How to Feed a Cat that has Hepatic Lipidosis

Hepatic Lipidosis, more commonly known as Fatty Liver Disease, is usually identified as the culprit when an overweight cat suddenly stops eating. Internally, what happens when the cat stops eating is the body sends fat cells to the liver to be processed instead. Unfortunately, a cat's liver doesn't do this very well, and most of the fat sits in the liver. This buildup can cause the liver to fail. If not treated, it can be fatal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pet carrier
• Sick cat
• Feeding tube
• Plastic syringe

Visit to the Vet

1. Take him to the vet as soon as you notice that your cat has stopped eating. The longer the disease remains untreated, the more damage will be done to the liver.
2. Remember that a pet carrier is important to keep your pet safe. Once you and your cat are taken into a room to wait for the vet, holding your pet to comfort her is a good way to calm her down.
3. Know that the vet will examine your cat and a biopsy may be needed to determine if it really is fatty liver disease.
4. What the Inserted Tube Looks Like Learn that the most common treatment is to insert a tube in his esophagus or stomach, and feed him watered down canned food through it. With this procedure the survival rate is very high.
5. Know that cats with Fatty Liver Disease are usually dehydrated. If you notice that your pet isn't drinking much water, tell the vet. They can show you how to hydrate her with fluids at home.

Home Care

6. Feed your cat through the feeding tube for the first few weeks. Make sure the canned food the vet gives you is mixed with a lot of water.
7. Push the food in the syringe very slowly through the tube. If the food is inserted too quickly the cat might throw it back up.
8. See if your cat is willing to try to eat again after a few weeks of successful tube feeding. The sooner she's eating on her own, the sooner the tube comes out.

Tips & Warnings

• The tube feeding is pretty stressful for the cat. To help keep him calm, try walking around while you feed him. Let him put his paws on your shoulder and carry him around, gently, while inserting the food.
• Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible when he stops eating.