Expert: Jessica - 12/6/2009

Question
I have a friend who is unable to take their cat back to the vet. The cat is about 5-7 years old, but for the past month has barely eaten, is very very skinny, can't use it's back legs much at all and just lays around. The vet they took him to before told them it was just dehydrated and gave them 2 medicines to administer to him. They did, but he hasn't gotten any better. I would like to care for the animal, although I am unable to take him to the vet at this time myself. But I thought I could possibly force feed him, and do the same with water and some poached chicken breast water or somethings like that. Are there any things that I could try? Vitamins ? Anything ? They are wanting to put him down today.  

Answer
Hi Lisa.  Probably the best thing to try force feeding cats without a prescription is stage 1 chicken baby food (for humans).  This seems to be the only thing that makes it through a feeding syringe without getting stuck.  It's suitable for short-term feeding, but the cat should be back on a regular food ASAP.  A good vitamin and calorie supplement to give him would be Nutri-Cal, which is available at some pet stores and online.  As for his water intake, you would need to syringe feed him 1 oz. of water per pound of body weight each day (over a full day's course).

Sadly, it may be time to let the kitty go.  It sounds like he probably has some significant underlying problems, and I'm not sure that very conservative measures without any medications to help him recover will change his situation.  Nevertheless, you could see if his appetite returns within a couple of days once you start getting some food into him.  If not, however, I agree that euthanasia is the kindest choice.

Wishing you, your friends and the kitty the best for a recovery!

Jessica