No Cone, No Shame

just use your noodle!

Cathy Scarbrough

Here is a tip that could save you the “cone charge” from your veterinary bill. These cones were obviously designed for long-nosed dogs!

Having surgery is traumatic enough for a cat, but to be subjected to the additional obstacle of heavy headgear afterward for weeks adds even more misery. One of my cats required a medical procedure where he was not allowed to lick the surgical site, so the veterinary clinic sent him home with the obligatory ugly plastic “cone of shame” around his neck, tied professionally with surgical gauze.

Not only did the cone appear uncomfortable, but it was so large that it was hard to get him out of the carrier. It was also so long and stiff that he could not put his head down properly to sleep. When he tried to eat or drink, the cone would get in the way of reaching any bowls. Giving him his meds was impossible. Once the cone was taken off to allow him to eat, drink, or get his meds, it was a fight to put it back on.

We thought the cone would be more functional if it were cut back a few inches, enabling the cat to get closer to food and water bowls by himself. This was especially important if we could not be there to assist for the next TWO WEEKS! The shorter cone did help some, but did not provide sufficient relief. The poor kitty was still bumping into furniture and the hard plastic was scraping on the floor if he put his head down even slightly. He was obviously miserable, and could not even rest.

Amazon.com had some inflatable neck rings that looked much more comfortable for about $15, but they would still have taken a day or so to be delivered. After looking at some YouTube videos, we found a hack that we modified slightly, but was well worth trying … and it only cost $1!

My husband got a pool noodle at the Dollar Store and we cut it up into roughly two-inch pieces. We threaded it with stretchy bandage fabric and tied it in a bow. The noodle was lightweight, and allowed the cat to move his head, but not enough to turn around. He could eat and drink, and it slipped on and off easily. Finally, he could sleep.

Best of all, he loved it! He went from a miserable recovering cat to a proud “neck-lace owner” in two minutes! He wore it without any issues for the obligatory two weeks. My veterinarian was impressed … Problem solved!

Cat Talk ~ December 2020