Kitty eating relatively little food

[Milhous]

Hello all,

Milhous has been home from the hospital for 2 days now and seems to be doing well. While in the hospital for 5 days he was on a tube-fed liquid diet. 4 days prior to going in he was not eating at all. So, a total of about 9 days of no solid food. He has started eating on his own but only about a tablespoon or two at each feeding (twice a day). He acts really hungry when feeding time comes and begs for the hour prior, but then only eats that amount and seems satisfied. He then gets his insulin and as I said is acting very normal. Do you think it is typical for a cat newly out of the hospital to eat less for a while? The doctor is not too concerned and is happy he is eating by himself at all.

Anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[paige]

Hi Mike! I am no expert but I would think that it will take a while for Milhous to begin to eat more and more. Being TF for a while it would be good to feed several small meals over a period of time. You don't want to overwhelm the tummy :mrgreen: See if you can get him to have a few tablespoons and then try again 30-1hr later?

BTW - have you started a spreadsheet yet? How much insulin are you dosing?

 

[carolynandlatte]

Hi Mike,
Its really good to hear milhouse is home now. I bet it is such a relief for all of you.

Re eating...could you encourage the few tsp/ meal more than twice a day, I dont know milhouses weight, but I would try a little every few hrs. It is awesome that he is eating on his own, but 4tsp or so each day is really not enough to prevent further problems in the near future. I assume the vet knows you noblonger have the tube in?

Latte never had a tube, but she had her fair share of scary lengths of time w/o eating both in and out of the hospital. You dont want to over feed as they get used to food. Has the vet given a goal as to how much food he should have?

You could ask them for any appy stim. If he is feeling well enough, he should respond to it.

I noticed the vet said not to be too agressive with testing. With all due respect to the U, I think as much info as you can gather is important. The vet will see how valuable it is. I would also ask if you can do that curve at home, in a more realistic setting (not stress induced #,s ). In fact, lets just do one this weekend! Bring it with you for your next visit. May save you some dough, too.

Let me know if you would need any help with it. I am around this weekend.

Welcome home milhouse!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I also think that Paige is correct. If humans are any comparison, if you have been on IVs or an NG tube for feeding, it takes a while for your stomach to be comfortable with food again. I'd keep an eye on the amount of calories that Milhous is getting to make sure he's getting an adequate number of calories. (There are calorie counts on Janet & Binky's charts.) Feeding in small amounts may be fine but I agree with Caroline, you may want to encourage food more often than twice a day. You may also want to consider feeding some baby food since it is easily digested. Just make sure you get the Stage 2 type that is only meat and broth -- no onions or garlic, etc. You could talk to the vet about an appetite stimulant.