"Force" feeding with a syringe...a good idea? Any tips for an "anorexic" cat?

We will officially adopt our foster cat, Sharon, on Saturday.  I've posted before about her severe stomatitis.  We've replaced her shelter name with her new forever name, Lucy.

Lucy had major dental extractions (every tooth behind the canines) yesterday.  She spent the night at the vet, but they never had any luck getting her to eat.  She has a pain patch, Fentanyl, which often has the side effect of anorexia.  When she got home, I managed to get her to lick a little of her favorite flavor of canned food (wellness turkey and salmon) off my finger.  But she wasn't thrilled about it and tried to move her head away.  She probably got 1 tsp total.  I've been visiting her (she's back in her isolation room, the bathroom, for her recovery) and trying to get her to eat a little every hour.

The vet had given me a syringe and some royal canin recovery food (supposed to be high calorie) when I asked if syringe feeding might be needed.  I tried that a little while ago and was able to get some little bits into her, but if I got too much in at one time she spit it out.  I had to "purrito" her (wrap her in a towel) to get her to take it.  She was not happy.

Am I doing the right thing?  I'm guessing the benefits of getting some food in her outweigh the nastiness of "force" feeding.  Is that correct?  Any tips from those who have experienced this before?

The vet did mention that if the anorexia is too extreme they might need to take the patch off earlier than planned.  (Planned removal is on Monday.  She has 3 days worth of oral meds, butorphanol, to use after the pain patch comes off.)

Just because I love to share photos and am so happy with our new addition to the family....here's my favorite photo of Lucy (before the surgery) looking out a window at a bird feeder.....


And before the surgery she got to mingle with our other cats for about a week.  She has great social skills and fit right in.  (She was in the bathroom with a kitty cold for a month so our cats got used to the idea of another cat.)

My Jeta had a major extraction a few years ago. I don't remember how long it took before she started eating but I remember she was in a lot of pain for several days even with a pain patch. If Lucy's mouth is as sore as Jeta's seemed to be I wouldn't think syringe feeding would be a good idea. Have you tried adding water to make her food really soupy so she can lap it up? 

Oh hun, I didn't see the update that you were going to adopt her! (And if I did, I didn't remember. :anon: ).

I would PM those whose cats have had all their teeth removed: white cat lover and Mystik Spiral come to mind. I know there are others (perhaps some replied in your original thread in health? ).

I've had to syringe feed Lazlo in the past. Thankfully, he didn't fight it. I know Carolina's had to syringe feed her kitties at various points, and it was a struggle until she purchased a cat bag. The one she recommended to me (which I have, even though we haven't needed to use it yet) is the Klaw Kontrol Bag.

Now.... I know none of this helps immediately, because this is just through Monday, so ordering stuff doesn't help (and I use the Four Paws syringes - FAR superior to those provided by the vet, just for your future reference. We keep all of this stuff in a "cat emergency care kit" now).

But yes, I think despite the stress, syringe feeding her is needed.

What you might want to ask the vet about is the pain killer bupren... buprenex? It's short acting. It comes in a syringe (to be squirted in the mouth), but the amount given is very little (for our 11 pound cat it was ... 0.3ml, I think). It needs to be given every 12 hours, but I don't think it has that same side effect. Maybe that would be easier - less to syringe as opposed to food, but she still gets pain relief? :dk: I can't imagine having ALL my teeth pulled and NOT being in SIGNIFICANT pain!

...but she can't go without food until that pain patch comes off either.

There's a video of Carolina syringe-feeding.... Lucky, I think, in the health forum. I have to run, so don't have time to search for it. Even though she uses a bag, with your burrito, it'd be similar. Do an advanced search, and I'm sure you'll find it!

Many vibes to you and Lucy!

What you might want to ask the vet about is the pain killer bupren... buprenex?

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Is that at all related to the butorphanol they gave me (3 days worth) for when the patch comes off?  I do remember them saying that they were having a shortage (or their supplier was) of one of the oral pain meds and that was why they might need to use the patch. 

I didn't see the update that you were going to adopt her!

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We are just now making it official, although that has been our hope all along.  I might need to make another thread to share the good news!  We are so pleased.

Sorry, I don't remember how far you are from Dallas.... I have a cat bag I am currently nit using, and I think it is the right size for her.... I can take it for you, and teach how to use it.... I am in the plane, getting home this afternoon.... Pm you info if you want it.... Hugs
Oh, its the flaw kontrow, great bag.....

Great news!!  I went to visit her and the wellness turkey and salmon I had left in her bowl, just in case, was gone!  I was so thrilled.  I put a little more in the bowl and she ate some of that too.  She is acting a little more like herself too.  I'm going to try and keep her meals small to reduce the chance of an upset tummy.  Yay!    Hopefully no more force feeding will be needed.

Thanks so much for your generous offer, Carolina.  I'm in Lubbock.  Hopefully I won't be needing it right now but I've heard good things about those bags and will keep them in mind in the future.

I think the idea of watering the food down is still a good one, though, just to make it easier for her.  You might try it, cause it will also ensure she is getting enough water as well.  Then you can compare which she likes better, the regular way, or watered down.

Oh, and congrats on adopting her.  I didn't see that thread either

Just popped in to add some for your new lovebug. Lucy is such a perfect name for her!!! I have had to syringe feed Cuddles in the past, trust me it was not fun. :lol3: I never did learn how to properly do it though.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh that is GREAT news! She was probably just nauseous from the anesthesia. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Chum only had three teeth pulled, but he was off his food for about a day. :nod:

GO LUCY GO!

txcatmom started an thread to introduce Lucy. http://www.thecatsite.com/t/248652/...ews-one-more-forgotten-cat-has-a-forever-home