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
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.
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
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?
What is the alternative to the cone after a cat is spayed?
Does my cat really need a cone?
Is the cone really necessary after neutering?