How to properly feed a cat with a syringe

Sometimes, a medical procedure, an illness, or other conditions prevent your cat from eating on their own. Syringe feeding can be a short-term but crucial measure in these circumstances to make sure they receive the nourishment they require.

At first, syringe feeding may seem frightening, particularly if you’ve never done it before. But with a little perseverance and attention, it can become a doable task that aids in your cat’s healing and well-being.

This tutorial will show you how to use a syringe to safely and correctly feed your cat. It will take you step by step through the entire process. Together with learning how to prepare the food and what supplies you’ll need, you’ll also receive advice on how to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your cat.

In what cases is syringe feeding necessary

Forced feeding preserves an animal’s strength and supplies nutrients to a weakened organism, but it is, in a sense, violence against the animal. In some cases, feeding a cat with a syringe is advised:

• with long-term chronic diseases, including oncology;
• if severe exhaustion of the animal is detected;
• after injuries, especially to the head, teeth and jaws;
• during the recovery period after surgery;
• during rehabilitation after strokes, paralysis and neurological disorders;
• small kittens aged 3-4 weeks, not yet capable of eating adult food.

Diet and routine. Create an appropriate diet and feeding schedule after speaking with a veterinarian.

Sick animals are typically fed small portions three to four times a day, while small kittens are fed five to six times a day with a six-hour break at night.

Food that is appropriate for sick cats to eat is:

• cat pates from jars and bags;
• dry food granules soaked in warm water to the consistency of thick sour cream;
• baby meat puree.

Also read:

• what to feed a kitten up to 1 month;
• why a cat does not eat anything;
• how to properly feed a cat.

Technique for feeding a cat from a syringe

It is convenient to use a standard disposable syringe with a 5 ml capacity when force-feeding a cat:

1. The narrow tip of the syringe, onto which the needle is put on, is cut with scissors, and the hole is widened to the diameter of the protective cap of the needle.
2. The cap is inserted into the resulting hole and its very tip is cut off, resulting in a simple device for artificial feeding of the pet.
3. The syringe is filled with pureed food, which gradually moves under the pressure of the piston and gets through the cap directly into the cat"s mouth.

Hungry kittens and obedient animals can easily swallow food while sitting on a person’s lap, but patients who value their freedom can use their tongues to push the syringe out, bite the nozzle with their teeth, and use their clawed paws to grab hold of both the syringe and the owner’s fingers.

Feeding guidelines. It is advised to follow several guidelines to guarantee that the manipulation causes the whiskered-striped as little inconvenience as possible:

1. Artificial feeding should be carried out in a calm environment, talking affectionately to the animal.
2. You should not open the cat"s mouth wide – a small gap between the molars is enough, through which you can insert the syringe nozzle.
3. To prevent the pet from choking, the food mass is fed not directly into the throat, but behind the cheek, while the syringe is held at an acute angle to the animal"s head, and the cat"s muzzle is slightly raised.
4. Semi-liquid food should be fed with a piston in small portions, making sure that the cat has time to swallow it.
5. If food gets into the windpipe and the animal chokes, then feeding should be stopped, allowing the cat to cough up and restore breathing.

Feeding stubborn animals. Only the head should be left free when swaddling particularly mischievous pets in thick fabric. This will help keep the animal in place during the procedure and shield it from sharp claws.

Simply place your palm on the cat’s head and apply pressure with your thumb and index finger to the jaw region directly behind the fangs to make it open its mouth.

The syringe nozzle can be easily inserted between the teeth by reflexively opening the mouth.

Additionally, view this video on feeding a sick cat:

In situations where your cat is incapable or unwilling to eat on its own, syringe feeding may be a lifesaver. To ensure that your cat gets enough nutrition, you must be patient, maintain your composure, and pay close attention to their needs.

Before beginning syringe feeding, always seek advice from a veterinarian. They can advise you on the appropriate food type and feeding schedule. This guarantees that your cat receives the right amount of nutrients at this crucial time.

Recall to be patient, move cautiously, and keep an eye out for your cat’s distress signals. Both of you may benefit from the process going more smoothly and with less stress when you are there.

Syringe feeding can be a lifesaver when a cat is too sick to eat on its own because it gives them the vital nutrients and fluids they need to stay healthy. When feeding a cat with a syringe, it’s crucial to use the appropriate food consistency, give it to them gradually through their mouth, and take your time so as not to upset them. To aid in your cat’s recovery, always make sure you’re feeding the recommended quantity and frequency in accordance with your veterinarian’s advice, and try to keep everything as calm and gentle as you can.

Video on the topic

How to feed a kitten with a syringe? Example on the second kitten.

Feeding a cat with a syringe. How to.

Fighting for life. Life hack for improving a syringe for feeding a sick and exhausted cat

Force feeding of animals

Feeding orphaned kittens from a syringe

Feeding a cat through a syringe. How it should be done correctly, without oral rape.

Technique for force feeding cats and dogs