Supportive Care ABDOMINAL FLUID: Do NOT drain abdominal fluid unless your cat's abdomen becomes so full that eating, bowel movements, ambulating, or breathing are affected. Draining all the abdominal fluid is risky and can cause your cat to die of hypovolemic shock.
If the fluid needs draining, it should be no more than 30% of the perceived volume. **Buy a seamstress measuring tape from a fabric store or Amazon and measure the widest part of your cat's abdomen daily to monitor the absorption of the abdominal effusion. CHEST FLUID: Thoracic fluid must be drained at 100% if the cat's breathing is rapid, labored, or in obvious distress. Your cat may need hospitalization for supportive care such as blood transfusions, subcutaneous or intravenous fluids, a feeding tube, incubation/warming, or oxygen. Tips for Successful Syringe Feeding Don't forcefully push food or liquids into a cat's mouth; do it slowly. If your cat struggles, it's okay to take a break and return to the feeding following a short break for play or cuddles. A great rule of thumb for syringe feeding is one milliliter every minute. Always feed your cat on its belly with the head up or sitting. NEVER syringe-feed on its back. It's important to STOP syringe-feeding if your cat vomits or regurgitates during the feeding. How to Syringe Feed Your Cat: (https://youtu.be/vD9kcvV4iNY) Page 24
