Any ideas on how to encourage my kitty to eat and drink on her own?

[Contrary1]

She doesn't look nearly as bad as this pic shows.


Baby came through the surgery well. Still waiting for results on the kidney biopsy.

All she wants to do is sit on my lap. She's tried to eat a few times on her own, but the collar gets caught up on this or that, and she gives up. She will eat out of my hand or off a spoon. About 50% of the time, I can get her to drink a bit, again with a spoon. She seems to have no interest otherwise.

I have tried putting her food and water in various containers...skillet, shallow Tupperware, plates, etc. Nothing.

The little fart only weighs about 7 pounds, so she can't afford to lose much weight. The collar is not supposed to come off until the 21st. Any hints will be greatly appreciated! :hi:

[Robeson]

1. Have you posted this in the Pets Groups?....

...If you haven't please let them know.... http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=243

[Contrary1]

3. Thanks for the reminder...

I'll do that right now. I seem to forget there are other forums here at DU besides the lounge and GD.

[Critters2]

2. I used to syringe feed my crf cat.

Get a good sized syringe from the vet. Add some water to a canned food (I used Hill's a/d when we had to do this). Take the food into the syringe and then force feed the cat. It sounds pretty harsh, but my cat would usually get interested in the food after three or four squirts of the syringe. Then I just had to put the can on the floor and he'd finish it.

Good luck! I know how frustrating it is when they won't eat.

[Capn Sunshine]

4. Smear cat food all over your naked body, and dance in the living room window with the drapes open

Your kitty may not eat, but you'll be really popular in your neighborhood.

[Critters2]

5. Addendum....

I've missed the info about your cat's condition. If it's kidney disease, there are a couple of useful yahoogroups. My Ari had crf for 2 1/2 years. There were people on the yahoogroups who were very helpful to me.

[Skittles]

6. she hates that f***ing collar

yes

[China_cat]

7. Tuna water

Not the tuna itself but if you open a can and pour the water over her food, she'll eat. I've never seen it fail.

[havocmom]

11. And since the collar seems to be the hang up, elevate the dish a bit

Something about neck high and small enough that the collar won't hit it much may be a help.

Many cats do not like to be undignified. Collar is bad enough. The fact that it inhibits movement and the ability to do things gracefully (let alone tidy up after eating) could really be an irritation.

Also, a bit of grooming from a damp wash cloth or paper towel after the cat eats might be helpful. Some cats don't want to risk getting messy from eating if they can't groom well after a meal.

[LynneSin]

8. That's not the only option for cat collars

This is Melisande - she belongs to Ramsey, who is a long-time DUer.

The collar is a bit more bendible so it doesn't block feeding but still blocks Meli from doing things she's not suppose to do. Perhaps this collar will help out your little furball with feeding herself.

[NV Whino]

9. Ask your vet for a kitty "sweater"

rather than the collar.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Ask your vet for advice. Will not do for kitteh to become dehydrated