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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Urgent tube feeding a cat!!!

29 replies

KatyMac · 07/10/2013 21:46

The cat is being tube fed - tonight was my first time

While I was faffing about filling the syringe/flushing with water the cat ate all the food & now wants more

So can I give her more in a bowl or should I try tube feeding again - she had 1/4 of a tray

She has vestibular something and needed feeding as she wasn't eating - help!!

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 21:50

bump

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 07/10/2013 21:51

What instructions and guidance did your own vet give you? (I didn't realize she'd been sent home.)

Personally, I'd let her feed as normal if she'll do it because it means that the nausea must have abated a bit. I wouldn't give her any more right now though - just in case it doesn't stay down.

Could you ring the OOH vet for phone guidance?

Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 21:53

I guess I would; but I can't talk on the phone

They said, umm, it was important that she poo'ed & to offer normal food I think

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 07/10/2013 21:54

Was the vet expecting you to insert the tube at home?

catsdogsandbabies · 07/10/2013 21:54
  1. What type of tube?
  2. What is wrong with your cat? - More info please!
Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 21:55

It's in her neck - I just had to slip it out, flush it, load the syringe ith food and push it in then flush it again

But while I was flushing she ate all the food in the bowl (I didn't notice)

I feel a bit stupid tbh

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 21:56

She has an ear infection & Horners (something with her eye) - she looks drunk

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 21:57

Cozietoesie has been holding my hand here

OP posts:
florencedombey · 07/10/2013 21:58

When one of ours had a tube he managed to rip it out within an hour of getting home from hospital (naughty boy!). I panicked but the vet said to see how he went eating through his mouth and so long as he got some food down him, not to worry too much. I think it'd be worth a phone call to your vet, if only to put your mind at rest.

cozietoesie · 07/10/2013 21:58

Got you. Myself, I'd see if she keeps this lot down - wait half an hour, say, before offering some more. After all, the only reason for the tube feeding was because she wasn't eating due (presumably) to nausea so if she's now eating by herself then that obviates the need for a tube I would have thought.

Has she used her tray at all? (They often need to go about 5-10 minutes after eating so if you were to support her on her tray in the near future, she might take a notion to doing her duty.)

Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 22:00

She wee'd as soon as we got home

She is demanding more food- she is an oriental

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 07/10/2013 22:03

Good - about the pee. A poo is more demanding on balance though so she may need some assistance with that.

A couple more spoonfuls of nosh then? (If she still hasn't vomited the first?)

Sounds as if the ABs are starting to work.

catsdogsandbabies · 07/10/2013 22:05

Agree if no reason she can't eat then I'd say an encouraging sign!

timtam23 · 07/10/2013 22:05

No idea at all about tube feeding I'm afraid but I read your other thread & am glad that your cat seems to be a bit better Smile

Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 22:11

She has had some more & wee'd some more (I think) & she is much, much happier

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 07/10/2013 22:12

That's excellent. It really does sound as if the ABs are kicking in now.

Original poster
KatyMac · 07/10/2013 22:14

I'm going to risk going to bed

Thanks again

OP posts:
redrubyshoes · 07/10/2013 22:15

My cat has been through something similar. She slept like a log for twelve hours afterwards. Has she zonked out now?

Lonecatwithkitten · 07/10/2013 22:28

Cat eating by herself is always the desired outcome. Little and often is the way to go. Often cats eat at home when they haven't eaten in the clinic so this is not totally abnormal. If she is due another meal tonight then give it at due it offer by mouth first and only if she doesn't eat it use the tube. Speak to your own vet in the morning.

Original poster
KatyMac · 08/10/2013 07:57

She slept all night & is looking for food now

As she is supposed to have a 1/4 tray every 2-3 hours I'll give her some now & ring after 8:30

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/10/2013 09:08

I actually came on here this early to ask about her - and that sounds good. I'd make the phone call more a 'letting them know how things are going' call than a request for advice now. (If something is wrong with what you're doing, I'm sure they'll tell you but I suspect you'll get a 'Carry on then' out of them.)

Well done her. Does she seem any easier with her apparent drunken state?

Original poster
KatyMac · 08/10/2013 13:09

They said offer her both & they are pleased she is eating better

She is still very very drunk

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/10/2013 15:30

Good.

If she's feeling seasick and not drunk, I really feel for her. (Memories of memorable days shipping it green that I really wish I could forget.) Managing to eat in those circumstances is quite a triumph.

Any sign of a poo?

Original poster
KatyMac · 08/10/2013 16:01

No poo & no real food yet

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/10/2013 16:11

Keep an eye on her and keep offering 'real' as well - sloppy wet is best. (Is she on vet-provided special food right now?)

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