When does a cat need an Elizabethan collar?
When a cat needs an Elizabethan collar, it is roughly divided into the following cases.
- If you lick or itch the wound after surgery
- If your neck hurts when you are touched or pulled because of an illness or injury
- When it is necessary to avoid touching the neck as much as possible in order to apply medicine
In these situations, an Elizabethan collar may be required. By restricting your cat's neck movement, Elizabethan collars help prevent licking and scratching and aid wound healing. In addition, by protecting the neck area, it also has the effect of reducing pain from illness and injury.
How to choose an Elizabethan collar for cats and how to wear it correctly
Here are some things to consider when choosing an Elizabethan collar for your cat:
- Size: You need to choose a size that fits your cat's neck circumference. If it is too big, the cat may get caught, and if it is too small, it may not be effective.
- Material: Soft materials may make your cat feel calm. Also, depending on the material, it may cause allergies, so consider the health condition of your cat when choosing.
- Design: Elizabethan collars are preferred because they are designed so that cats can easily move around and feel stress-free. Transparent types and simple types without decoration are often used.
Follow the steps below to properly wear an Elizabethan collar.
- Adjust the Elizabethan collar to fit your cat's neck and check it carefully before putting it on.
- Position the Elizabethan collar around your cat's neck so it can move freely.
- Wrap the Elizabethan collar around your neck and tighten the band. If the band is too loose, the Elizabethan collar may shift or the cat may pull it off, so adjust it to a moderate tightness.
- Finally, check to see if the cat can move its neck and if the Elizabethan collar stays in place.
How to care for a cat with an Elizabethan collar
Wearing an Elizabethan collar makes it difficult for your cat to move its neck, limiting its normal behavior. Cats can be stressful, so owners should try to reduce stress by taking the following care.
- Monitor your cat's behavior with an Elizabethan collar, and if she feels stressed or uncomfortable, give her an Elizabethan collar for less time or take frequent breaks.
- It may be difficult to eat and drink while wearing an Elizabethan collar. Therefore, it may be necessary to remove the Elizabethan collar so that the cat can eat and drink. However, be very careful not to lick or scratch the wound when removing the Elizabethan collar.
- Your cat will have a harder time caring for you while wearing an Elizabethan collar. Check the growth of nails and changes in body odor, and take care if necessary.
summary
If your cat needs an Elizabethan collar, it can be used to help heal wounds or to relieve pain from illness or injury. It is important to choose and wear an Elizabethan collar correctly, and to take proper care of it to reduce stress on your cat.