Hand feeding???

Hi Everyone,

Squeaky is doing better -- thanks much to all of you for everything! -- and I have a question. Squeaky doesn't seem to be able to figure out when he is hungry and to go and eat. I have to take him his food and hand feed it to him a piece at a time.

What's that about? I don't think he is being manipulative in this case.

He drinks water just fine, goes right over to the dish but doesn't even look at the food.

And when I bring food to him, he's happy about it and purrs.

I don't quite understand what is going on here. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Hugs from Jan and purrs from Squeaky.

 

Hmmm maybe it tastes better from your hand j/k OR maybe he likes the attention it brings? At 13 I wouldnt think in geriatric terms but then again ECID.

 

Given his age and the fact that he hadn't shown any of this behavior before I would go for the theory that he just likes the attention and the fact that he just found out is more confortable to eat from your hand than having to bend to his plate.

After one of Babu's illness when I had to assist feed him he started doing that same thing but I'm sorry to say that hasn't changed years later he still waits sited just aside of his plate until I give him his food with a spoon, I started like you with my hand but after a while we both settled for a spoon just so that it isn't so messy

 

Pat have you tried raising the dish?

Thats Interesting Veronica!

 

Thanks JT, ECID?

 

Every Cat Is Different

 

Thanks for the tip, from now on I will give him the first piece then put it on the ground in front of him.

Why do you think he won't go over to his bowl?

 

Well, of course!

 

Keep up Jan

 

Hmmm, thinking about your comment I feel a little dismayed. If I go back to work, Squeaky will have to start eating from his bowl by himself. I wonder if I give him appetite stimulants if he will look for the bowl?

 

You may start by just leaving the bowl down (take him to it so he see's were it is) then go for a walk. ?

 

That might work!!!! Thanks!!!!

 

some times the simple approach is the best approach...HOPE IT WORKS!

 

I don't think that's a good idea because for what you have mentioned he is hungry he just doesn't want to eat by himself so you don't want to make him hungrier maybe besides doing what they mentioned before add sometimes on top of the food something he likes

 

Wow that's a helpful thought. I figure, since I'm poking him with needles 4 times a day, the LEAST I can do is hand feed him. Poor guy, feels crummy and mom poking him on top of it.......

 

Oh yes this guys are masters of manipulation

 

Wow that's a helpful thought. I figure, since I'm poking him with needles 4 times a day, the LEAST I can do is hand feed him. Poor guy, feels crummy and mom poking him on top of it.......

 

Happy news, he is eating from his dish again. We had a good afternoon, evening and night yesterday! Including a couple of purr fests. So happy.

 

Yaaay Squeaky! GOOD BOYEEE!!!

 

That's great he's obviously decided that he had made you suffer enough for now and to ease up on the guilt trip he was giving you ! Yep expert manipulators is about right !!
Gill

 

Those are great news!!! YeY!!

 

Our boys can be quite particular about their food. Marco like to eat alone, Sam needs to have his back to the wall and Andy always eats last. Depending on what teeth they have left some cats like to bite chunks off the dish and others need to lick food that has been mushed up.
Our dogs needed to have their bowls and dishes raised up. Bending down that far to eat and drink was just too hard when they got older.

 

Thanks!