It is helpful to inject the food slowly, about 1 mL per second, and to elevate your cat's front feet so the food goes easily into the stomach. 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.
Persistence is essential.
The average cat requires 6-7 weeks of feeding before it begins to eat, this means some less and some more. At least once or twice a week, offer your cat a small amount of its favorite food so that you will know when its appetite returns. The esophagostomy tubeand the gastrostomy tube will not hinder chewing or swallowing. After your cat has been eating well for 3-4 days, it should be returned to the hospital for evaluation for tube removal.