How can we get our cat to eat?

Question

Our cat is sick with something unknown. The vets still haven't got the results of the blood test. His left eye is all red with blood. We're supposed to give him pills and force feed him. But he absolutely refuses to let anything get down his throat. He'll spit it back up no matter how far you get it down his throat. He won't drink either. My roommate is in tears, because she's afraid he's gonna die. Every time she tries, she ends up with food everywhere but in the cat's stomach. Holding his mouth shut after putting food in his mouth doesn't work either. Then he just freaks out and won't let anyone near him.

He's about a year old. My roommate already paid a lot of money for the first vet visit and medicine and we can't afford to have him hospitalized. The vets even told us themselves they would charge an insane amount to feed him themselves. We've tried cat and human food. Nothing is working.

Does anyone know of any technique or particular food to try to get food in him? Thanks.

Well, this has been going on for days. We just noticed his food and water, even after changing it was untouched. Oh, and a quick update. We did get him to swallow baby food with a syringe. So, the person who said that was thinking the same thing we were. I don't wanna pick a best answer yet, as I still want more ideas just in case the baby food idea stops working. Thank you so much everybody for the quick responses. As 'un-male' as this may sound, I really love this kitty and don't wanna lose him. First cat I've seen in years with so much spunk. Thanks again!

Answer 1

.I think you need to see an other vet! sounds like kitty should be on a I V for fluids and nutrition. If you can't afford a new vet call an animal rescue. We keep money for emergencies like this

Answer 2

If I were you I would not try to force feed the cat. Since he is ill he probably has no appetite, and if you keep forcing food down with hands or syringes he's going to develop a really negative association with food, even after he's all better.

A cat can go a day or two without food. Just put something really tempting out there (some bits of canned tuna, or a fancy canned food, or some raw chicken or beef) and leave the cat in peace.

Be sure there's plenty of water, too. He might drink it when you're not there and it's very quiet.

I would also call a different vet for a second opinion. Explain briefly what's going on and ask if they have any tips for feeding - or ask how long it's ok for him to fast.

It's ok if you aren't able to get him hospitalized. Just do the best you can and keep in touch with the vet and wait until you get the tests back.

P.S. You might crush up the pills into the food you are leaving out for him.

Answer 3

Did the vet give him SQ fluids (under the skin)? If so, he won't get dehyrated right away. If not, they should have! He doesn't need to be hospitalized to get SQ fluids, and they aren't that expensive.
Next, there are hand feeding formulas that are easy to syringe feed. Or Nutrical is good if he won't eat. Did the vets office show you how to hand feed him and give him his pills? If not, they need to do that as well. If you can feed him with a syringe, then put him up on a table, wrapped in a big beach towel if needed. Put the syringe between his teeth and aim it towards the back of his mouth. Just give a tiny amount at a time and let him swallow it. Cats like their food warmed when they are sick. If all else fails, it does sound like he'll need to be hospitalized at least a day or two to receive fluids and nutrition, as well as injections of medication. Maybe you can borrow the money from a friend or relative, or maybe you can find a vet who takes Care Credit. Good luck.

Answer 4

Blood work shouldn't take long at all. Try pedialite (yes, for babies) and baby food. Some foods are toxic to animals-I would get sweet potatoes baby food. Baby food (only certain types) is always od to aid in digestion-many cat owners feed it daily along with regular food.

Pedialite is always good for animals that need fluids an/or are not eating.

The best way to force feed is with an empty syringe-available for FREE at your vet.

What you DON'T do is continually change foods. Owners think animals like variety but t is NOT good for them.

Your vet should be open tomorrow at least until noon. Call them and see if the blood work is back. Did they have an IDEA of what MIGHT be wrong?

Has the cat pottied? Could it have eaten something that has caused an obstruction?

Is the cat hacking? Throwing up? They make a hairball PASTE. It's basically flavored Vaseline/petroleum jelly. Hairballs can become lodged. Get some Vaseline-use about about the same amount as you would toothpaste. Put it on the cats paw if you cannot feed it to her-she will then lick it from her paw.

MY KEYS ARE STICKING BAD>>SORRY FOR TYPOS.

Answer 5

If you use baby food as suggested make sure it has no onion in it. It is toxic. Your vet could have given you a food called a/d. It is a Rx food and high in calories as well as a syringe. Yogurt may work too. Microwave for a few seconds and check it before giving it. This day and age most vets can have labs done in house, it is a shame you have to wait.

Answer 6

Has this cat been tested for Feline Leukemia? I had a kitten that I adopted from a shelter that had supposedly tested negative. 10 days after I got her one of her eyes started looking like it was bleeding inside. The day I was going to the vet the shelter called and said the two other cats in the litter were very ill - and both had just tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Evidentally bleeding in the eye can be one of the symptoms that's shows up. I'm hoping for your sake this isn't the case as Feline Leukemia is both incurable and deadly.

Please let us know what comes of the blood test. I wish you luck.

Answer 7

first off - CALM DOWN. if food is getting in his mouth... then some is going down his throat and getting to his stomach. it may not be much... but it is. second... use wet cat food and go to the pet store and get a syringe to put it in his mouth with. it might help to use baby food - a meet baby food. the scent is usually sooo strong that it makes them salivate and want it. and it's easier to swallow... try letting kitty lick it off your finger and if that doesn't work... put it in the syringe. good luck!

Answer 8

Hi

turkey, steak and meat coldcuts, tuna yougart baby food without onions are all thiongs to try.
If you have to force feed you need to use canned foods, add water and much it up in a blender. If you don't have a feeding syringe you can use a dropper of something to try and get him started Betst of luck

Answer 9

Try baby food! It will be hard to force back up!
Good luck with your kitten and if baby food doesn't work dry kitten milk, it's not very filling but it will provide some nutrition!

Answer 10

when my cat was sick and wouldnt eat, I tryed can tuna, and I even tried vienna sauages mashed up. he actually did start to eat these things