With these innovative alternatives, do away with the cone of shame.
Sometimes after surgery, especially during the recovery period, our cats find it challenging. The majority of vets would suggest wearing an e-collar, a low-cost but effective garment that shields your cat’s healing wound from, well, your cat, to help hasten and ease the process.
You might be more familiar with the cone of shame or an e-collar, also referred to as an Elizabethan dog collar. There are now a wide range of alternative e-collars available that are frequently considerably more comfortable for your healing cat than the clear, hard plastic cone you may have previously associated them with.
Additionally, both traditional and alternative e-collars often range in price from $10 to $20.
How to Choose the Best E-Collar for Your Cat
The very last thing you want to do is to subject your cat to more stress or suffering after surgery. So, when choosing an e-collar, the objective is to choose one that will be as useful and enjoyable as possible while yet keeping them away from their wound.
It could take a little trial and error to find the best e-collar for your cat. Ask your vet for assistance, especially since the best type of e-collar may depend on the procedure your cat had and where the recovery took place. Fortunately, alternative e-collars aren’t prohibitively expensive, so if you find one that your cat doesn’t like, you may try other ones to see if they work better.
If your cat is going to have surgery, now is a good opportunity to research several e-collars that can make their recovery process less uncomfortable and stressful. Here are five concepts for you to consider.
- A blow-up e-collar
Your cat’s neck is fitted with an inflatable tube called a donut e-collar to prevent them from turning their heads. Instead of a pillow like on an airplane, think of it as a neck cushion that completely encircles the neck.
Pros
- Come in a variety of shapes, including soft ones like felt.
- No sharp edges
- Not block your cat’s vision, but lightweight
Cons
- The donut might be “poppable” by your cat’s teeth or claws.
- Soft E-Collar
These cones of shame seem similar to the standard models, but instead of being made of rigid plastic, they are instead constructed of pliable, supple materials that are typically considerably cozier around your cat’s head.
Pros
- Your cat may rest more easily thanks to e-collars that are washable in a machine and more flexible and plush than traditional models.
Cons
- Determined cats may be able to dodge them.
- Drawstring fastenings could come undone.
- Rescue gear
Recovery suits and other clothing options, like as dog sweaters and even infant garments, can be a great alternative if you want to entirely get rid of the e-collar. Instead than limiting your cat’s movement, recovery suits act as protective clothing that covers the wound and shields it from the outside world.
Pros
- Does not limit your cat’s movement
- Can protect wounds from mud, garbage, and other potentially harmful things.
Cons
- Not every feline wants to dress up completely.
- Even if the cat can’t get to the wound directly, they might still eat or scratch at it.
- Neck Collar Management
A neck control collar is a protruding, long collar that hangs down at the base of a cat’s ears after wrapping around the animal’s shoulders. There are various cat neck control collars on the market, but as they’re more usually used on dogs, they’re not always the most comfortable option to an e-collar.
Pros
- Keeps the head of your cat from rotating.
- Maintains the peripheral vision of your cat.
Cons
- It may be painful, especially when sleeping, which prevents your cat from stooping to eat or sleep.
- Special Collars
If you don’t plan on your cat using their e-collar for a very long time and want to have some fun with it, there are also distinctive e-collars that add a little extra flair. These are essentially standard recovery collars, however instead of being made with a straightforward design, they have been altered to look silly, like a crab or a lion’s mane.
Pros
- Constructed with sensitive components
- Drawstrings are rarely used since Velcro closures are more dependable.
Cons
- Additional decorations might interfere with your vision or annoy your cat.
If you suspect your pet is sick, contact your veterinarian straight away. When in doubt about your family pet’s health, always see your veterinarian. They have examined your pet, are aware of its medical history, and may be able to offer the best guidance for your pet.
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