**The same topical anesthetic that is used in performance of ophthalmic exams can be placed in the nose.

Instill several drops of local anesthetic into one nostril. The cat's head is slightly tilted back to allow the topical anesthetic to run into the nasal cavity. Only a few drops of anesthetic agent are needed. Large amounts of anesthetic agent may run back into the pharynx and anesthetize the arytenoid cartilages, possibly resulting in tracheal intubation rather than gastric intubation.

The tube should be liberally lubricated with aqueous lubricant. The nasal turbinates are very friable and traumatic passage of the nasal tube will result in hemorrhage.

The nasal cavity is divided by the turbinates into several spaces called meatuses. The nasogastric tube is passed into the ventral meatus which communicates with the nasopharynx. The tube is inserted into the nostril as close to the midline and as ventral as possible. If the tube initially passes and then meets resistance, it is hitting against the ethmoid turbinates; draw back the tube and gently advance until it passes into the nasopharynx and subsequently into the esophagus.