cat's weight with feeding tube diet

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missthisbe

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Hello-- I posted earlier about the possibility of getting my cat a surgically placed feeding tube after she suffered a stroke and lost interest in eating. She lost quite a bit of weight in the process and became pretty frail. My cat did have the feeding tube put in about a week ago, and she is doing somewhat better, but she is still very thin. I understand that it will probably take some time for her weight to start to recover but I was wondering if other people had any experience to know how long it might take to expect her to start putting some of the weight back on.

Thanks!
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Did you discuss how much to feed initially and how to begin increasing her food with the Vet? It's important to increase her food through the tube in stages so you don't overload her system. Also, are you feeding her a prescription food Like Hills A/D? There are others made by other manufacturers, but the prescription recovery foods are good for this situation because they blend well with either water or goats milk or KMR so you can easily syringe it into the feeding tube. they also contain extra vitamins and other supplements.

I had a cat on a feeding tube for four months (YEARS ago), but I honestly don't remember how long it took for him to put some weight back on. He was on the tube that long because he wouldn't eat on his own for all that time. (he was very ill) But just as you never want a cat to lose weight too quickly, you don't want them to gain too quickly either. If you haven't gotten directions from your Vet, please do so. Until then, just make sure she isn't continuing to lose weight.

I certainly hope she makes a full recovery from her stroke :vibes: :vibes: :vibes:
 
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missthisbe

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I am following the vet's direction on how much to give her and when each day. She is on a prescription diet.
 

Furballsmom

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But just as you never want a cat to lose weight too quickly, you don't want them to gain too quickly either.
I completely agree, and my heart goes out to you, what a scary thing to deal with. Hang in there and let us know how things go for you and your baby!! :vibes::hugs:
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I am following the vet's direction on how much to give her and when each day. She is on a prescription diet.
Good! Have they told you to slowly increase the amount you are feeding? If not, then I would consult with them about how she will gain her weight back.
 
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missthisbe

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She's deteriorated a lot very rapidly, and the vet is now saying that she likely has a metastatic cancer that involves a density forming in her chest cavity, the fullness of which is what is deterring her from wanting to eat. Her breathing is getting labored and restrictive, and the feedings make her a little uncomfortable. I asked them to do an X-ray to confirm that there wasn't a problem with the tube, but the X-ray just showed a sort of dark, clouded mass through the lungs area that was beginning to obscure the heart. I don't think weight gain is anything we can look toward at this point. I'm not sure how long she is going to make it now. I'm absolutely devastated. Having lost my family, my cat has really felt like all I have. I've tried so hard to help her these past few months, but my vet is saying we're out of options now.
 

Furballsmom

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I am so very sorry!! My heart goes out to you and your fur baby!
 
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mrsgreenjeens

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This is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry. Most of us here have been through this, far too many times. We're here to help you through it. Sometimes just talking about it can be helpful, as strange as that seems. "Outsiders" often just don't understand how we can so deeply love animals, but we certainly do :hugs:
 
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missthisbe

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Thank you, both of you. I'm just devastated. It feels like I'm in a nightmare. She's really my family and my best friend. I can tell that some people around me think I'm overreacting, but she's so important to me and she's been so good to me her whole life. I just wish I could do more to help her. I can't imagine not having her in my life.
 

Bookish1

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Hello-- I posted earlier about the possibility of getting my cat a surgically placed feeding tube after she suffered a stroke and lost interest in eating. She lost quite a bit of weight in the process and became pretty frail. My cat did have the feeding tube put in about a week ago, and she is doing somewhat better, but she is still very thin. I understand that it will probably take some time for her weight to start to recover but I was wondering if other people had any experience to know how long it might take to expect her to start putting some of the weight back on.

Thanks!
Poor baby, I hope she makes a full recovery. Sending love and hugs. I have a sick kitten too, not eating and that’s heartbreaking enough, and so difficult to endure when you do everything you can for them.
 

Bookish1

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Poor baby, I hope she makes a full recovery. Sending love and hugs. I have a sick kitten too, not eating and that’s heartbreaking enough, and so difficult to endure when you do everything you can for them.
And no love, you are far from over reacting. Some people do not possess a love for animals or a pet like others...and I’d go to the moon and back for any one of mine.
 
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