Not every kitten responds well to the hard plastic cones handed out at vet offices; to help your pet reduce stress while he recovers, the best cat cone alternatives have comfortable design features like soft fabrics, linings Padded and flexible structure. They come in a variety of designs to suit different pets' health needs. Here's what to know.
Experts
Alex Schechter, DVM, is a founding veterinarian at Oakwood College of Veterinary Medicine in Royal, Michigan, and a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schechter has extensive training in small animal medicine and surgery, with a focus on advanced medicine and personalized care for pets.
Dwight Alleyne, DVM, is a graduate of Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing veterinarian in Georgia for the past 15 years. In addition to serving as the Medical Director of Destination Pet in Woodstock, Georgia, he serves as a veterinary consultant for BetterPet, providing health-focused advice to cat and dog owners.
Does my cat need a cat cone alternative?
While your veterinarian may send you home with a standard plastic cone, Dwight Alleyne, DVM, says, "When you have a cat that's very nervous, very active, or if you notice they're opening up with the cone. "In other words, while most felines may not be too keen on having a device on them, it's important to take into account your pet's typical behavior and assess whether a standard cone would make them feel uncomfortable or stressed," or the ability to inhibit them. Eat, drink or play.
What to consider when buying cat cone alternatives
Material
According to Alex Schechter, DVM, soft fabric recovery collars can be a great alternative to hard plastic collars because they “allow cats to move more freely, helping to relieve Their pressure and discomfort." He recommends steering clear of hard, bulky or bulky materials. Dr. Alleyne agrees, adding that you may want to avoid anything "that may interfere with movement and vision."
Choose a cat cone alternative that suits your pet’s health needs
"When choosing a cone replacement, it is critical to choose a style that is appropriate for your cat's specific injury or condition," Dr. Schechter emphasizes. Here's a quick breakdown of your options, along with veterinary recommendations for when each option should be used.
- Soft e-collars: Also known as "Elizabeth collars," e-collars are characterized by their tapered shape that slopes outward from the neck. Standard plastic e-collars are stiff, while soft e-collars are made from flexible fabric, giving your feline greater mobility. The neck hole is adjustable with Velcro straps, and the entire collar easily folds away for convenient storage when not in use. Because the tapered shape of e-collars can impair peripheral vision, Dr. Schechter recommends them for cats who only need to wear a tapered collar for a short time due to minor injury or skin irritation. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, e-collars can also help prevent your kitten from pawing or scratching her head, so if your cat has body parts that need protection, an e-collar is a good option.
- Recovery Suit: A recovery suit, often called a "cat onesie," covers your pet's torso, much like a baby onesie. Dr. Schechter explains that they are helpful for cats with skin conditions or surgical incisions because they provide a "tight fit that prevents the cat from reaching the affected area." They're ideal for recently neutered cats because they can help protect your pet's sensitive areas while still allowing them to eat, drink, and use the litter box as normal. However, if your goal is to get your cat to stop scratching its head, a recovery suit won't be effective.
- Plush Inflatable Collar: A plush collar surrounds the cat's neck and has fluffy filling inside to form a barrier to prevent the cat from licking the wound. Inflatable collars (similar to pool floats with soft fabric coverings) work on the same principle but allow you to customize the fit by adding or releasing air. Since none of them affect a cat's vision or ability to eat or drink, they are a good choice for cats with upper body injuries who need long-term protection. However, they may still allow your cat to reach the lower half of the body - so they are not the best choice for cats with injuries to these areas, or cats who have recently been spayed or neutered.
Other considerations
Some "cone of shame" alternatives have cute designs, but aesthetics should be a bonus, not the deciding factor. However, you should measure your cat's neck and body before purchasing to ensure you choose the size that provides the safest fit.
Last but not least, it’s best to consult with your personal veterinarian to ensure you choose a safe and effective cat cone alternative that meets your pet’s specific needs.
With all of this in mind, here are some of the best cat cone alternatives that can help your kitten recover without causing undue stress to your cat.
Buy Cat Cone Alternatives
hurry? These are the best cone alternatives for cats:
- Padded and flexible e-collar with removable stand: original comfort cone for all four paws
- Soft fabric E-collar with a more open design: SLSON Soft Cone Collar
- Rehabilitation clothing to cover up torso injuries: Coppthinktu Cat Rehabilitation Suit
- A Plush Collar That Doubles as a Cat Pillow: ANWA Adjustable Cat Cone Collar
- An inflatable collar that lets you customize your fit: BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar
1. Padded and flexible e-collar with removable bracket
key point
- Made of hard plastic stays, padded and comfortable
- Pillars can be removed for more flexible protection
- May block peripheral vision and interfere with eating (so best for short-term use)
Although it is very similar to a standard cone, this Elizabethan cat collar is a more comfortable, flexible alternative and is suitable for felines with upper or lower body injuries. The interior plastic bracket (covered with padded nylon) provides structure when needed but is easily removable so the collar can be flipped down when your cat wants to eat or drink. This reversible design also means the cone can be folded away to protect your cat's neck and shoulders from injury or irritation without affecting vision or feeding. An internal set of rings allows you to attach the cone to your cat's collar, while an adjustable Velcro closure helps ensure a secure fit.
Made from waterproof, durable nylon fabric, it’s arguably the most durable cat cone alternative on the list, making it a good choice for active kittens. Please note that this design may interfere with your cat's peripheral vision, so it is best suited for pets who only need to wear the cone for a short period of time. Sizes are based on neck circumference and range from 9.25 to 12.5 inches.
