HELP! Need advice on hand feeding and care of ill cat, possibly with cancer

I really need some experienced advice.

My 14-15 year old cat - Maisy - appeared to suddenly become quite ill.  Vet took blood and determined no viruses, but extremely anemic.  Maisy had dropped from 11 pounds to 8 pounds in a matter of months.  He was quite frail and out of it, and vet suggested bone marrow biopsy and transfusion.  I said no to both because I didn't want to put him through such procedures while he was so frail - also afraid he would pass away alone at the vets office while undergoing this.

She prescribed Prednisone and liquid iron supplement, which he has been on for a week and a half. He stopped drinking, and hadn't eaten (at that point) for several days. She said she could give him hydration, but that unless we were going to pursue a cancer diagnosis (which is what she thinks he has), there was no benefit.  She also said we should be prepared for his passing.

I tried, and he lost more weight.  My daughter continued giving him syringes of water. Then on this site I read about assisted feeding, and we have been offering him a bowl of water to drink from - which he does, slowly - and supplementing that with syringes of water.  For the past 5 days I have been spoon feeding him wet cat food mixed with pumpkin (about 1/4-1/3 can + 1 TB pumpkin) 3-4 X a day.

He is peeing, but has not had a bowel movement.  We called the vet and she discouraged us from continuing the feeding and water, saying he was probably unable to have a BM due to lack of strength, and was also probably not taking in enough food.  She said we risked creating 'food aversion' - which I find an odd concern for a cat that is not eating anyway.

Obviously, I don't want to give up - I really believe he seems a bit stronger, although that has been up and down these last few days.  He is back to seeming a little disoriented and has trouble walking.

Any advice on the following questions?:

1) how much food / water to increase his weight and strength?  He is at 8.5 lbs now, at one time more like 12-14 lbs.

2) should we ask for an appetite booster?

3) what canned food would you recommend to add calories and protein quickly?

4) would you recommend a laxative so early in the process?

5) any way to suppress cancer without going through bone marrow biopsy, if it is likely what he has?  Cost is definitely a factor, but also pain for him and time away for me

6) having gone about a week before I hand fed him, has the damage been done?  Is it more cruel to be trying to revive him, however little time he has?

Any other thoughts are welcome - love this forum and need suggestions quickly - I feel as if the vet gave up as soon as we were unwilling to run with every procedure she suggested.  The vitamin supplement was not refillable and we had to go and ask for a new prescription. Seemed like little faith in Maisy's ability to survive ...

Thanks all!

I am sorry to hear about Maisy.

I have recently gone through this (cancer and a cat not eating) so I hope this helps. I can only tell you about my experience and urge you to speak to your vet with respect to trying anything I have to say.

I used Hills a/d - it is high calorie and judging by my other cats wanting to eat it - mighty tasting!

I used pumpkin-pure canned pumpkin not the spiced stuff. This was to help with a bowel movement.

I also had subcutaneous fluid done every other day.

For appetite stimulant-mirtazapine.

I would urge you to consult with your vet. about the things I have listed. If your vet thinks it can help in your situation then they will order the food - it is prescription and it is costly-and the mirtazapine will be prescribe as well.

You mentioned your vet wants to run some more procedures. What procedures? Why do you feel the vet gave up?

Mighty Mouse - thank you for your reply!!

Our vet literally saved our Newfoundland's life - other vets were saying he needed to be put to sleep due to an inability to even get up or walk at age 9.  I met her and she gave him acupuncture for a month and he regained mobility and lived another year and a half!  So I credit her for saving his life and for trying when others gave up.

I'm not having that experience now though - she checked him, took some blood (but didn't get enough to do all tests she said), and suggested bone marrow biopsy and transfusion.  I turned those down for the reasons I stated, and I have a sense the she feels if I'm not willing to do somewhat aggressive testing, it's not worth bothering with any other treatment.  I can't explain it, but she went from saying she wanted to start looking for a blood match to saying he probably wouldn't survive.  She dismissed the idea of spoon feeding and providing water for palliative care, if nothing else - I can't just watch Maisy starve to death.

His organs were fine at testing, and he is breathing normally.

How much food/pumpkin did you feed and how did you administer it?

How long did it take the pumpkin to work?

Why subcutaneous fluid - were you not able to get water into him with a syringe, or is that not enough water?

And may I ask - did you do any testing for cancer, or any treatment for it?  How is your cat doing now?

Thanks for your support - I really need the back up of people like you who will do whatever they can!

My feeling is it is probably cancer as well, but that isn't to say he doesn't have a few more days, or weeks, or maybe even months.  I want him with me as long as possible, as long as he isn't suffering.

Hi Macaroons!

I syringe fed (not spoon)  the a/d Hills. It is based on weight and it is also based on disease and how long they haven't been eating. I really can't tell you how much to feed this is something that your vet needs to tell you. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful on this. 

The problem with syringe feeding - is the risk of aspiration. After a few weeks with the syringe I was told she needed a feeding tube. However, I still gave her the feedings through her feeding tube. She did eat on her own a little-yup right after I put the feeding tube in.

My brief story. My cat had an aggressive cancer. She had surgery, she had chemo, and she had the best medical care-no expense spared-I made the difficult decision of euthanasia 5 months after diagnosing. Nothing is guaranteed in life-I am glad I had the time with her

Your story is not my story-you are unique

Now back to what else I did

For pumpkin I gave 1 tablespoon divided into her feedings. There were 6 feedings. Yes I did get up at 2am!

The fluids were because she was dehydrated. The cat food was not enough. It really perked her up!

My heart goes out to you as I know it is difficult....really difficult doesn't begin to cover it. I really urge you to do what you can to find out the CAUSE of your beloved kitty's problem-eating is only a symptom. Your vet saved your Newfoundland''s life - please ask her what you need to do to save your cat's life. Most vet's will give it to you straight-it will either be-I can help but this is what you have to do or there is nothing I can do.  Ask your vet, "What would you do if this was your cat?" I asked that one a lot Or you can simply ask,"How can I make my kitty more comfortable-can you help me please?"

Please ask your vet if any of the things I have listed would be suitable for your situation. I am here if you need me.

P.S. You sound like an amazing fur guardian and your Newfoundlander and kitty are very lucky to have you looking out for them

Thanks Mighty Mouse ... I read through this thoroughly and headed home, steadied by the thought there were some more options to try.  Quite sadly, I was greeted at the door by my family, and learned that Maisy had passed just shortly before.

I never cease to be amazed that - despite how much crazy is out there on the internet and in social media platforms - it is still quite possible to reach out to strangers through a site like this and find a hand reaching back. Sure, you've sent just two messages, but they were so giving of advice and support to me when I so needed it, as circumstances have now proven out.

Thank you thank you, for offering counsel and hope - last night it really made me feel like we had not ever given up on our cat, and that's the best outcome of all.

Best wishes to you and to all you love.

I am so sorry Maisy  passed away. He was obviously loved dearly and I am sure that being with the people he loved eased his passing.   RIP Maisy 

I am so sorry for the loss of your Maisy. It's never easy to lose one so loved.

Macaroons, I am so very sorry for the loss of Maisy. Truly heartbreaking.  

I want to thank you for your kind words to me Your post truly showed how much you care for Maisy and I wanted to help. You did so much for her. She was blessed that Maisy was- truly blessed

There is a famous quote-"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats"

Maisy's "song" will live on in your heart. May your tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy for all the loving memories you shared.

Peace to you and those you love

Thank you Zed Xyzed and Inanna - I really appreciate your kind thoughts.  Best to you and your furry friends!

Thanks Mighty Mouse!