Home / Lifestyle / 3D Printed Feeder Aids Kitten with Megaesophagus
3D Printed Feeder Aids Kitten with Megaesophagus
21 Feb
Summary
- A five-month-old kitten named Piglet has megaesophagus.
- A 3D printed vertical feeding stand was designed to help Piglet eat.
- A video of Piglet's feeder gained over one million views online.
A foster kitten named Piglet, now five months old, is thriving thanks to a 3D printed feeding stand. Piglet was born with complications, including pneumonia, and was later diagnosed with megaesophagus, a condition affecting her esophagus's ability to move food to her stomach. This condition meant she struggled to eat and posed a significant risk of aspirating food into her lungs.
Angela and Jason Lyall, the kitten's foster parents in Kamloops, B.C., designed and 3D printed a unique vertical feeding stand. This innovative solution helps Piglet eat safely and receive the necessary nutrition. A video showcasing Piglet's specialized feeder was shared online and quickly went viral, attracting over a million views.
The Lyalls' efforts have enabled Piglet to gain weight and improve her health significantly. They hope her story will educate other cat owners about megaesophagus, a condition less common in cats than dogs. The adaptable 3D printed feeder can be modified as Piglet grows, ensuring her continued care.
