Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

5 Vet-Approved Cat Cone Alternatives For When They Need an E-collar

cat with cone

The cone of shame is every domesticated animal’s least favorite accessory—and for good reasons! It is uncomfortable, inconvenient, and just plain embarrassing. But sometimes, it’s necessary to prevent your furry friend from licking, biting, or scratching a wound (or themselves). If you’re not a fan of the cat cone of shame, also known as an e-collar, there are a few alternatives that may be more comfortable for your cat—and your conscience!

divider single cat paw oct 2024

Are E-collars Necessary for Cats?

It’s no secret that cats lick themselves. After all, it’s how they stay clean. But sometimes, cats can’t resist licking something they shouldn’t, like a wound. If your cat has an injury, you may have to turn to an e-collar or one of the alternatives listed below. It might look humiliating, but it’s for their own good. Moreover, the protective collar will allow your feline friend to heal quickly and properly.

The 5 Cat Cone Alternatives

Not a fan of e-collars? Your cat probably isn’t, either. So give your kitty a break and try one of these five alternative solutions the next time they’re in need of healing:

1. Soft E-collar

If the traditional cat cone seems a bit too harsh, there are now softer, more comfortable options available. These e-collars are made from mesh or other breathable fabric and won’t rub your cat’s fur the wrong way.

These are some of the most popular and preferred options. Pet owners like soft collars because they’re much easier to put on and take off than rigid plastic ones and are far more comfortable for cats to wear. And because they’re soft, these collars move with your cat’s body and are less likely to get caught on furniture, doorways, or other cats.


2. Inflatable Collar

An inflatable collar is a great alternative to the standard e-collar. It’s soft and comfortable for your cat to wear, but it will still prevent them from reaching their injury. To put it on, simply slip it over your cat’s head and inflate the collar to the desired size. You can adjust the amount of air in the collar to make it as snug or loose as you’d like.

As nice as inflatable collars are, they have one downside; they’re prone to puncturing. So if you have a cat that likes to claw at its collar, this may not be the best option.


3. Recovery Suit

A recovery suit is a full-body garment that covers your cat’s body. It serves the same function as a cone, but it’s made from a softer, more breathable fabric. Plus, it has the added benefit of keeping your cat’s fur clean and dry. That means no more messy, crusty bandages!

After placing the recovery suit on your cat, you can secure it with Velcro or snap closures.


4. Specialty Collar

These collars are very similar to e-collars, but rather than using plastic or mesh, they’re made from a softer material. Moreover, specialty collars can feature many designs, from lion’s manes to flowers.

So if you’re looking for a more stylish option, a specialty collar may be right for you. Remember that these collars are usually more expensive than traditional e-collars. But they are a great way to liven up your cat’s appearance.


5. Bandage

You can try wrapping your cat’s injury in a bandage for a less intrusive option. This will keep them from licking or biting the wound and will also help protect it from further damage.

This is a good option for minor wounds, but it’s not ideal for more severe injuries. And if your cat is particularly adept at wriggling out of its bandages, you may want to try another method. Also, it is easy to overtighten a bandage and cause more damage, so if you aren’t sure, ask a vet to do it or choose one of the alternative options.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

divider cats oct 2024

Caring for Your Cat While It’s Recovering

Your cat is injured, and you’re feeling helpless. You want to do everything you can to make them comfortable, but you’re unsure how. Here are some tips on how to care for your cat while they’re recovering from an injury.

Provide a Comfortable Area

First, make sure your cat has a quiet, comfortable place to rest. This may be a secluded room in your house or a spot in the laundry room where they can be away from the hustle and bustle of the household. Put a soft blanket or towel in their resting spot for added comfort.

Hepper Cat Nest Bed
  • HAPPY COZY CATS - Your kitty will bask in luxurious sherpa-lined comfort while feeling warm, safe,...
  • MODERN DESIGN - Contemporary styling with upholstered fabric construction; just like your human...
  • WARM FLEECE LINER - Self warming, thick sherpa fleece with microfiber trim.

Cats are known to be particular about their beds, which is why finding the right one poses a challenge for pet owners. The modern design of our Hepper Nest Bed was thoughtfully created for maximum coziness that many cats cannot resist. Molded into a comfy bowl shape that cradles your cat with a self-warming fleece insert, you’ll have a hard time getting your cat up from their daily naps. Click here to learn more.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

Give Them Time to Heal

Cats are masters of hiding their pain, so giving them time to heal is essential. Don’t force them to play or exercise if they don’t want to. Let them rest and recuperate at their own pace.

Make Sure They’re Eating and Drinking

During their recovery, it’s important to make sure your cat is eating and drinking. If they’re not interested in their regular food, try tempting them with wet food or a favorite treat. If they’re not drinking water, add chicken broth or tuna juice to their bowl to make it more appealing.

Ensuring that your cat drinks enough water can be challenging, but with a little creativity and the right fountain, it can be achieved. Hepper's Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain is a great product that will motivate your cat to stay hydrated by providing fresh, flowing water. This model is easy to clean and offers excellent triple filtration, multiple flow modes, and a large capacity, making it an excellent choice for your furry friend.

Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
  • Premium 304-Grade Stainless Steel - This metal cat water fountain is hygienic, with superior...
  • Serene & Healthy Cat Drinking Fountain Experience - With whisper-quiet pumping & an advanced...
  • Say Goodbye to Dehydration - Provide your cat with a constant source of flowing water with this...

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

Monitor Their Progress

Keep an eye on your cat’s progress, and call the vet if you’re concerned about their condition. Recovery times will vary depending on the severity of the injury, so it’s vital to be patient. With time and love, your cat will return to its old self in no time.

divider cats oct 2024

Conclusion

Are you looking for a more humane way to keep your cat from licking its wounds? Try one of these five cat cone alternatives. From inflatable collars to full-body suits, there’s an option for every cat—and every budget.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Chomphuphucar, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How to Feed a Cat with a Cone (5 Great Tips)

If your cat has just had surgery or is dealing with another medical condition, your vet may send you home with an Elizabethan...

British Shorthair cat with cone eating

How Long Does It Take to Neuter a Cat? All You Need to Know (With Vet-Approved Information)

Any surgical procedure done to your pet can seem like it lasts forever. After all, most people hate being away from their pets,...

neutering cat on a vet's operating table

Tube Feeding for Cats: Success, Safety, & When to Do It (Vet-Verified)

There is nothing more frustrating, and worrisome, than a sick cat who won’t eat. Cats may refuse to eat for many reasons. They...

A veterinarian feeds a cat using a tube

Why Do Cat Scratches Itch? Our Vet Explains 4 Common Reasons

It is not uncommon for cat owners to get scratched from time to time, whether by accident during play or as a result...

Aggresive cat scratching a man

More related

Cat paw pads

Do Cat Paw Pads Grow Back? Vet Approved Facts & FAQs

Cats are curious, active creatures adept at using their sharp eyes, noses, and ears to explore the world. But they also use information...

A cat with an emergency first aid kit.

When to Call an Emergency Vet & How to Find One for Your Cat – Vet-Approved Advice & Guidance

Cats are great at masking pain, which makes it more difficult for kitty parents to identify what’s an emergency and what’s not, particularly...

cat healing spay incision

Seroma in Cats: Causes, Prevention, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)

It is not uncommon for owners to notice a swelling around the area where a surgical incision has been made. The most likely...

gray cat plays with its owner bed

19 Important Cat Terms Every Cat Owner Should Know (2025 Update)

Sometimes, owning a cat seems to require you to speak a completely different language. There are quite a few cat-specific terms that you...

Keep reading

How Often Should I Brush My Cat? Vet Approved Advice

If you’re a cat parent, you’re familiar with the lovely moments you spend brushing your cat while they purr away contentedly. Or, if your cat is less cooperative, you’re no stranger to indignant paw swipes. Although brushing may not be...

woman brushing the Persian cat

Can My Cat Understand Human Meows? Vet-Reviewed Communication Explanation

Cats vocalize for a variety of reasons, including to communicate their needs and desires to other cats and humans. The sounds they make include meowing, purring, yowling, and hissing. Each of these vocalizations has a different meaning and purpose. For...

playing with her cat

What to Feed a Cat That’s Vomiting: Foods to Help Care for Your Kitty

When your cat is sick, the last thing you want is to feed them something that will make it worse. But how do you treat a cat that’s still vomiting, and what should you do to calm their stomach? It...

What to Feed a Cat That's Vomiting

Why Does My Cat Sleep Next to Me? 5 Reasons for This Behavior

Cats are interesting animals. They are quite independent, yet they insist on regular attention from their human family members. They sleep frequently, but they can be playful while they are awake. They can be loud and annoying sometimes, while they...

woman-sleeping-with-her-cat

Vet Clinic Is Booked for the Day, What Do I Do? 5 Vet Approved Tips

Pets need to go to the vet on occasion, just like we need to visit our doctors occasionally. Often, when our pets need to go to the vet, we know in advance and can easily schedule an appointment. However, this...

man holding a cat in a waiting room at vet clinic

Why Do Cats Move Their Ears? Vet Reviewed Science & Meanings Explained

Cats are incredibly expressive animals, and while they can’t mimic human words, they have a wide range of ways to convey feelings through their body language. As well as their eyes and tail, cats can portray a lot of emotion...

close up image of cat's ears and eyes

Can a Cat Sense Fear? Vet Reviewed Answer

We all know that cats do an excellent job of comforting us when we’ve had a rough day. All we need is to sink our fingers into their soft fur and feel their purr rumbling under our hands to feel...

white cat under the bed

Why Is My Cat Drooling Thick Saliva? 12 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Treatment

Cats are fascinating creatures, often leaving us in awe with their peculiar habits and quirky behaviors. However, as a cat owner, you might be alarmed to see thick saliva dripping from your feline’s mouth, making you wonder if it’s a...

Orange cat drooling