Cat can't smell or recognize food after facial trauma

My poor cat was hit in the face by a car. He lost an eye and broke his jaw. He is completely recovered now. All pins are removed from his mouth and he can groom himself, play bite, use his tongue and swallow but... I cannot get him to eat or drink on his own. The vet sees no reason why he cannot eat or drink. I believe he has lost his sense of smell and taste. I am syringe feeding him Hills Science Diet Critical Care mixed with water.  His appetite is great.  He comes running when he sees the syringe.  He comes running every time I open the refrigerator.  But when I put food down he sniffs at it and then completely ignores it.  I have not seen him drink any water either.  This has been going on for over a month.  I can find no internet info on how to get a cat to eat and drink when their sense of smell is gone. Any ideas?

I think you're right in suspecting he's lost his sense of smell. And as you no doubt know, smelling the food is hugely important to a cat.
Unfortunately, I don't have any answers. At least he is still hungry and wanting to eat. It sounds like you're feeding wet. I wonder if he would go for kibble at all?

I read on a kidney failure site that sometimes accupuncture can help with appetite stimulation.  Maybe that might be worth a shot?

Does your cat still play, and if playing mouth his toys at all?  I'm wondering if moving food might help.  Mouse shows limited interest in food in a bowl but will eat well if fed as part of a game throwing kibble for him.  I have always suspected Mouse's sense of smell is limited as he has had feline herpes since he was born.  He relies on his eyes to generate interest and paws to find the food once it is still. Lots of oohs,  awws and nomanom talk to let him know he's got a treet coming, and moving hands and throwing action for his dry biscuits and fish snacks when they are being thrown.

I have positive thoughts for your cat that if he has lost his sense of smell that this returns - which I have heard can happen in people when they loose taste or smell.

can he smell at all? have tried some really smelly wet food warmed up?