Cats may need to be fed through a tube due to illness or injury.Feed your cat with your vet first.Pick a regular feeding spot and have your supplies on hand.It is important to comfort your cat during the process.You and your cat should get used to the tube feeding process.
Step 1: Discuss food and supplements with your vet.
Every cat is different.Depending on your cat's health condition, your vet will suggest different types of food and supplements.Make sure you follow your vet's recommendations.If you have questions when you get home, you can call the vet.You should know how much food to give your cat each day and how often.Cats are not fed all at once.Your vet can give you advice on how to get your cat to cooperate.Your vet's guidance regarding getting your cat to behave is important because of their experience dealing with stressed animals.Your vet can show you how to tube feed your cat.They can show you the process and let you practice at home.
Step 2: You can blend food at room temperature.
Food should be kept at a certain temperature.Make sure the food is at room temperature before serving it to your cat.Store food in the open if you can.Leave food out for an hour or so before you feed it.If you want the food to flow easily, use a food processor or blender.
Step 3: Before feeding the cat, inspect the tube.
Make sure the tube isn't moving or coming out of the stomach.If you want to check if it's in the right place, you have to pull the plunger out.The tube has slipped if there is food or water in it.The cat should be taken to the vet.
Step 4: Food can be inserted into the tube.
You tube feed a cat by injecting food into a tube.Your vet can give you a needle or tell you where to buy one.Feed the correct amount of food from the syringe to your cat.Measure the food first.You can use the measurements on the side of the syringes.You can measure out the food by using measuring cups.
Step 5: Slowly feed your cat.
Don't dump the full contents of the needle into the tube.Slowly press down on the needle.Allow the food to flow through the tube and into your cat a little bit at a time.If food is moving slowly, you may want to hold off on pushing the remaining food into the tube.If food is not going in, don't force the tube or syringe.Stop and try again.Before trying again, gently flush the tube with warm water.
Step 6: When you are done, flush the tube.
Keeping the tube clean is important for your cat's well-being.After feeding, flush out the tube with a small amount of water.Make sure to remove any leftover food from the tube.If there is food in the tube, put a small amount of soda or juice in it.The food should be flushed out.
Step 7: Don't hesitate to ask your vet questions.
Once you get used to tube feeding, it's fairly easy.People can tube feed their cats.Contact your vet if tube feeding becomes a problem for your cat.They should be able to help you figure it out.If you're struggling with tube feeding, you can schedule a time to come into the office and have your vet show you how to tube feed.You can learn how to tube feed with the help of your vet.
Step 8: Feed your cat a lot.
Cats don't get all their food at once with tube feeding.Small amounts of food are given throughout the day.Make sure you know how much food to give your cat.The amount of food depends on your cat's condition, so talk to your vet about it.
Step 9: There is a feeding spot.
It's a good idea to have a regular feeding spot for your cat.There is a spot in your home where you can tube feed.Ideally, you should be able to sit at your cat's level and tube feed.Think about your cat's comfort.Put something down, like a blanket or bed, if you want your cat to be comfortable during the process.
Step 10: Everything should be in a tray near the feeding spot.
Tubes feeding can go smoothly if you have your supplies prepared consistently.Supplies for tube feeding can be found in a tray near your feeding spot.If you want to flush the tube, you have to have a cup of water with you.If your cat's food can't be left out in the open, keep it near the feeding spot.Measure food out near the spot with any measuring cups or other devices.Paper towels can be used to manage any mess.
Step 11: The fur is near the tube.
If possible, keep the feeding tube shaved.You should clean the area around the tube.To clean the area around the tube, talk to your vet.If you notice a rash on your cat, they may be allergic to cleaning wipes.To treat the rash, take them to the vet.
Step 12: Extra supplies can be kept on hand.
Something can get lost during feeding.There are extra caps and needles on hand.It's not uncommon for the cap to fall off when not feeding.They are difficult to find due to their small size.You should get a few extra caps from the vet's office.
Step 13: It's important to have a quality blender.
It's important that the food flows easily into the feeding tube.Purchase a higher quality blender if your food is solid.If you can't get the food to be consistent, tube feeding will not work.Ask your vet if they recommend a blender.
Step 14: If your cat is frightened, comfort them.
Cats can become frightened during tube feeding.If this happens with your cat, make sure to comfort them.As your cat can pick up on your fear, try to stay calm.Feed them and talk to them in a quiet place.Allow your cat to rest after tube feeding.You can hide your cat in the house until they feel better.
Step 15: If you notice physical reactions, you should consult your vet.
Complications with tube feeding are very rare.There is a chance that the site near the tube may become contaminated.If you notice a discharge or reddish skin, contact your vet.Your vet may be able to give you advice on how to prevent one in the future.