We are seeing a lot more cats and kittens diagnosed with ME. They have had to do same type of management protocol as ME dogs, but have their own creative or getting them upright for eating and getting hydration.
Here is a good FB support group for our feline ME friends:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/186856031367248/
A sample of how one ME kitten is being managed: (Squeak is part of our rehoming ME process so this shows as much as possible about her but includes her protocol.)
Squeak is a domestic, long haired kitten that was found by an ex-tenant and given to the manager who safely has her at this time. She has had her for two months now and realizes that although she is improving, in the right home she could thrive.
CRITICAL: Squeak’s owner is not only having difficulty meeting the necessary management, but is having major back surgery Nov 18th so will be a lot more limited as to helping care for Squeak. She really needs a home for this adorable baby quickly since there is no one else to care for her during and after the surgery.
● Current age: 8 months old ● Current weight: 2 lbs
● Dogs Current Status: ● Location: Worcester, MASS
● Owners Name & Location: Leah Guzman, Worcester MASS
● Contact info: Lealyn66@gmail.com
Timeframe for finding a home: As soon as possible – owner having major spinal surgery November 18th and will be very limited in my abilities more than even now since her work schedule also places high limitations on Squeak’s management and care currently
Medical information (spay/neuter, chipped, other health conditions if any, etc):
● Tested negative for FIV and Leukemia
● Had rabies shot
● Tested negative for parasites
● Her ME cannot be treated surgically
Where and how did we get this kitten:
Found on street and was nearly a skeleton at 9 weeks old
Where and how was her ME diagnosed:
Animal hospital (give name if known): Central Animal Hospital Leominster, MASS
X-rays or barium swallow: X-rays
Food brands and consistency (meatballs, milkshake, pureed, etc):
● Puréed canned cat food and/or dry kibble
● Run through a food processes and has water added
● Consistency – able to be pushed into a pile by more liquid than it comes from the can
Fed how many times per day in what position and timeframe:
● Fed about 3 times a day but needs more feedings
● Held vertical for 10 minutes – typically on my shoulder like burping a baby
● Food is placed on an inverted Tupperware container which causes her to have to sit up
and eat
Hydration method and consistency (Knox Blox, SubQ, Thick It, etc):
Moisture of food and some water immediately after eating
Meds currently taking:
1/8th of a tablet of Pepcid with each meal which seems to be working well to combat what was apparently nausea
Miscellaneous:
● Has a weird attraction to dogs
● Likes to be on or near people
● Have yet to see her startled or upset
● Have never seen her near children but would be more concerned with a child
accidentally hurting her
● Housebroken
NOTES (any other pertinent information that will help you decide if you might be her safe, loving, forever home):
“In two months, she had not gained any weight but had gone from lethargic and continuously “zoned out” to jumping up and down from low furniture, following the dog when the dog runs to the front door, “meowing” at people (she has no voice), asking for scratches by rubbing against fingers, and gaining some shine to previously dull fur.
In the last week I have added the Pepcid to her meals and I believe she has gained some weight, has even played very briefly once, and has begun to purr! The purr is located entirely in her throat and can only be felt but not heard.
There may be some other birth defect or delay. I have noticed that she eats her food much like a very young kitten. She pushes her entire face into the food and bites it, rather than licking it in to her mouth with her tongue. She also has noisy breathing (hence the name) that is NOT the result of any pneumonia. She appears happy but could use more attention to really thrive and I don’t have it to give.”