As cat parents, we know every kitten is unique, but a South Dakota couple fostering an orphaned litter discovered just how special their tiny charges could be.
A heart-melting photo of two littermates—one a delicate runt named Fleece, the other a robust “brick” named Flannel—has taken Reddit by storm, racking up over 70,000 upvotes.
Fostered through A Place for Meow Rescue in Rapid City, these kittens are stealing hearts with their striking size difference and charming personalities.
Here’s their story, plus tips for caring for runts and their siblings.
A Viral Sensation from South Dakota
Just two weeks into bottle-feeding a litter of orphaned kittens, a South Dakota couple found themselves at the center of a viral moment. The foster, who chose to remain anonymous, shared a photo on Reddit’s r/cats forum, showcasing Fleece, the smallest kitten, next to her much larger brother, Flannel.
Their sisters, Cotton and Sherpa, fall between them in size, but it’s the dramatic contrast between Fleece and Flannel that captured the internet’s attention. “One is a runt and the other is whatever the opposite of runt is,” the foster captioned, perfectly summing up the adorable disparity.
At 4 to 5 weeks old, these kittens are adjusting to life without their mother, thanks to round-the-clock care from volunteers at A Place for Meow Rescue.
The foster told Snugglesouls, “I love watching the two of them together, not only because of their size but also their different personalities.” While Fleece loves curling up in cozy blankets, Flannel is already an adventurous explorer, hinting at the unique bond forming between them.
Understanding Runts and Their Challenges
In veterinary terms, a “runt” is a kitten with low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or small for gestational age (SGA). A 2024 French study of 5,504 kittens found that runts often experience compensatory growth, gaining weight faster in their first week.
However, those in the lowest 25% of early growth face higher mortality risks, especially if they lose weight or fail to gain between birth and day two. For runts like Fleece, attentive care is critical to ensure they thrive.
Runts may face challenges like:
- Nutritional Needs: They require frequent, small feedings to support growth.
- Temperature Regulation: Smaller kittens struggle to stay warm, needing cozy environments.
- Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of weakness or failure to thrive, as early intervention is key.
For more on caring for vulnerable kittens, see our guide to fostering kittens.
The Internet Falls in Love
Reddit users couldn’t resist Fleece and Flannel’s charm, flooding the comments with stories of their own big-and-little sibling pairs. “I too am the proud owner of the Alpha and the Runt.
Same litter, he’s twice her size but she’s twice as fluffy,” one wrote. Another shared, “My wife was so concerned with how small the runt is that she bottle fed him and gave him wet food a lot.
Now he is 22lbs, his big bro is 18 only.” The cuteness was overwhelming, with one user gasping, “They are so freaking cute!!!! I gasped at the level of cuteness.”
This isn’t the first time a runt has stolen the spotlight. Stories of tiny kittens growing into massive cats, like one that reached nearly 30 pounds, show that runts can defy expectations with proper care, much like the kittens in our senior cat Lucinda’s story.
Tips for Caring for Runts and Their Siblings
Fostering a litter with a runt, like Fleece, requires extra attention to ensure all kittens thrive. Here are practical tips for pet parents and fosters:
- Frequent Feedings: Bottle-feed runts every 2-3 hours with kitten formula to support growth. Ensure larger siblings, like Flannel, don’t monopolize food.
- Keep Them Warm: Provide a heating pad (on low, wrapped in towels) for runts who struggle with body temperature, as advised in our kitten fostering guide.
- Monitor Weight Daily: Weigh kittens daily to track growth. Any weight loss or stagnation is a red flag—consult a vet immediately.
- Separate Feeding Times: If larger kittens outcompete the runt, feed them separately to ensure the smallest gets enough.
- Veterinary Checkups: Regular vet visits are crucial to catch health issues early, especially for runts.
To support rescues like A Place for Meow, consider volunteering or donating. Contact them at www.aplaceformeowrescue.org to help kittens like Fleece and Flannel find forever homes.
A Heartwarming Reminder of Kitten Resilience
Fleece and Flannel’s size difference is more than just cute—it’s a testament to the resilience of orphaned kittens and the dedication of fosters.
Their story, shared through A Place for Meow Rescue, inspires us to cherish every kitten’s unique journey and support the organizations giving them a second chance.
Takeaway for Pet Parents
Runts like Fleece need extra love and care, but with patience and attention, they can thrive alongside their siblings. If you’re considering fostering or adopting, reach out to rescues like A Place for Meow to make a difference for kittens in need.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to lifo@snugglesouls.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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