginger sister and four other kittens from two separate litters.

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

When he was first rescued, Widdle had a bit of an upper respiratory infection. With Jessie’s help, he was soon feeling much better – although he did NOT enjoy his medication!

At approximately 6 weeks of age, Widdle was the size of a 4-week-old kitten and only 2/3 the size of his sister.

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

Widdle just could not seem to keep up in growth with the other fosters. At 12-weeks of age he was half the size of his sis.

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

As the other kittens hit their age and weight goals, Jessie returned them to the rescue to be adopted out, but Widdle stayed behind.

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

With all the extra time and attention Widdle requires, Jessie couldn’t help but fall in love. She decided to keep the little cat with the huge personality all to herself and officially adopt him!

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

He is still a bit too young to undergo the tests Jessie’s veterinarian hopes will reveal the cause of his tiny stature; but other than his size, Widdle appears to be an average, healthy kitten.

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

He enjoys sitting atop peoples’ shoulders when he visits Jessie at work…

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Watching the fish when he visits his dad at work…

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

Playing with this pink thing…

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

And wearing adorably tiny Origami hats.

A post shared by Jessie (@trashcanjonesfosters) on

He may weigh less than two pounds, but Widdle has a huge heart and a mighty spirit – what more could a cat lover ask for?

Want more Widdle? Follow him and Jessie’s ever-changing houseful of foster kitties on Instagram!

 

Featured Images via Instagram/trashcanjonesfosters