FIP Cat Nursing skills-Force feed

1. For kittens and small cats, use a 6-12 ml syringe; adult cats can use a larger syringe.
2. It is recommended to add some water to the food and blend it in a mixer for easier administration.
3. Push in small amounts of food at a time.
4. If the cat does not swallow, close its mouth and gently rub its throat to encourage swallowing.
5. Do not spray food directly into the cat’s throat, as this could block the airway or cause vomiting.
6. Ensure intervals between each push, making sure the cat has swallowed the food before repeating the process.
7. Give the cat occasional breaks and praise it to encourage further cooperation.
8. For cats that strongly resist, wrap them tightly in a towel (like a burrito), leaving only the head exposed. You can also scruff the cat and tilt its head back, which will make the cat more cooperative.
9. Cats usually start eating on their own after a few force-feedings, or at least accept assisted feeding, similar to priming a pump.
10. Once the cat begins eating on its own, add some enticing treats to the food and gradually reduce the amount until it returns to normal.

1. If a cat does not eat for 3 days and does not resume voluntary eating after initial treatment, or has a severely insufficient food intake, it is necessary to consider starting forced feeding; otherwise, the cat’s life will be endangered.
2. Cats drink 40-60ml of water and eat 60-80kcal per kg of body weight every day. Calculate the force-feeding amount based on this. The total calories for the whole day can be fed 3-6 times.
3. On the first day of force-feeding, feed 30% of the total calories for the whole day first. Observe the acceptance degree of the cat and increase it gradually to 80% or the full amount. If the cat is in good condition, a small calorie deficit can be left, with the aim of restoring autonomous feeding.
4. Forced feeding combination with a budget but no time: Mousse or liquid prescription canned food + feeding syringe
5. Low-budget and time-consuming force-feeding combination: Home cat food / staple canned food / cooked meat / freeze-dried food + water + blender + syringe

Unless it is a necessary drug for the meal, do not crush any medicine, especially metronidazole, and mix it into the meal. Do not mix medicine in the meal! It is very important.