The Elizabethan collar is very useful and important in recently operated pets to prevent them from getting hurt after surgery. It also serves to apply ointments in infections or wounds without putting difficulties or refusing to do so, so it is convenient that your cat gets used to wearing it in this type of situation. But it’s not always easy.

Some cats do not adapt easily to the Elizabethan collar, also popularly known as the cone of shame. These felines can find it very stressful to wear because it prevents them from having normal mobility or doing things as simple as drinking water or eating. If you think “my cat can’t stand the Elizabethan collar, what can I do?” and thus get him to tolerate it, in we recommend that you continue reading this article.

Change the collar for a harness

To move with your cat in outdoor areas while he still needs the Elizabethan collar (and if you usually take it outside with a harness and leash), choose to place a bib or harness to replace it. In this way, you will have your cat under control and, at the same time, you will be able to prevent him from feeling uncomfortable or stressed, especially when he has to get in the car or go up and down stairs.

Leave the space clear and quiet

When your cat has undergone surgery and needs to wear the Elizabethan collar, it is essential to make sure that there is no object or item that can trip inside the home. Therefore, it is important to leave enough space to move without throwing things in your path and without hurting or stressing.

Try to find a quiet place, isolated from noise, so that your rests at home and can feel safe. Placing a cushion on your bed to help level your head while you sleep is a good resource to ensure a good rest.

If at any time it gets scared because the cone makes noise when colliding with objects, by the shock itself, etc., we recommend you read this article on How to reassure a frightened cat.

Check it’s the right size

The Elizabethan collar can be of different sizes adjustable to the size of a cat. In this way, possible discomfort in the animal or irritations in its neck are avoided. It is important that, when you put it on, you check that two fingers can be comfortably inserted between the feline’s neck and the Elizabethan collar.

By checking the two fingers between the collar and his neck, you can make sure it doesn’t restrict his ability to breathe or swallow. In addition, you guarantee that it does not come out. In the same way, you should check that knots are not created between the cat’s fur and the collar or the fastening bandage, something very common in long-haired felines.

Raise the cat’s water and food dishes

Drinking water or eating can be a big challenge for a cat wearing the Elizabethan collar. To help you, it is important to raise your food and water dishes or move them so that, when approaching, the collar does not pull them, cannot hit them. Although it is difficult for him to adapt, it is not mission impossible: he will only need a little of your help to achieve it.

Ensures proper hygiene

Another essential aspect is to keep your cat’s Elizabethan collar clean to prevent him from feeling uncomfortable while wearing it or suffering from an infection or allergy. To clean it properly, you remove it for a few minutes while someone helps you keep an eye on it and wash it with a clean, damp cloth. Before putting it back on, dry it thoroughly.

Whenever possible, clean the Elizabethan collar while your feline is wearing it. In this case, you must be very careful not to hurt him or leave any trace of moisture in his fur.

Remember that the Elizabethan collar helps a cat recover more quickly after an operation, so it does not hurt him if it is well placed and, in fact, prevents him from reaching his wound and, unintentionally, tearing out the stitches or causing an infection. Avoid taking it away because you think it might hurt you or out of shame; It will be a matter of getting used to it and you will only have to take it a few days.

Use alternatives to the Elizabethan collar in cats

If you have followed all the tips given for your cat to adapt to the Elizabethan collar and still have not managed to get used to it, in OneHowTo we help you know alternatives to this collar:

• Bodies of premature babies: their sizes are ideal for a cat; it will only be necessary to customize them by cutting the area where the tail will go. With the bodies, the dorsal and abdominal wounds are covered, so care must be taken so that they do not present a greater humidity than if they were exposed to the open air.
• Body for cats: they are not very expensive and are ideal so that felines cannot scratch or lick those specific areas of the body after a castration, for example.
• Inflatable collars: these surround the neck and do not pose an impediment to the peripheral vision of cats, something that bothers them a lot.
• Rigid cervical collar: they are usually high priced and difficult to find. Go to veterinary clinics to buy it.
• Collar of eva rubber or fabric material: they are softer and more flexible than plastic but also difficult to find in the market. It is necessary to go to a veterinary center to acquire it.
• Socks on the legs: try to be ones that do not compress them excessively to prevent the cat from rubbing a wound with its own legs, being able to hurt in this way.

Now that you have all this information about what to do if your cat does not support the Elizabethan collar, cone or bell, we recommend you read this other article on How to care for a sterilized cat after the operation.

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