Underweight Tonkinese?

Question

My eldest Tonkinese, Lia, is around 7 months old and still only weighs around 1kg (2.5lb). I'm a bit worried that she may be underweight. My younger Tonkinese, Polly, is around 6 months old and is close to 1.5-2kg (4lb-5lb). Do you think Lia is underweight? She is very healthy and is regularly wormed, very active and playful. She eats a fair bit (Innova dry and Dine canned food) but doesn't seem to put on any weight, unlike Polly and Missy, who weighs over 9lb. What can I do for for to put on weight or is this a healthy weight for a Tonkinese? I've read that the minimum weight is generally around 2.5kg (6lb). I don't want her to get fat but don't want her too thin. She is pretty boney and takes after the Siamese a lot.

Update:

If you need a picture to see her, just ask and I'll take one of her from above.

Update 2:

The cats have free access to food and water all day so I'm not keeping food from her at all. They are all indoor cats.

Update 3:

I haven't taken her to the vet for it but out last visit was around a month ago for her last set of shots and the vet said that she looked healthy and didn't mention anything about her weight.

RichardPaulHall · Accepted Answer

All cats are different.

We adopted a brother-sister pair when they were 2 months old. He weighed 17 oz. and she weighed 15 oz.

By the time they were 7 months old she weighed 4 pounds but he was over 10 pounds by the time he was 5 months old. 

I think Lia is just has an elfin physique.

Haven_4_Animals · Answer

They should be being fed kitten food, to promote health and growth.
That minimum weight is for an adult by the way.

Is it possible the younger cat isn't letting the older near the food. Do you have a bowl of food each for them, or do they have to share. If the latter, give them a bowl each and not right next to each other. 
If she is boney - you can easily feel her ribs and spine - yes she is underweight and you may have to feed her apart from the others.
Siamese may look light, but they have a heavy body mass and weigh more than they look

k.t. · Answer

My cat is quite light for her age as well - it might just be the way your cat is built. Just like humans, weight differs. If you are concerned, I'd suggest you see your vet - even if you just gave them a call and asked if that weight for her age is okay. They will be able to let you know if it's not - and if it isn't, you'll need advice from the vet as to how to feed her to get fatter - you can't just give her extra food - it will have to be done properly so she's not just putting on "fat". If she's happy and healthy and eating properly then I'd say there's no problem, but as she can't tell you if there's anything wrong, I'd err on the side of caution and see a vet.

Jessie E · Answer

I am not too familiar with the breed, but I do agree, it does seem a bit small...have you ever had any blood work done? I would do that, to rule out any health condition that could be causing her small size....and it sounds like you are feeding her a great diet, so it must not be that.  Has she been tested for Feluk/FIV? Whatever happens, I wish you luck.

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Underweight Tonkinese?

4 Answers