After a cat has been spayed, it is important that it wears a cone for up to two weeks post-operation. Although your cat may not be a fan of the cone, it is essential that they keep it on for the recommended period of time. In this article, we’ll discuss various ways to make sure your cat keeps their cone on despite their protests to help it heal swiftly and safely.
It is very likely that your cat will not be happy with the cone and will try to guilt you into taking it off. However, it is important to make sure your cat keeps wearing the cone until they have healed to prevent prolonged healing or even potentially deadly infection. If you are worried that your cat might already have an infection, you should check out my article on what should a healing cat spay incision look like.
If your cat won’t keep the cone on, there are several things you can do. Firstly, make sure you have a cone that is properly sized. If the cone is too loose, your cat will be able to slip it off easily. On the other hand, if the cone is too tight, it will be uncomfortable for your cat and could cause skin irritation. You should be able to comfortably fit one finger in the space between the collar and the neck.
It is also important to desensitize your cat to the cone. Contact your veterinarian a few weeks before the surgery and ask for a training cone. Practice with your cat a few times a day, putting it on for a few minutes and then taking it off. Put it on before essential parts of their routine like eating and playing, so they can get used to the cone. This will make the adjustment process easier.
Finally, you should be firm and assertive when it comes to making sure your cat wears the cone. Your cat might frantically try to take it off, bump into walls and couches, and even protest the cone by not eating or drinking. However, it is important to not let your cat guilt you into taking off the cone. If your cat is refusing to eat, try holding the bowl up to its mouth or propping it up on a step making it easier to access. If it still won’t eat, consult with your vet to see what your next step should be.
The cone is a dreaded experience for both cats and their owners. However, it is essential to ensure your cat heals properly from their spay. Without the cone, your cat may excessively lick at the wound and tear out stitches. This will lead to an extended healing process and could even lead to dangerous or deadly infections. Therefore, it is important to keep a close eye on your cat to make sure they aren’t removing the cone.
By properly securing the cone, doing desensitizing training prior to the surgery, and not letting their pity looks and guilt-tripping get the best of you, you are making sure your cat has an easy, safe healing journey. Aside from using a cone, it is also important that you keep your cat confined after they get spayed. This will help reduce the risk of infection as well as prevent them from licking or scratching at the wound.
It is understandable to be worried about your cat and their healing process. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can make sure your cat heals quickly and safely. Make sure the cone is properly fitted, desensitize your cat to the cone, and be firm and assertive. These steps will help make the healing process easier for both you and your cat.
Overall, the cone is an important part of the healing process for cats after they have been spayed. It is essential that your cat keeps wearing the cone for the recommended period of time to ensure they heal properly. By properly fitting the cone, desensitizing your cat to the cone, and being firm and assertive, you can make sure your cat is safe and heals quickly.
