The Best Cat Cones
When your beloved kitty suffers from a rash or is recovering from surgery, they may need a protective cone to prevent them from licking their wounds. But those plastic cones from the vet are often uncomfortable and flimsy. With your own cat cone, you can give your cat a comfortable alternative to those hard plastic models. Your precious feline companion deserves the best, and they’ll appreciate the cone upgrade. Read on to learn more about the top cat cones on the market and how to find the best one for your needs.
What to Look For
In our search for the best cat cones, we used four main questions to guide us: Is it comfortable for our feline friends to wear? Is it easy for us owners to put on? Does it stay on securely? Is the price fair? Several options passed our standards with flying colors. Our fast favorite came from ANWA since their soft cat cone proved both comfortable and easy to use. But for those that want something that delivers the most irritation-free experience, we recommend Amakunft’s doughnut-style cone. There are a lot of designs to consider, however, so read on for our in-depth reviews.
ANWA Soft Adjustable Cat Cone Collar
Soft and safe
Have you been looking for an adorable alternative to the dreaded “cone of shame”? This cute orange slice collar could be just what you’re after. It’s made from plush cotton and doubles as a pillow for sleepy cats in recovery. Best of all, this cone doesn’t hinder your pet from eating, drinking, or running around. It’s machine-washable, so you can clean it and use this cone for years to come.
Pros:
- The durable yet soft cotton fiber withstands scratches from claws and bites from understandably upset cats.
- We think you’ll have an easier time acclimating your cat to wearing a cone with this softer alternative Cats usually have a much harder time accepting a big, unwieldy plastic cone.
- Thanks to the adjustable collar strap, it won’t come off easily.
Cons:
- This cone is susceptible to getting wet when your cat drinks.
Amakunft Soft Adjustable E-Collar For Cats
Plush protection
If your cat absolutely hates plastic cones, you might have better luck with this soft e-collar. Sleepy cats who love naps might even find they love the cone, as it doubles as a pillow in a pinch. If your cat is prone to messes, you can always throw this cone in the washing machine. For finicky cats who hate plastic cones, this might be your best bet.
Pros:
- This cotton cone takes a beating. Your cat might scratch at it, but it’s better than scratching at their wounds or sore spots.
- We love that it’s machine washable and dryer friendly. Just be sure to follow the recommended settings.
Cons:
- This cone will not work well for cats recovering from spaying or neutering.
Supet Adjustable Plastic Cat Cone
Stylish meets functinonal
If you want the most comfort and protection for your cat, you’ll want to check out this cat cone from Supet. It works well on cats that over-groom, are recovering from surgery, or are injured. It’s just the right size to protect your pets from hurting themselves but still small enough for them to eat, drink, and move around comfortably. If you have a finicky cat, this cone also helps shield your hands from bites when trimming their nails.
Pros:
- This cone can be oriented in two different ways, outwards and inwards. The inward orientation covers the shoulders and the outward covers the face.
- We were impressed by the strength of the velcro, which holds steady against even the most stubborn of cats. Since it’s adjustable, you can tailor the size of the collar to exactly fit your cat’s neck.
- You can easily wipe down this cone if it gets dirty. It resists stains and cleans easily.
Cons:
- Undoing the velcro makes a loud noise, potentially startling for nervous kitties.
Vivifying Pet Cone
Protection for the petite
Small cats often have trouble with plastic cones. It can be difficult to find one that fits snugly yet comfortably. Vivifying’s anti-lick cone might just do the trick for your little fur baby. It’s held together with strong button snaps, which should prevent your cat from breaking open the cone. However, it’s easy enough for you to pop off. And cats love the soft flannel collar, which can be oriented outwards or inwards.
Pros:
- We found this e-collar is easy to clean. Simply throw it in with the laundry, and it’ll come out fresh and clean without damage or color fading.
- The plastic snaps don’t make much noise, unlike something like velcro, which startles some cats.
- For cats who have recently been spayed or neutered, this stops them from licking their wounds. This prevents infection and further visits to the vet’s office.
Cons:
- The fabric rim might get wet or dirty if your cat eats wet food.
SLSON Cat Recovery Collar
From feline to flower
If you’ve had bad luck with traditional plastic cat cones, you might finally catch a break with this delightful cotton sunflower collar. Though it’s made from cotton, the sturdy stitching prevents claws from damaging the fabric. It’s lightweight, so your cat can roam freely. And because it uses velcro, you can adjust this cone to your cat’s precise measurements. You might worry about wet food, litter, or dirt messing this collar up. However, you can easily throw it in the washing machine for a quick clean.
Pros:
- We like how the long sides keep more areas of your cat’s body free from scratching or licking.
- You can easily clean this by throwing it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Cons:
- Stubborn, persistent cats can use hard objects such as furniture to bend the walls of this cone back.
Our Tips and Tricks
Getting your cat to wear a cone or collar doesn’t have to be an endless struggle. As with anything new to learn, positive reinforcement works wonders. To start, place the collar near your cat. Whenever they go near it and sniff it, give them a small treat or play with their favorite toy. The more they can associate the cone with treats and happy times, the better. After some exposure, when you think they’re ready to try the collar, put it on for a few seconds and give them a treat. Gradually increase the length of time they wear it. If you notice they can’t handle it for more than a certain amount of time, dial it back and continue rewarding them for wearing it. With some luck, they’ll eventually grow used to it. Once you’ve got your cat comfortably wearing the cone, have them walk around with a toy or entice them with their favorite food. They might forget about the cone and accept it once they realize their return hasn’t changed all that much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of cone is best for my cat?
As with any medical issues regarding your pets, you’ll always want to consult your veterinarian to make sure the cone you choose is suitable. In general, the larger plastic cones make it harder for your cat to lick or scratch, while smaller e-collars work best on specific areas.
Can I wash cloth cat cones?
These days, most cat cones with fabric can are machine washable. We recommend first checking the label and packaging and washing on a gentle cycle.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.