Syringes, Lactated Ringers, Sub-Q Fluids and Supplies

Tip: Syringe feeding was the first method of assisted feeding that I learned. This method works well, especially for cats that bite or have really, really sharp teeth. Some cats do better with what I refer to "Finger Feeding" and you can sometimes actually get more food in them per feeding session. It's a little more personal, too and your cat may respond better than accepting food with a syringe. Work with both methods of syringe feeding and finger feeding to see which works best for you and your cat.

There are quite a few options when it comes to assist feeding syringes. The type and size of syringe that you choose to use is a personal decision. Experiment and find the one that is right for you and your cat.

Depending on the consistency of the food, you can either draw the food up into the syringe or load from the top.

Small - Some people like to use 2ml up to 6ml syringes because of the shape and feel, and the ability to better control squirts. These small syringes require multiple reloadings or you will need to prepare several syringes to get enough food for one feeding. Drug stores and pharmacies have 5ml oral medicine syringes for children's medicine. Some stores will just give one to you if you ask. They will either be the rubber plunger type or if you are lucky, the silicone O-ring which will last longer.

Medium - The vet will probably give you a 12ml syringe. A nice alternative is a 14ml syringe that you can by at PetSmart. This syringe is made of all plastic with no rubber parts to get gummy.

Large - 35mm are even available.

Tapered Tips - If you find that food gets clogged in the tapered tip syringe, you may need to cut the tip to make the opening bigger. Use a sharp knife and cut on a cutting board. Then rub the edges of the freshly cut tip on the board to smooth out any sharp places (a very fine fingernail file works, too). Make sure there are no sharp edges by rotating the tip on your cheek or on the soft skin inside your elbow... gotta be sure! :-) Be sure to cut just a little at a time and try it out before cutting too much off! Also, you want to maintain enough of the tip so that the tip still fits into the side of your cat's mouth easily.

Four Paws Easy Feeder Hand Feeding Syringe
for Small Animals Syringes from Petco $4.99

Kitten Mothering Kit Syringes Kitten Mothering Kit
These washable reusable hand feeding syringes hold up to 1/2 ounce (0 22 mm) each. PetSmart carries them in the Cat section with the supplements and milk replacement products or you can order them online through this link. Buy 2 kits. Notice that the tips are different. The tapered tip on the right will be used for assist feeding. You can cut the left one off at the first notch and preload your food then transfer to the tapered one during feeding.

NOTE: If you can't find these syringes locally, I've been told that they can be ordered directly from the supplier: PetAg, Inc, http://www.petag.com,
1-800-323-0877 or 1-800-323-6878.

Subcutaneous Fluids

If your cat doesn't want to drink water, talk to your vet to ask if your cat could benefit from giving "sub-q fluids." Dehydration from any cause can make a cat feel yucky and that may be a reason for not eating. Cats with Chronic Renal Failure (kidney disease), as well as other illnesses, require sub-cutaneous fluids. They just can't drink enough water to keep up with their body's demand.

You can either pay the vet clinic to administer fluids or you can learn this skill yourself. The first time is a little scary, but it's not hard and you can save yourself some money if you do it yourself. Your vet clinic charges quite a bit for supplies because that is one of their main ways to make money (the appointment fees don't have that much profit in them.) If you have extra money, your vet will appreciate if you can buy from them. If you need to save money, compare prices then ask your vet for a prescription and you can buy online.

Subcutaneous Fluids (Lactated Ringers) , 500 ml, 24 Bags

IV Set

Monoject Needles