do cats need cones after spaying

An e-collar (or cone) is highly recommended to prevent your pet from licking or chewing at the surgery site and must remain on 24 hours a day for 7-10 days. Excessive licking or chewing can lead to complications such as infection or even additional surgery to repair any damage.

Cutest Cat Cone Alternative

Our Pick: SunGrow Cat Cone Soft Collar

do cats need cones after spaying

This soft cone with floral accents will make your cat look adorable as a button. Its lightweight fabric and various size options facilitate your cat’s eating, sleeping, and moving around your house. You can customize the cone to fit your cat’s neck size with its loop-style wrist closure fasteners, but be aware that the fabric is somewhat flexible, so your cat may be able to access wounds on their back legs or tail.

Highlights:

  • Multiple sizes.
  • Cute design.
  • Easy to use and more comfortable for cats to wear.
  • Not as clunky as an E-collar.
  • Easier to eat and sleep.

Things to Consider:

  • Some cats are able to slip out of it.
  • The material of this collar is flexible, so it could bend if it knocks against a wall or the floor.

do cats need cones after spaying

How should I feed a cat with a cone?

Try these few solutions if your cat has problems eating while wearing an E-collar. Remove the cone during mealtime if you plan to be with your cat the entire time, and keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t lick or scratch. Some alternatives to cat cones can be turned upside down or adjusted to give your cat complete range of motion while they’re eating. As an alternative, you could try feeding your cat by hand or moving the bowl up a few inches for easier access.

Most Affordable Cat Cone Alternative

Our Pick: Bolbove Recovery Cone

do cats need cones after spaying

With a few modifications, the Bolbove Recovery Cone is basically a traditional E-collar. The soft fabric edges of the cone add comfort to your cat’s neck, even though the majority of its translucent, hard plastic construction will effectively deter licking and scratching. Two cat-friendly sizes and a variety of colors are available, and the fabric features snap closures to keep it in place. Your cat’s ability to see and eat may still be affected by the cone, but it will keep them comfortable and stop them from irritating their wounds.

Highlights:

  • Affordable.
  • Multiple sizes.
  • Soft fabric around the neck.
  • Sturdy plastic construction.
  • Easy snap closure.

Things to Consider:

  • Limits vision and ability to eat.

FAQ

Do cats need to wear a cone after being spayed?

Fido or Fluffy is trying to make you feel sorry for them or feel guilty for being a cone warden. The time for ‘tough love’ is now. The cone should stay on until the site is fully healed, and/or the sutures are removed. Most sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days.

What is the alternative to the cone after a cat is spayed?

Soft E-Collar These look like your standard cones of shame, but instead of being made of hard plastic they’re made of soft, pliable materials that are often a lot cozier around your kitty’s head.

Does my cat really need a cone?

Why does my cat need to wear an Elizabethan collar? The collar’s primary purpose is to prevent your cat from directly traumatizing a surgical site or injured area of the body. It is natural for cats to lick their wounds, but this can seriously delay healing and result in infection or injury.

Is the cone really necessary after neutering?

Your dog’s e-collar will play a significant role in his healing process after being neutered, but so will how you, his owner, look after him. Aside from keeping the cone on around the clock, the best thing you can do for your pup as he recovers is to be patient.