Saving a kitty... 1 syringe feeding at a time

So we have our Mack Mack home, since Thursday night and as much as we are happy to have her home... we also now know how much love and effort it will take to get her through this disease.

On Thursday night we got our first taste of syringe feeding a kitty. WOW! Who knew a sick little kitty could muster up and possess that much strength?!? I've seen glimpses of it in the past with minor antibiotic treatments [which is just ONE syringe], but magnify it by between 6-8 syringes and it can be a bit of a fight.  Not to mention, messy LOL! We got through it ok, did two feedings and let her sleep the night through.

Friday I asked my supervisor if I could work at home, Marcus compassionate man that he is agreed, and so I was head feeder and cleaner-upper all day, on my own. The first feeding was in the morning and Terry helped before I dropped him off at work. The next three were solo efforts, and it took a whole lot of misfiring [me and Mack wearing much of the squishy cat food!] during the first one to figure out a trap and inject technique that was both quick and accurate. I was quite proud of myself. Terry was my co-pilot for the evening feeds which was great!

Today, Saturday she got more feedings... Terry tried one on his own and as with my first foray into syringe feeding - a lot hit the floor, table and the side of Mack's face. We did the bulk of them together for the rest of the day. He'll be doing another solo feeding flight tomorrow, since I'll be back to work on Tuesday and he'll be at home for a few days.

She seems to be ok for the most part. Taking the feedings relatively well; has peed numerous times and pooped too [this is a very good thing!]; her hydration seems ok [I'm doing the back-twist test]; she's pretty tired and still quite lethargic and has taken to hiding out under one of our living chairs in the relative darkness [but that could be because every 3-4 hours were trying to feed her - I'd be hiding out too!]; and her belly fluid hasn't increased since last night.  We're trying to be optimistic and are praying that the meds do their job, loving her and doing what we must to make her well. Yes, even if that means getting squishy cat food under my finger nails, in my hair and on my clothes [note to self: wear CRAPPY t-shirt for feedings!]... We're doing this for the greater good of Baby Mack's health.

Anyways... that is the update for now. 

There will be more non-kitty stuff tomorrow related to Christmas crafts and decorating ideas. Just too tired to take a decent photograph LOL. The projects are easy, not too expensive and can be tailored to any color scheme. Catch you tomorrow! For now, I leave you with this...

Comments

[rach]

c! so exciting to see that mack mack IS home now!!! hang in there w/everything and remember, it's all for the best and she LOVES everything that you are all doing for her! HUGE hugs!!!!! thinking of you, rachel

[Becky Olsen]

Feisty little girl!
I would be hiding as well...
She is in the best home with the most loving peeps, and she knows it. She is going to give it her best to feel better!
My Best!
B-

[claudine hellmuth]

sending well wishes to baby mack-mack!
xxxox