One reviewer said: “I can’t say enough good things about the Comfy Cone! I’ve had a few cats in the past and it always felt bad to have them wear shameful plastic cones. […] These cones change Game on!! I bought them for my older male cat after he was neutered and although he still doesn’t like wearing a big device on his neck/head, I really believe the comfort cones have provided him with as much “comfort” as the body can provide.”
- Available sizes: 8
- Available styles: 2
2. Soft fabric electronic collar with more open design
key point
- Light and flexible
- More open design that won’t interfere with eating
- Your cat may be able to fold the collar back into place on its own.
Like my first choice, this soft cat cone has an E-neck shape, which is great for protecting both lower and upper body injuries. However, the cotton fabric design is lighter and more flexible (no plastic stays), and the less narrow design means it doesn't interfere with peripheral vision as much. Like the first option, you can easily bend the collar back when your cat needs to eat or drink. Available in two sizes to fit cats weighing 5 to 25 pounds, the cone features an adjustable Velcro closure that helps keep it securely around your cat's neck, but there's no separate loop to hold it securely around your cat's neck. It's attached to the cat's collar - meaning the escape artist might be able to manage his way out.
Featuring an adorable flower design, this collar is definitely one of the cuter options on this list. Be warned - some cats may know how to push the flexible petals away when you're not looking.
According to one reviewer: "This cone is a total game changer...it's soft, more comfortable to rest on, and more importantly, he can't get out. We take the cone off a few times a day to give him some Supervising time to eat and relax and then put it on again is so quick and easy. This cone is a lifesaver.”
- Available sizes: 2
- Optional styles: 1
3. Recovery clothing to cover torso wounds
key point
- Complete coverage of irritations or cuts on the torso
- Fits securely and won't interfere with your pet's ability to eat, drink, or use the litter box
- Curious kittens may scratch it.
Dr. Schechter recommends recovery clothing for cats with poor skin conditions or surgical incisions on their trunks. Made from soft, breathable cotton, this cat onesie fastens at the back with Velcro fastenings, and the neck and leg holes are sewn with elastic for a secure fit. With this pick, your cat can still eat, drink, play and use the litter box normally, but keep in mind they can still scratch their heads - so it's not suitable if your pet has a head or neck injury. It's also important to note that because the fabric is so light, your cat's claws may catch it if he tries to remove it.
Recovery suits are available in bright, sunny colors like blue, pink, and yellow, as well as plaid and camouflage patterns. There are sizes to suit cats ranging in weight from 2 to 18 pounds—some reviewers said the set runs small and has little room for adjustment, so be sure to take accurate measurements when picking.
According to one commenter: “My kitten was neutered and I knew she would hate the traditional plastic collar the vet issued after surgery. However, this costume is a game changer! […] She doesn’t want to lick the surgery There was no attempt to take off her clothes. She could use the bathroom without her clothes getting in the way. It was perfect.”
- Available sizes: 3
- Available styles : 7
4. Plush collar that doubles as your cat’s pillow
key point
- Does not affect peripheral vision or interfere with eating
- cute design
- Some reviewers reported that their pets were able to take it off.
This plush cat recovery collar creates a barrier between your cat's head and any upper body injuries, but its relatively flat design doesn't block peripheral vision or interfere with the ability to eat or drink, making it a good long-term solution. For your kitten, the microfiber cover is soft to the touch and the fluffy filling acts as a pillow for them to rest throughout the recovery process. Instead of a Velcro closure, this design features an adjustable locking drawcord that allows you to tighten or loosen the collar. Keep in mind that the lack of an inner collar attachment may make it easier for active cats to pull it over their heads, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them to make sure it stays in place. This collar comes in two sizes and fits cats under 7 pounds to 18 pounds.
Now, here's the fun part: It comes in colorful fruit designs, including orange slices, watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple.
According to a commenter: “Kitty had an upper forearm injury that required stitches. […] found this soft donut-shaped collar and decided we needed to try it. He was happy with it from the start. He No problem sleeping, eating, and walking in it. It's a winner and we're glad we got it. He's small so we bought the small and it blocks his upper arms well. or other parts of the abdomen, but larger ones may work better for those areas."
- Available sizes: 2
- Available styles: 4
5. Inflatable collar allows you to customize the fit
key point:
- Inflatable design lets you add or expel air for a custom fit
- Let your pet eat normally
- Your pet's claws may puncture it.
This inflatable cat collar comes with a soft microfiber cover that allows you to add or release air to adjust its thickness to your pet's needs - some cats may need to be fully inflated, while others may need the collar to be partially filled Only then can we do better. Thanks to the Velcro straps and a set of inner rings, this collar securely attaches to your cat's neck (note that it must be used with a standard collar). Two drawbacks to be aware of: First, since this model is inflatable, keep in mind that if your cat scratches it, it may puncture it with its claws. Second, some reviewers report that their kittens are able to get out of trouble. That being said, if you have a relatively calm cat, it may still be a good choice.
Sizes are calculated based on your pet's neck circumference and are available for sizes 5" to 25".
According to one reviewer: "I bought this product for my cat who needs some skin healing so the fur can grow back. Even though he doesn't like this, it works great for him and he can eat, sleep , using the litter box. The only concern is that once he learns how to slide it off his head, it will be difficult to put it on his head. But overall a very good product. ”
- Available sizes: 5
- Available styles : 7
expert:
Alex Schechter, DVM, Michigan veterinarian, founder of Burrwood Veterinary
Dwight Alleyne, DVM, Georgia veterinarian, medical director at Destination Pet, consultant at BetterPet
