One of the most trying times in pet management is when your cat or dog is wounded or needs surgery and can easily start licking their wounds. Licking carries the risk of either secondary infection or delayed healing and, therefore, should be avoided. The usual method of preventing the pet from licking is the infamous ‘cone of shame.’ However, sometimes, it can be inconvenient.
Indeed, many patients consider it bothersome, stressful, and difficult for Mary to manage. This blog is going to focus on how to keep cats from licking stitches without cones, as there are other better options for your pet.
Why Prevent Licking?
Cats and dogs love to groom themselves through lick, and this can become an issue after surgeries when they are… Licking can make the wound pop open and give bacteria a chance to get at the wound and a much longer time to heal. This is one area of close concern because you do not wish your pet to lick the injury while at the same time having them comfortable with the area as they heal.
The cone has been the go-to choice for years, but it can just be annoying to you and your pet. Fortunately, there are many options that provide the same amount of protection as long as users are less stressed and uncomfortable.
How to Keep Cat from Licking Stitches Without Cone
- Soft Collars
One of the most common and effective alternatives to the traditional cone is the soft collar. Soft collars are padded and much more comfortable for your cat to wear. They offer sufficient safeguards to ensure that your cat does not lick its stitches but not as tight as the hard plastic cone.
Soft collars are designed from materials that are a little more bendable and should fit around the cat’s neck quite well in order to shield it without inflicting pain. Some cats are comfortable only with soft collars being different from the large round cone that is usually prescribed. Soft collars also free your cat to move its head in a natural manner, which helps in eating, sleeping, and getting up.
When selecting the soft collar, you should ensure you select the right neck size for your cat. It must be tight but not too tight or too loose at the same time.
- Inflatable Collars
Inflatable cones are another great choice on what to use to stop a cat from licking stitches without a cone. These collars are small, soft, and pneumonic-hollow shaped and are to be fixed around the neck of the cat. When compared to hard cones, Inflatable collars are not rigid, light and easy to wear for the pet.
Inflatable collars help since they prevent your cat from accessing her wounds with her mouth. They are also aimed at protecting your cat from twisting their head too far thus covering the affected area and thus cannot lick it. Because most pets are less stressed when wearing inflatable collars, compared to traditional cones, they recover quickly.
Around and inflatable collars can be bought in different sizes and can be inflated to a certain firmness. This might be a great product to recommend if your cat appears to be especially sensitive or simply cannot wear other collars very well.
- Recovery Suits and Wound Coverings
For a more full-body approach, consider using recovery suits or wound coverings. These garments fit over your cat’s body, covering the area of the wound or stitches and preventing them from accessing the injured spot. Recovery suits are usually made of breathable, stretchy material that allows for comfort and mobility while keeping the wound protected.
Recovery suits are ideal for preventing licking, as they provide full coverage without the need for a collar. These suits are also excellent for pets who have had surgery in sensitive areas, like the abdomen or back, where a collar may not be as effective.
One of the biggest benefits of recovery suits is that they are often less stressful for your pet. Unlike cones, which can cause disorientation and difficulty moving, recovery suits allow your cat to move around freely and comfortably.
- T-shirt or Bandages
For minor sores, a t-shirt or a piece of bandage from around the house can do the trick. This means that if your cat has had an injury on its chest, abdomen, or legs, you can just place a t-shirt on your cat’s body. If the shirt is too large, your cat cannot scratch its head anymore but do not make it too tight as this can hurt the cat and make it have limits of movement as well as not being able to breathe properly.
With regard to the second kind, it can also be covered with a piece of cloth or any other type of bandage. This method is useful most of the time but is efficient for small areas of skin cuts or operation scars. But if you happen to use a bandage, then it’s good to replace it from time to time so that the wound does not get infected and remains dirty.
T-shirts and bandages are wonderful for stopping licking and could be used until your cat can fully recover. Make sure the area is observed to make sure that the fabric remains in the right position and the wound is covered.
- Bitter-Tasting Sprays
If your cat continues in its relentless endeavors to lick their stitches, then using a spray that tastes bitter will help deter it from doing so. These sprays are created to have a bitter taste to deter the likability of the area by cats. Poisonous sprays are typically non-toxic to pets. However, they should not be used separately without other methods, such as gentle collars or canine recovery fits.
To use bitter-tasting sprays, simply apply them to the area around the wound or stitches. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions and avoid spraying directly onto the wound. This can help discourage your cat from licking without causing them any harm.
- Training and Supervision
Sometimes, the best way to keep your cat from licking their stitches is by using positive reinforcement and training. If your cat is determined to lick, you may need to supervise them closely and redirect their attention when necessary. Providing toys, treats, or engaging in playtime can help distract your cat and prevent them from focusing on the wound.
Training your cat not to lick their stitches might take some time, but with consistent positive reinforcement, it can be an effective method. Always reward your cat when they stop licking, and try to keep them occupied with fun distractions.
- Consult Your Veterinarian
It is always good to consult your veterinarian if you’re in doubt about which method would suit your pet or if you experience any complications when your pet is recovering. Your vet will have a much better idea as to what treatment options would be most appropriate for your cat’s situation depending on the kind of surgery the cat had done and depending on the part of the cat’s body where the wound is located. They might also give you more tips on how to make your pet comfortable and calm during the healing period.
Your vet might also point you to where to get other post-operative care products, such as care bandages, ointments, or other appropriate implements.
It is mandatory to make sure that your cat does not bother certain areas when realizing stitches, as it may lead to certain complications. If you are here trying to figure out how to keep cats from licking stitches without cones, you have several choices to make. Cotton neck bands and inflatable neck bands, also known as recovery suits and training, can all be part of the answer. The best thing is to determine what is most effective regarding managing your cat and making sure they are relaxed while healing. In case of further questions or worry always seek the advice of your veterinarian on the recovery of your pet.
Don’t let your pet suffer from the discomfort of a traditional cone. Explore these cone alternatives to keep your cat comfortable and help them heal faster. Visit your vet today for advice on the best post-surgery solutions!
