5 Vet-Approved DIY Cat Cones to Make at Home (With Pictures)
When cats have surgery or wounds, their owners are no strangers to using Elizabethan collars—otherwise known as the “cone of shame.” Not only do cats typically hate these collars, but they are also quite restrictive.
If you want a cat cone alternative that you can make at home with a few quick snips and cuts, there are plenty of DIY plans that provide a nice change of pace. These next few DIY cat cones are easy to assemble, inexpensive to make, and secure. Buckle up while we teach you how to make a cat cone!
Benefits of DIY Cat Cones
Elizabethan collars don’t work for all animals. They’re bulky, irritating, and usually oversized. If your cat can’t tolerate the collar, there are alternative ways to keep them safe and comfortable.
DIY cat cones can be better because:
If you're extra crafty, you can customize your DIY cat cone with style. Let’s take a look at these awesome DIY options.
The 5 DIY Cat Cone Plans
1. Alternative Pet Cone—Onesie
If your cat squirms out of a cone, this is a great alternative to keep them from licking or tearing at their stitches or problem areas. All you need is an old baby onesie or an old shirt. You make a few leg holes, a tail hole, strips to tie around their body, and you’re golden.
2. Foam E-Collar
For this e-collar alternative, you use simple foam piping that’s pretty inexpensive. You cut measured chunks out of the inside, creating a zig-zag shape. Once the general shape is made, you'll wrap it up with strong tape. You can use the string of your choice to safely tie the collar up.
3. Soft Pet Cone
You can really personalize this DIY collar. Choose any color, pattern, or style you think looks fashionable on your kitty. You need basic hand-sewing skills, an iron, and a little patience.
Once you finish up, your cat may like it better than the standard E-collar, and they’ll look seriously picture-worthy, too.
4. Soft Foam Elizabethan Collar
This collar is a bit more time-consuming than other selections but also very practical. You must take some measurements to create an appropriately sized circle on a thick poster board or piece of cardboard. You’ll need a pair of scissors, a compass, tape, a hole punch, and a decorative ribbon or string. Please ensure it fits your cat right and safely, as you will not want your cat to accidentally ingest a piece of soft foam while trying to take it out.
5. Posterboard E-Collar
In this video, the instructor teaches you to assemble a handy little posterboard collar that’s as easy as pie. You even get to watch a handsome feline model help out with measurements. The video guides you step-by-step on how to cut and piece together the collar so you can create a snug fit.
This collar is another inexpensive, easy-to-assemble choice if you’re less crafty and need something quick.
Wrapping Up
These cat cone alternatives are all great options, and as you can see, you can get as fancy or as simple as you like. Learning how to make a cat cone can give your kitty the best fit for their body. You can finally say goodbye to the annoying cone of shame for good, and your cat will thank you. If you want more support or information, you can always consult with a vet, and they will help you make the right DIY decisions.
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Featured Image Credit By: Chomphuphucar, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
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