A couple residing in Kamloops, British Columbia, utilized 3D printing technology to craft a feeding stand to aid a foster kitten with a unique medical issue. The kitten, named Piglet and aged five months, is under the care of Angela and Jason Lyall. Upon receiving Piglet when she was just two days old, the couple noticed her struggle with feeding properly, even as a bottle-fed kitten. Angela mentioned to CBC News that despite being part of a litter with her mother, Piglet couldn’t suckle adequately and remained undersized compared to her siblings.
As time passed, Piglet developed pneumonia, prompting discussions about euthanasia due to her deteriorating condition. However, veterinary assessments revealed she likely had megaesophagus, a condition where the esophagus fails to transport food efficiently to the stomach, leading to potential regurgitation and inhalation risks. To address Piglet’s feeding challenges, Jason designed a unique vertical feeding stand using a template obtained freely online. The modified stand allowed Piglet to feed comfortably, leading to improvements in her health, growth, and fur quality.
A video showcasing Piglet’s feeding stand went viral on social media, amassing over a million views and drawing attention to megaesophagus, a rare condition in cats. Angela expressed hope that Piglet’s story would educate other cat owners, highlighting the need for specialized feeding solutions for affected felines. The adaptable nature of the feeding stand enables adjustments as Piglet matures, requiring five feedings daily and post-meal upright positioning for 15 minutes, a task described by Angela as a collective family effort.
Despite facing uncertain moments during Piglet’s health challenges, the Lyalls are committed to her well-being, witnessing her remarkable progress and expressing gratitude for her resilience and presence in their lives.
