As pets, runts can be the star of the litter

• Story
• Comments
• Image (5)

Previous Next

Kristin Ramsdell

Pets-Runts

This June 2011 photo provided by the Black and Orange Cat Foundation shows a .44-pound runt kitten named, Cheddar, who fit into a 16 ounce coffee mug. He now weighs 7-plus pounds. (AP Photo/Black and White Orange Cat Foundation, Kristin Ramsdell)

Nancy Puro

Pets-Runts

This image taken on August 16, 2012 provided by Cat Adoption Team, shows a runt kitten named, Little Big Burger, in Sherwood, Ore. At around 6 1/2 weeks old, he weighed about 11 ounces and had eyes and ears that were too big for his face. (AP Photo/Cat Adoption Team, Nancy Puro)

Nancy Puro

Pets-Runts

This image taken on August 16, 2012 provided by Cat Adoption Team, shows a runt kitten named, Little Big Burger, in Sherwood, Ore. He had a kidney infection, and required fluids, syringe feeding, pain medications and antibiotics, and then gained a pound in two weeks. (AP Photo/Cat Adoption Team, Nancy Puro)

Kristin Ramsdell

Pets-Runts

This image taken in June 2011 shows a runt kitten under one pound named Cheddar, in Columbus, Ohio. He was cared for by the Black and Orange Cat Foundation from a weight of .44-pound until he reached 2 pounds, and then was adopted by a Philadelphia family. He is thriving at 7-plus pounds now. (AP Photo/Black and Orange Cat Foundation, Kristin Ramsdell)

Kristin Ramsdell

Pets-Runts

This July 2011 photo provided by the Black and Orange Cat Foundation shows Cheddar at three months old and weighing 1.5-pounds playing in a cat tower in Columbus, Ohio. In most cases, if a runted dog or cat makes it through six to eight weeks, it will likely survive and will probably get close to full size, according to experts. (AP Photo/Black and Orange Cat Foundation, Kristin Ramsdell)