If you own a cute little cat and your cat has just gone through surgery or any medical condition, your veterinarian has recommended a collar cone for your little paws while they heal. These cones typically look like a lampshade, so it’s unpleasant for our cats to have a giant piece of hard plastic around their necks. As a pet owner, it’s heart-wrenching to see your kitty struggling with this collar.
Your Vet recommends this collar to protect your cat surgery site from chewing and licking.
In this situation, as caring pet owners, it is our duty to help our furry balls get comfortable with the cone collar and not panic.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the “Cat cone of shame” or “Elizabethan cone collar” (E collar), which is designed to help your cat protect the site of surgery and promote healing.
What is the Elizabethan Collar?
The “Cat Cone of Shame” is a term for a cone collar that cats used to wear after surgery. These cones are officially termed as the “Elizabethan Collar” based on their resemblance to the ruffled collars worn during the Elizabethan era.
Many other terms are used for the Elizabethan cone, such as healing collar cone, buster collar, recovery collar, etc. They are used to prevent a cat from licking and scratching the surgery site.
Is it safe to leave a Cat alone with a Collar cone?
It is safe to leave a cat alone with the cone for a short period, but keep an eye on your little paws. These are a few things to keep in mind.
- Cats feel uncomfortable and take time to adjust to the cone, so make sure your furry friend can eat, drink, and move safely everywhere.
- Make sure that the cat’s roaming space is free of obstacles, like narrow areas where the cone got stuck and hurt the cat.
- It is not advisable to leave the cat soon after it gets a cone collar and observe its behaviour for signs of anxiety and discomfort.
- Make sure not to leave your cat alone for too long or let your cat remove collar cones to prevent licking or biting at the surgical site. Also, regularly check that the wound has healed properly.
Also keep an eye on the particular habits of cats like why do cats close their eyes when you pet them? Why Do Cats Lick Each Other’s Bums?etc
How long does it take for a cat to get used to a Collar cone?
It usually takes cats a few days to get used to wearing a collar cone. In the beginning, most cats struggle to walk, bump into things, and want to get rid of the cone, so keep an eye on them so they don’t hurt themselves. Most cats learn to eat, walk, and move with time while wearing the collar cone.
How do you feed a cat with a Cone?
- If Your Kitty Wears a Cat Cone Collar,it is recommended that you elevate your cat’s food and water dishes from the floor until they are wearing a cone. You can buy elevated bowls or even make one on your own by stocking up on old books, etc.
- The second method of feeding your furry friend is time-consuming. It involves holding a bowl in a position within reach of the cat. You can even hand-feed your cat if needed.
- If your cat refuses to wear a cone, let it be removed only at mealtime. This should be done with your VetVet permission. Remember that this is the last option if nothing works for your cat; if the cat doesn’t eat properly, it will lead to severe conditions. Stay close when you remove the cone at mealtime.
Types of Cones
- Plastic Cone
This is the most common type of cone made of low-density polyethylene. It is mostly secure to a cat’s neck as it has a cotton padding roll at the base of its cone.
- Soft Fabric
These cones are made of soft foam or fabric and are comfortable for cats, but they are not very effective if cats fold them.
- Inflatable collar
These collars are made of synthetic plastic suitable for inflating. They are covered by soft fabric, but unlike soft fabric, they do not interfere with cats’ vision.
- Cervical Collar
These collars are similar to cervical collars worn by humans and serve the same purpose of preventing the neck from moving, but they are used in extreme situations under the instruction of a vet.
Alternative to Cats Cones
- Paper plate
They can be made at home using a large paper plate. This is quite affordable, but cats might tear it apart easily.
- Post Surgical jacket or suit
If your cat needs to protect a body area only, you can use a post-surgical jacket, which is often termed a Recovery suit. It can protect the area of wounds or stitches by covering them. They are a popular alternative to cones as they do not resist cats’ movement.
Conclusion
The Elizabethan Collar is designed to protect cats’ surgeries from licking and scratching. Cats do not like them because they become uncomfortable, but the owner must look after their pet, make sure that the collar fits properly, and find comfortable alternatives if needed.
FAQ For How to Cheer Up A Cat With A Cone
Q1.Can pets eat and drink while wearing the E-Collar?
Answer: Most pets struggle at mealtime, so it’s better to place the bowl on the height or remove the collar at mealtime but under supervision.
Q2.Are there any alternatives to traditional E Collar?
Answer:Yes, soft fabric, plastic collars, inflatable collars, and even recovery suits are alternatives to E Collars.
Q3.How do you make pets comfortable with the collar?
Answer:Make sure that the space around your pet is obstacle-free. Give them some time to adjust to the collar. Offering treats and rewards can also help your pet adjust to the collar.
