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I find myself wondering now and then if it is notably harder to deal with an ill cat who is deaf. She can't take any cues from our voices. And since she's never been one for massive amounts of stroking and cuddling, I'm not sure how much that helps.
At this point I'm doing things like syringe feeding and have no idea how to make it easier on her. She's very weak right now but she'll still summon enough strength to knock the syringe from my hand with her paw if I don't restrain her front legs and to keep her mouth closed and to get away from me.
I wish I had some REALLY good suggestions for you Greg42...because I know you must be emotionally and physically exhausted trying to make sure Amber gets enough nutrients!
The only thing I could suggest is trying some KMR (kitten milk replacement) and don't get the powder....get the premixed liquid in the cans. I know my fussiest one (the one that won't touch wet food or hardly any treats) loves it! When he was very ill and wouldn't eat or drink I used a syringe to feed him and he actually would calm down once he realized he was getting this milk. Once he got stronger he would lap it up out of his bowl on his own! If he hadn't taken this while he was ill I just know he wouldn't be with me today!
As for the syringe feeding....the best way that we have found with all of our cats is to have my husband sit with a big blanket in front of him. I give him the cat and he wraps them (like others have said) and then he holds them sideways against his chest (head with cheek up by his heart and the butt is sitting on his lap). I then use my left hand and gently press the side of their head against my husbands chest and take my fingers to start prying open the side of the mouth (while I continue the pressure of my hand to their head). With my right I continue the pry with the syringe while slowly releasing the fluids. I stop a few times while they lap it up and swallow. I've been able to get all of mine to easily do this. The hard part though is that if it is routine (like it is with your Amber right now) I'm sure she already starts fighting when she sees that she is going in that blanket or towel :-(
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