Is having "off" days normal after surgery?

TY!!! that's some info i was looking for lol it's not reassurance so much as personal experiences others have had or ideas, rather than what i'm already doing...although your post put me in a more positive mindset. She isn't thrilled about the syringe feeding but will take it, about a 1/4 can, if that, at a time...i don't know how long i can or should go before doing another feed though since it's small amounts? but i do know i need to get more into her. I've had ferrets with cancer, a dog who passed away from slicing his paw open of all things! and a dog who had an obstruction which was removed, animals are so much to me that i panic and don't reason sometimes. I imagine she will be in at least for a check up in the next 24 hours, any advice on how often to force her food and water if it's such small amounts and she's keeping it down? right now she is playing with laser pointer but in an hour she'll be back to being not interested again....it is very emotional for sure

Also does anyone know how long after a feed/water a cat would usually vomit if it weren't agreeing with them? 

Usually an hour or sooner. I was wondering if you've tried feeding plain boiled chicken, turkey baby food, sardines? Anything like that? How is she doing today? Did the vet send her home with any pepcid or other stomach acid regulators? She might just be feeling nauseous all the time since the surgery. Also if you can, try temptations treats, I've had sick cats eat them when they wouldn't eat anything else.

Having read this more detailed description of your situation I can fully understand your frustration at some of the replies to your other posts.

I have very little experience with the kind of issues you're dealing with. I've only had to syringe feed one cat, and he was end stage FIV (looking back, we should have let him pass with dignity instead of fighting on).

I'd be surprised if many here have been in your situation for a similar reason (although many of us are all too well acquainted with the agonies of nursing a sick cat). It sounds like you're doing all you can for your girl. I hope she heals quickly and well.

I was reading in another thread (http://www.thecatsite.com/t/297910/help-fatty-liver-failure#post_3750524) that four-hourly feeds work well. I know yours is a totally different situation, but you might find some of the information useful.

Another member is caring for a very sick little cat at the moment. She's found bone broth to be really helpful. She has a YouTube video of how to make it in her thread http://www.thecatsite.com/t/297866/sadie-updates

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. I really hope your girl gets better soon

ah thanks guys! that's the kind of things i really need to read She has been taking 5mg metoclopramide 2x/day and yes she is taking otc antacids. I haven't tried things like boiled eggs and some other things because i know her eating habits and on a best day she would never want to eat those things but pretty much everything else. I just spoke with the vet and she is in for tube feeding tom. and i will continue care at home...never had to do that before, does sound a bit worrying?? but the vet sounded upbeat and not concerned after asking quite a few obvious questions. I guess i'm just at a point where i need a break lol and i'm slowing stressing to the point of going overboard in my head, at least the vet and things i know about whats norm and not after my situation does really seem normal. The vet seemed positive about it as though she see's this often and told me not to worry. The only thing she didn't seem positive about was when i mentioned the bruising(tone in her voice) she agreed it happens but seemed more concerned about that than the feeding tube. Again, i could be panicking about it. I've had a few people look at it that have had pets have abdominal surgery and they didn't seem concerned at all, my cat's also pure white. Also from my own research i've noted it is also very common, why wouldn't an area bruise badly in parts after surgery like that? it happens to us. I will update tomorrow, i know NOTHING about tube feeding so time to check into that...it's never ending:/

And what does she start doing 5 minutes ago? EATING! sigh lol i can't win it wasn't much but maybe a start? Out of all of the foods she had to choose from though, she went for the friskies pate:/ I was hoping she would go for the vet or higher quality food:/ If that's what she'll eat right now, is that better than nothing? i mean anything is better than nothing, but i want her to have a very good diet right now and know this isn't the highest of products.

What you have to remember is that all cat food sold as complete has to be nutritionally balanced. Ok, the ingredients may not be as great as you'd ideally like, but it's food and she's eating. Any wet food is massively better than kibble anyway. Keep in mind that, particularly in your situation, the best food for your cat is the one she will eat. You can have the greatest food in the world, but that's totally irrelevant unless that food goes into the cat! Just focus on getting her eating consistently for now. The fine points of feline nutrition can come later

Just a thought - sometimes warming the food can make it more appealing as it brings out the aroma. A little hot water from the kettle is all it takes - just stir it in well.

That's what i figured, but there's so much negative talk about canned food like that, but right now i'll take it lol thanks for the warming tip, she is a bit odd though and has always preferred her food room temp or right out of the fridge...go figure again

Well i don't know what has happened, but she has eaten about 5x since today!!! yeahhhhhh

That is great to hear.  I think sometimes it just takes time for various things to settle.  Of course you'll want to continue to monitor carefully, and there could still be setbacks, but maybe some of the worst stress has passed.

I wouldn't worry too much about which foods she's eating yet; you can work on that later.  First focus on having her back into an eating routine and making sure she gets enough (close eye on amount of food she's eating and/or her weight if you have a good way to weigh her).

I've diligently been watching her for the last 24 hours, or hubby has if i'm sleeping. So i've been up all night strictly monitoring her in a bedroom since she started eating again almost not taking my eyes of of her for a moment and it was a complete success! She probably went to the food another 4x and ate 3/4-1 tin of food in the last 12 hours! she also took her med without as much of a fight. I know we aren't out of the woods by any means but this is huge! It's been 2 weeks of ups and downs so i'm just waiting it out now, but things are heading in the right direction. If it does happen again tomorrow let's say, and goes back into her mode, then  feeding tube it is but i'm not expecting that, this IS the most positive thing she's done since the day of surgery so i'm expecting good things. i'm still taking her in today for a checkup as she's post op due now anyway minus a tube...so happy thanks all, will keep you updated!