Sometimes our cats are too ill to eat on their own. Without proper nutrition, their road to recovery can be stalled or even halted. In cases such as these, the doctors at the Animal Clinic at Thorndale will discuss with you options for placing a feeding tube. One type of tube that can be used is called a gastrostomy tube.
Gastrostomy Tube in Cats (G-Tube feeding)
A gastrostomy tube is a rubber tube that enters the skin over the stomach. It goes directly into the stomach so that food can be delivered to the stomach. A gastrostomy tube in cats is used when the cat cannot or will not take in sufficient nutrition by mouth.
The Food to Use and the Feeding Procedure
A special food mixture is syringed through the tube three to five times per day. This food is formulated to meet the cat’s nutritional needs; it should not cause vomiting or diarrhea. To feed your cat, follow these steps:
- Use only the recommended food, which will be a liquid
- Remove the cap from the feeding tube.
- Using the syringes provided, inject the food slowly into your cat’s feeding tube using the prescribed schedule.
- Feed the amount of food directed each feeding and feed the specified number of times each day.
- When the food has been injected, inject 10 cc of tap water through the tube so food does not remain in it; replace the cap in the tube.
Any remaining food should be stored in the refrigerator. Before the next feeding, it should be warmed to body temperature under hot tap water or in a microwave oven. If you heat it in a microwave oven, be sure to thoroughly mix the contents prior to feeding because of uneven heating. Also, always check the temperature prior to feeding to be sure that it is not too hot.
Tube Removal
This decision is based on the condition being treated. You will be instructed when to return, but removal of the tube is simple and does not require anesthesia. However, you should not attempt to remove it yourself.
Note: Some measuring devices are measured in milliliters (ml) and others in cubic centimeters (cc). For our purposes, 1 ml equals 1 cc