Ask-a-Vet: Question and Answer
Question:
Pet Info:
Species: Feline
Breed: medium hair
Sex: Female
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Age: 10.0 years
Weight: 8.0 pounds
8/31/2012 4:42:53 PM
My cat has not been eating. She has been to multiple vets and there is no definitive cause. I know she is on her way out but I am hoping to try to syringe feed her to see if that helps. I am hoping to get some advice/guidance on the best way to do this. I keep getting overwhelmed and forgetting to ask the vet when I am in the office. Could you offer some pointers as to the best, least stressful way to syringe feed?
Thank you.
Answer:
9/2/2012 5:30:42 PM
Thanks for your question. I am not a big fan of syringe feeding - could your veterinarian place a feeding tube until the cause of the inappetence is determined? Have you tried appetite stimulants?
If you are going to syringe feed, give small amounts at a time, and give from the side of the mouth, not the front.
10 years old is not very old - have you had x-rays? Bloodwork? An ultrasound?
I hope your girl feels better soon.
Best of luck,
Renee Rucinsky, DVM, DABVP (Feline practice specialty)
Answered by:
Dr. Rucinsky is board certified in Feline Practice. She is a recipient of the American Association of Feline Practitioners Award for Excellence in Feline Medicince and Surgery. Her special interests include geriatrics, endocrinology, and urology.
