A couple from Kamloops, British Columbia, utilized 3D printing technology to craft a feeding stand for a foster kitten with a unique medical condition. Piglet, a five-month-old kitten under the care of Angela and Jason Lyall, faced challenges with feeding since her early days. Despite being part of a litter with her mother from the local rescue Sammy’s Forgotten Felines, Piglet struggled to eat properly, leading to stunted growth.
As Piglet’s health deteriorated, she was diagnosed with megaesophagus, a condition affecting the food passage to the stomach. To address this issue, the couple designed a vertical feeding stand using a freely available online template. The stand was crucial in preventing food regurgitation and potential inhalation into Piglet’s lungs, a risk associated with her condition.
The couple’s innovative solution garnered attention, with a video showcasing Piglet’s feeding stand going viral on social media. Angela expressed her desire for Piglet’s journey to raise awareness about rare conditions like megaesophagus in cats and highlight the importance of specialized care. The feeding stand, adaptable for Piglet’s growth, requires the kitten to be fed five times daily and held upright post-feeding, emphasizing the dedicated effort from the entire family to ensure Piglet’s well-being.
Despite facing uncertainties about Piglet’s survival initially, Angela and Jason’s commitment paid off as the kitten showed remarkable progress, thriving with proper nutrition and care. The couple remains grateful for Piglet’s resilience and the opportunity to witness her remarkable transformation.