Does Your Cat Need an Elizabethan Collar? How to Use One and What to Do If Your Cat Hates It

When visiting a veterinary clinic, you might see cats wearing an Elizabethan collar (cone).

An Elizabethan collar is used to prevent cats from licking or scratching surgical wounds or injuries, which could make them worse. However, it seems that many cats dislike them and find them stressful.

Some owners even remove them out of pity...

Why do cats dislike these collars? Here, we will introduce in detail how to reduce their stress and how to choose an Elizabethan collar that they won't mind wearing.

What is an Elizabethan collar?

An Elizabethan collar is a protective device made of plastic or fabric worn to prevent cats from licking or scratching wounds after spay/neuter surgery, other injuries, or skin inflammation.

If a cat licks an affected area like a wound, it can not only enlarge the wound but also introduce bacteria. Furthermore, licking off topical medications is dangerous.

By wearing a cone-shaped Elizabethan collar, the cat is prevented from licking below its neck or scratching its face with its paws. It is an essential item for cats during their recovery from illness, injury, or surgery.

By the way, the name "Elizabethan collar" is said to be derived from the high-collared dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth I of England in the Middle Ages.

Why cats dislike Elizabethan collars

When wearing an Elizabethan collar, cats can no longer lick or scratch freely. Furthermore, eating, grooming, and using the litter box become difficult.

These are some of the reasons why cats dislike Elizabethan collars; the "foreign object on their body" and "inability to move normally" are sources of stress.

While some cats don't mind and can spend their time as usual, reactions vary: some cats freeze and stop moving the moment they put it on, while others panic and try to take it off.

How to help them get used to the Elizabethan collar

If possible, it is recommended to get your cat used to the Elizabethan collar while they are still healthy. To avoid rushing after surgery or a clinic visit is scheduled, try getting them used to it in the following steps:

Let them sniff it to reassure them

Don't put it on them suddenly; first, let them sniff the Elizabethan collar. Letting them know "this is not dangerous" will soften their wariness.

Start with short periods of wear

At first, put it on for only a few minutes, and gradually increase the time while watching their reaction. It is important to match the cat's pace rather than leaving it on for a long time.

Give them treats immediately after putting it on

Giving them treats while they are wearing it leads to a positive impression that "Elizabethan collar = good things happen." By repeating this many times, some cats will gradually stop disliking it.

If they dislike it, take it off without forcing them

If they struggle or panic, take it off for a moment to let them calm down. Forcing it will only increase their fear. Patience and small steps are key.

How to choose an Elizabethan collar that cats won't dislike

In addition to helping them get used to it, rethinking the collar itself can be effective.

Considering these points, Poponeko created the “Light and Soft Cat Elizabethan Collar - Good Visibility Type.”

Since they can see their surroundings through the transparent parts, they won't bump into things. For cats who get overly concerned if they can see their wound, the “Wound-Obscuring Type” is also recommended.

What to do when your cat dislikes the collar

It's heartbreaking for an owner to see their cat dislike the Elizabethan collar.

While you may want to take it off, you must hold back. The Elizabethan collar is necessary for your cat, so you should not remove it midway.

Try to adjust their environment to make them as comfortable as possible.

If they absolutely hate it, consider a post-surgery garment

If they absolutely refuse to wear the Elizabethan collar, another method is using a post-surgery garment or skin protection garment.

The key is to choose one that can properly cover the affected area, rather than a fashionable cat outfit. There are many cases where a cat disliked the Elizabethan collar but was fine with a post-surgery garment. Depending on your cat's personality, it is also recommended to use them in combination.

How long is the Elizabethan collar necessary?

In the case of spay/neuter surgery, sutures are typically removed 1–2 weeks after surgery. During that time, the Elizabethan collar must be worn. In the case of dermatitis or injuries, follow your veterinarian's instructions on how long to keep it on.

The Elizabethan collar should be worn even when the owner is sleeping. If the collar is stiff, it makes it hard for the cat to sleep, so provide a soft blanket or cushion.

When leaving them alone, keeping them in a room with few steps or obstacles will help prevent accidents.

Summary

The Elizabethan collar is unpleasant for cats, but it is necessary during recovery from spay/neuter surgery, injuries, or dermatitis.

Cats must endure the inconvenience of the Elizabethan collar while battling the pain of wounds or skin itchiness. To reduce the burden on your cat, consider rethinking the collar to a lighter, softer material or a better-visibility type, or using it in combination with a post-surgery garment.

The most important thing is to adjust the environment so that your cat can spend their time as comfortably as possible.