If you have a cat that gets too stressed wearing a traditional plastic cone, talk to your vet and maybe you can try a soft fabric-style cone or an inflatable donut-style collar. Some cat owners use a recovery suit for pets or a small baby onesie to keep the stitches covered!
Houdinis: some animals are very good at escaping the cone. In these cases, the more secure fastening of the e-collar may be necessary. These can include tying the cone to the animal's regular collar or harness or even creating some type of harness out of gauze bandage etc.
More importantly, a cat without the cone will start messing with its incision. It'll make them start licking the area and disrupt their healing process. Therefore, it's best to keep the cone on at all times until your vet confirms the wound is fully healed.
Soft E-Collars
Sometimes the best alternative is the one that is the most similar to the popular option. The soft e-collar uses the same concept as the traditional Elizabethan version, but has a soft cone, which makes it easier for your pet to move.
Problems for cats and dogs wearing the collars include: Difficulty drinking (60.2 percent) Inability to play (67.5 percent) Collar-related injuries, including itching/irritation, bumping into walls, falling downstairs and psychological distress (25 percent)
Most cats should wear their cone for 5-7 days after neutering to avoid licking the incision. Most scrotal incisions heal very quickly. If an abdominal incision was necessary to remove retained testicle(s), then the cone should remain on for 10-14 days or until your cat's recheck examination to assess healing.
Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.
Cats' mouth bacteria could trigger a skin infection, abscess or even potentially fatal sepsis. That's why vets advise pet owners to prevent their cats from licking their wounds.
Do not allow your cat to lick or scratch at the incision, as there is a danger that the cat may pull out the stitches or may introduce an infection into the incision. As long as the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily.
If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick their incision, they need to wear an E-Collar (plastic cone) for 7-10 days after surgery. A pet can pull out stitches easily which can lead much more damage. 2. Limit activity—no running, jumping or playing for 7-10 days.
As cats are natural groomers in order to prevent your cat from licking the wound or pulling at the bandage I would recommend using a Kong EZ soft collar. It is a much gentler alternative to using a plastic Elizabethan collar as is soft around your cats neck and will be much less stressful.
Bandages can be readily applied to the head, neck, chest, tail, or lower legs of a cat.
For centuries granulated sugar has been used to treat wounds, such as mechanical injuries, ulcers, and burns. Sugar is a desirable treatment because it: Has antibacterial effects against organisms, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus canis. Improves superficial debridement.
If your furry companion is on the smaller side, a “onesie” may be a good choice. Made of soft, stretchy fabric, this bodysuit covers cats and dogs beginning at the neck, along the body and over the hindquarters. There are holes for the legs and tail to pass through.
As anyone knows, it's important to keep a wound clean so in that way licking has its advantages. Furthermore, cat saliva contains compounds that can aid the healing process. A few compounds contained in cat saliva such as opiorphin, peroxidase, lactoferrin, and thrombospondin act as a pain reliever and antibacterial.
Prevent your pet from licking the surgery site as licking at the incision can cause a painful infection. Your pet's E-collar should prevent him/her from licking. Please use the E-collar for seven to 10 days after surgery.
Don't let your cat run, jump, climb stairs, or go outside for the first seven days after their procedure because it could slow their healing, we recommend keeping them in a crate or secure room during this time.
Neutered cats are also easier to get along with. They tend to more gentle and affectionate. Neutered males tend to roam less and typically are not involved in as many fights with other animals.
A good rule of thumb is that if two fingers can fit between whatever is securing the collar and the neck than it is not too tight. Pets should initially be closely monitored to ensure that the collar is fitted appropriately.
Having a rolled blanket or pillow to prop their coned head on can be much more comfortable. Lots of rewards. Provide lots of positive reinforcement when they're calm and relaxed in the cone. Treats and affection help to show them they're doing the right thing and eases their tension.
If the wound is open for an extended period, it will often be left to heal without surgical closure, though a drain may be placed. Most of these wounds are treated using a combination of repeated flushing, bandaging, and antibiotics.
After the first week, most incisions are healed enough to allow the skin sutures or staples to be removed. The edges of the incision are typically sealed together, there is no discharge and no pain associated with the incision, and the redness should be gone.
As the surgical wound will take around seven to 10 days to fully heal, try to restrict running and jumping where possible until the wound has healed. Check the wound carefully at least twice a day until healed, looking for any signs of redness, swelling or discharge, and don't allow your kitten/cat to lick the wound.