Hi Lisa,
We all understand how special Felv kitties are. There's just something
about them, if more people only knew... That's so cute about changing
his name to Velcro. He sounds like such a love. Please try to get a
hold of your emotions. I completely understand about tearing up at just
the thought of losing him, I really do get it. It's easier said than
done, but those strong panicky emotions don't help anyone. Put the
energy into resolving to fight for him to recover! Do your best to not
mourn him before he's gone. He's still here, right beside you, (well,
okay at this point he may be hiding under the bed!). Enjoy each moment
you have with him still in the physical. Close your eyes, take a deep
breath, square your shoulders and commit to him and yourself to do
everything you can to help him. What else can we do?
You are not the first person to accidently squirt a syringe full of food
or meds down an unsuspecting mouth, or all over the floor, or in your
hair. It takes some practice to get used to the plunger. Practice
without Kitty, (that's his name, right?). Fill the syringe and plunge
gently onto a plate, like you're decorating a cake. Get accustomed to
how it feels in your hand, how much pressure is necessary, etc. If you
just can't get a handle on it, try using an eye dropper, or a spoon, or
your finger instead. It's best to approach assist feeding in as calm
and natural a manner as possible, but if Kitty is too upset from the
first experience, try wrapping him in a towel so he can't struggle as
much. Hold him for a couple of minutes and try and help him relax,
(you relax too). Talk to him soothingly the whole time. Tell him
you're sorry about the first time, that you'll try to do better. Ask
him to help! You guys are in this together! Keep him upright, maybe
your husband can hold him in his lap while you put tiny amounts in his
mouth. Stop beating yourself up for not being perfect, all right, for
being lousy the first time you tried this. He's going to pick up on
your feelings and think there's something to fear and avoid. If you
relax, then he'll be able to relax more. Tell him again how he has to
eat, and if he won't eat on his own then you have to help him. Keep
trying to offer him yummy foods that he wouldn't ordinarily be able to
indulge in. Try lunch meat, salmon, fried chicken, sour cream, cottage
cheese, (you get the idea). If he likes fish, I'd go out and get him a
fillet, saute it up in some olive oil and offer him a bit while it's
still warm. Put tiny little bits down in front of him, if he's hiding
put them down and walk away. Do your best to get him following you
around the house again, start by being calm!
I really hope the Ophthalmologist appointment goes well. Please let us
know what happened. Prayers for Kitty, your hubby and you.
Nina
Elizabeth Paz wrote:
Thank you for getting in touch with me so soon. You are right I have
such a feeling of panic mixed with such heartbreak. Don't seem to be
able to stop filling up with tears. I have had many cats in my time
and loved everyone of them, but this little boy (he is now 5yrs old)
came into my life unexpectedly at 7 months old. None of my cats have
been as loving and as needy as this one. I should have changed his
name to Velcro. Where I go he is always right beside me, and the love
he gives me is so noticeable to all who visit. I have so much love
for him, he truly gives me such joy.
"assisted" feeding. Like you would a baby. <<<<<<<
Love this way to think of it, will start it tonight. Thank You for
the link.
Well Nina, I have just tried to feed him Syring and all. I got some
strained baby food (chicken) and filled up the syringe, oh my goodness
I bungled it up so bad.
I checked out all the pictures in the link you sent me, I went in at
the side of the mouth, he was struggling so bad, my hubby held him in
kind of a baby position with his little head inside hubby's elbow, I
was trying to hold his head, got a few drops in then don't ask me what
happened I accidentley pushed down on the syring and it all shot into
his mouth.
He choked and my hubby put him down the he ran into the room. Talk
about trying to keep stress level down with a FELV baby, I think I
have given him more stress today than he has had in the past year.
I'm such an emotioal wreck at the moment.
Tell him you will do your very best to make sure no one scares
him, or puts him through any more trauma than absolutely
necessary<<<<<<
MaMa is the one putting him through the trauma and it's hurting so bad.
I will let you know what the Ophthalmologist has to say tomorrow night.
Thank you Nina for being so kind.
Lisa.
