Has your cat gone through surgery or any medical procedure? Are you worried about your depressed cat after wearing a cone? If so, you are at the right place.

An E collar, also known as a cone of shame, is crucial to recovery from surgery. It prevents your furball from biting and self-harming behavior.

If you remove the cone considering your cat’s discomfort, it will delay the recovery process, and your kitty can even lick the sutures resulting in the opening of wounds.

Yes, cats get depressed after wearing a cone, which is normal. They express their discomfort by banging their heads on the walls and furniture. They also pretend that they are not able to eat and drink. Most cats get used to wearing a cone after some time. Try to sort out the reason for discomfort if your kitty is not settling. Often, using cone alternatives can solve the problem.

Read the post till the end and find ways to comfort a depressed cat wearing a cone.

How Long Does It Take For a Cat to Become Comfortable Wearing a Cone?

It depends on your cat’s temperament and the level of discomfort. If your cat is already familiar with the feeling of wearing a cone, it will adjust within a few hours.

However, the adjustment period may be one or two days if your cat is wearing it for the first time.

Cats hate the feeling of anything wrapped around their neck. A cone may temporarily restrict your kitty’s regular movement.

Some cats may suffer trouble walking, feeding, and sleeping. However, offering treats for positive behavior and lots of love can help to comfort a cat.

Can a Cat Sleep With a Cone On?

Yes, your cat can sleep with a cone on. It may be a bit uncomfortable for the first time, but your kitty will soon get used to it. Your cat may not sleep in a curl-up position, but it can sleep comfortably on its side.

Stiff plastic E collars can be uncomfortable for felines. So, it would be best if you chose another option, such as an inflatable E collar or a soft E collar.

If your cat doesn’t sleep with a cone on, don’t remove it because it can cause infection and open wounds at the surgery site. Your cat can take a restful nap anytime in the day, but the opening wounds can be more traumatic for her.

How to Feed a Cat With a Cone?

Most cats are stubborn and refuse to eat while wearing a cone. You should consult your vet and remove the cone with his permission.

Before removing the E collar or cone, try to hand feeding your cat. Be vigilant while your cat is feeding, and put the cone back as soon as it finishes the meal.

Is It Cruel to Put a Cone on a Cat?

It is not cruel to put a cone on a cat. Instead, it is a crucial protective device that protects your cat from scratching and licking wounds and sutures. Wearing a cone helps your kitty’s recovery and prevents the infection of wounds.

5 Ways to Comfort a Cat Wearing a Cone

You can adapt your cat to a cone and make it feel comfortable in the following ways.

Choose a Proper Cone Size

The cone should be of the proper size, neither too big nor too small. Your cat can easily reach its wounds if the cone is small. Your feline can get rid of a larger and loose cone quickly.

Provide a Secure place

Keep a cat in a secure place after surgery. Avoid a room with furniture or replace the furniture in another room for some days.

Your kitty should have enough space to move around without bumping into things. Usually, cats are dramatic; they make you guilty that you are giving them pain.

Remember that wearing an E collar is crucial for your cat’s recovery and healing of wounds. Of course, you won’t imagine experiencing your feline’s infected or open wounds.

Train Your cat to wear a cone

If you own a feline, you must train it to wear a cone on random days. A cat might need to wear an E collar anytime during its life due to surgery or an injury. If your cat is familiar with the feeling of wearing a cone, it won’t resist much.

Keep an Eye on Your Cat

Monitor your depressed cat wearing a cone. Your feline might not see properly and bump into walls and furniture.

She will try to get rid of the cone, but you must prevent it. Don’t allow your kitty to go outdoors and avoid activities for some days. You should help her with navigation.

Encourage Good Behavior

Give treats and a lot of praise every time your kitty wears the cone. Treats will be a positive reinforcement and help your feline get used to wearing a cone.

How Long is Too Long For a Cat to Wear a Cone?

Depending on your cat’s medical condition, a vet recommends wearing a cone from two weeks to one month. Most cats hate and don’t wear a cone for more than two weeks. Ask your vet for cone alternatives if sutures or wounds still need protection.

What Are Alternatives of a Cone?

Below are some alternatives to a cone for your cat. Ensure to consult your vet before using them.

Soft Collar Cones

Soft collar cones are similar to plastic ones but are more flexible and comfortable for your pet. They are softer and slide over your cat’s neck.

Inflatable Collars

Inflatable collars fit between your cat’s neck brace and cone collar. However, they can pop if your kitty has sharp claws.

Small Sweaters

Small dog sweaters can also be an option if the wounds are on the upper body. However, you can’t prevent your cat from scratching its hind limbs while wearing sweaters.

E Collars or Neck Braces

Neck braces are similar to human E collars. They provide better visibility to your cat and are softer.

Conclusion

Your cat can be depressed wearing a cone, which is a normal reaction. Don’t remove the cone by watching the sad eyes of your cat. Make sure that your cat takes proper meals and rest.

Consult a vet if your cat continuously shows severe depression and pain symptoms.