Struggling with e-tube

[pinkjess8155]

I'm running into a problem with feeding my cat with an e-tube after his DKA/fatty liver hospitalization. He has been regaining strength and trying to eat on his own (which is GREAT) but now it is making feedings extremely difficult because he will not sit still and moves around and walks away while I got the syringe hooked into the port. The first week it was easy because he was lethargic and sat still long enough to finish the feeding.

We are missing meals now and he will run off and try to lick some pate I set out for him, but he doesn't eat much and just walks away and goes back under the bed. I work full-time and live alone and don't have a helper so this is no bueno. I am worried he is not getting enough calories and we will end up in crisis again and I don't have enough money for a second hospitalization. What can I do?

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

but he doesn't eat much and just walks away and goes back under the bed.

I have no experience with feeding tubes so can't help you there.

Try raising the food bowl at least 3 inches off the floor. Put it on an upside-down cookie tin (they have a small rim on the bottom which helps the plate to stay put). Or a stack of old books that you don't care about anymore.

See if he will lick food off a head level finger.

A nauseous cat doesn't want to put his head down to eat.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

How much is your kitty eating on his own now? How long has he been home!
Can you try offering him a few little treats while you are feeding via the e tube?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

How are things going?

 

[pinkjess8155]

How are things going?

Hi! Things seem to be getting better. I am praying it continues.
He has started eating on his own 100% and we have not had to do a tube feeding in a few days.
His energy levels have come back and he is hanging out in the living room again, playing with toys and bossing me around the house again.
He still sleeps a lot but I am hoping and praying this is a good sign he is healing!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

That’s great news! Well done. Keep up the good work.
Is he eating lots of snacks?
Are you still giving antinausea meds or have they stopped?
Are you testing the urine first ketones? With Ketostix from Walmart or a pharmacy?

 

[pinkjess8155]

That’s great news! Well done. Keep up the good work.
Is he eating lots of snacks?
Are you still giving antinausea meds or have they stopped?
Are you testing the urine first ketones? With Ketostix from Walmart or a pharmacy?

Thank you so much!!! Its been so hard.

Yes I am giving him all the tuna and Churu sticks he desires!
I am only giving him Cerenia at the moment because it has been the most helpful, plus it helps his asthma which is a plus!
I bought Ketone strips but not sure how to test. I thought I would test after he goes to the box but I think you have to get a fresh stream to test it and i am not sure if he would like my hand under him as he tries to pee

 

[squeem3]

Catching and testing urine

You can try non-absorbent cat litter or clean fish tank pebbles in a brand new litter box to collect pee. Some people are able to stick a long handled kitchen label under the cat to catch the pee.