The Elizabethan collar is very useful and important in recently operated pets to prevent them from harming themselves after surgery. It also serves to apply ointments to infections or wounds without causing difficulties or denying it, so it is convenient that your cat gets used to wearing it in this type of situation. But it is not always easy.
Some cats do not easily adapt to the Elizabethan collar, also popularly known as the cone of shame. These felines can find it very stressful to wear it 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, at OneHOWTO we recommend that you continue reading this article.
You may also be interested in: How to prevent my cat from scratching a wound
Index
- Change the collar for a harness
- Leave the space clear and calm
- Check that it is the correct size
- Pick up the cat’s food and water dishes
- Ensures proper hygiene
- Use Alternatives to the Elizabethan Collar on Cats
Change the collar for a harness
To move with your cat outdoors while it still needs the Elizabethan collar (and if you usually take it outside with a harness and leash), choose to put a chest or harness to replace it. In this way, you will have control of your cat and, at the same time, you will be able to prevent him from feeling uncomfortable or stressed , especially when he has to get into the car or go up and down stairs.
Leave the space clear and calm
When your cat has undergone surgery and needs to use the Elizabethan collar, it is essential to make sure that there is no object or element that it can trip over inside the home. Therefore, it is important to leave him enough space to move without throwing things in his path and without hurting himself or stressing him out.
Try to find a quiet place , isolated from noise, so that your cat can rest at home and feel safe. Placing a cushion on your bed to help level your head while you sleep is a great way to ensure you get a good night’s rest.
If at any time he gets scared because the cone makes noise when it collides with objects, because of the crash itself, etc., we recommend you read this article on How to calm a scared cat .
Check that it is the correct 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 irritation 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 will not come out. In the same way, you should check that no knots are created between the cat’s fur and the collar or the support bandage, something very common in long-haired cats.
Pick up the cat’s food and water dishes
Drinking water or eating can be quite a challenge for a cat wearing the Elizabethan collar. To help him, it is important to raise his food and water dishes or move them in such a way that, when approaching, the collar does not knock them over or hit them. Although it is difficult for him to adapt, it is not an impossible mission: he will only need a little help from you to achieve it.
Ensures proper hygiene
Another essential aspect is to keep your cat’s Elizabethan collar clean to prevent it 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 watch it, and wash it with a clean, damp cloth. Before you put it back on, dry it well.
Whenever possible, clean the Elizabethan collar while your feline is wearing it . In this case, you must be very careful not to damage it or leave any traces of moisture on its fur.
Remember that the Elizabethan collar helps a cat to recover more quickly after an operation, so it does not hurt him at all if it is well placed and, in fact, it prevents him from reaching his wound and, inadvertently, pulling out the stitches. suture or cause an infection. Avoid taking it off because you think it might hurt you or because of embarrassment; It will be a matter of getting used to it and you will only have to wear it for a few days.
Use Alternatives to the Elizabethan Collar on Cats
If you have followed all the advice given so that your cat adapts to the Elizabethan collar and you still haven’t managed to get it used to it, at OneHOWTO we help you discover alternatives to this collar:
- Bodysuits for 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 greater humidity than if they were exposed to the open air.
- Body for cats:they are not very expensive and are ideal so that cats cannot scratch or lick those specific areas of the body after castration, for example.
- Inflatable collars:these surround the neck and do not imply an impediment to the peripheral vision of cats, something that bothers them a lot.
- Rigid cervical collar:they are usually expensive and difficult to find. Go to veterinary clinics to buy it.
- Eva rubber or fabric collar:they are softer and more flexible than plastic ones but also difficult to find on the market. It is necessary to go to a veterinary center to acquire it.
- Socks on the legs:make sure that they are ones that do not compress them excessively to prevent the cat from rubbing a wound with its own legs, being able to hurt itself in this way.
