What is "normal" after bringing hospitalized cat home with Hepatic Lipidosis?

Hi,

My cat, Scout, just came home last night after 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital.  She was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis and had an esophageal feeding tube placed.  She's tolerating the feedings well (no vomiting) and even eats a bit on her own in between feedings.  However, she is otherwise practically lifeless.  She doesn't purr, respond to pets, or do much more than sleep.  She does use the litter box, and will get up occasionally, usually to find food, but otherwise seems like she's a million miles away.  How do I know if this is "normal" healing behavior or something to be alarmed about?  I called the vet and they said if I was concerned to bring her in, but I've never been through this before so how do I know what is concerning?  Maybe it's normal for a sick kitty to be this out of it, or maybe it's a sign of something that needs urgent attending . . . how do I know?  I don't want to take her in and further traumatize her if it's not necessary, but I also don't want to miss something important.  She's due for a followup visit in 3 days.  She's normally a sweet, purring baby.

Thanks for any insights!

Denise

It's going to take a while for the listless lethargic behavior to go away.  It's really good that he is eating a little on his own, even if it's just a little nibbling.  I had a cat with it 3 years ago and he was also hospitalized for awhile and came home with a feeding tube.  It was at least a week after he came home before he started nibbling at his food.  It was a good 2 or 3 weeks before he started acting like himself again.

It will take some time for your kitty to get feeling better and acting normal.

Thanks, that's really helpful.  It's hard to find the balance between under- and over-reacting when a situation is totally foreign.

~Denise