How to make a protective collar for a cat with your own hands: quick, simple, convenient patterns and instructions for them


The natural reflex of cats to lick their wounds in some situations harms them. Although this unique method of disinfection helps animals survive in the wild, it is not suitable for pets. There are more effective methods for disinfecting and healing wounds. But measures must be taken to prevent scratching and biting, which interfere with recovery. If you can protect a dog with a muzzle, then a veterinary collar will help a cat.

What is a protective collar for a cat?

A cat collar is usually referred to as a cone-shaped design. Other names are simpler - cone or cap. The design is made of durable material, narrowed on one side and larger in diameter on the other. This accessory is a popular tool in animal therapy using barrier structures.

A cat in protection will not be able to scratch unhealed wounds

The cap is used to protect and restrict access of a kitten or adult cat to areas of the body in the following cases:

  • rehabilitation after castration;
  • surgical interventions;
  • processing wool with chemicals;
  • recovery after abdominal surgery.

In all of these situations, the animal should not have even the slightest chance of scratching or gnawing wounds, or licking fur treated with chemicals. The main purpose of the barrier is to protect the animal and prevent it from harming itself.

When to use

Initially, the veterinary collar was a post-operative accessory, but the scope of the protective collar for cats has expanded over time. This means of barrier therapy is used both in a hospital hospital setting and at home.

When to use a collar

  1. After castration and sterilization operations, so that the animal does not lick the stitches, irritating the wound.
  2. After treating open wounds with ointments and powders to prevent the animal from licking them.
  3. During the course of treatment for ear mites, prevent your pet from scratching its ears.
  4. After treating the animal’s coat with antiparasitic agents: sprays, drops, shampoos. The cat will not be able to lick off the harmful medicine.
  5. If your pet is sick with lichen or another fungal disease and needs to treat the affected areas with antifungal ointments.
  6. After a fight or injury, if the cat needs treatment for scratches and wounds.
  7. In the postoperative period - after any abdominal surgery, injuries of the limbs and spine, traumatic brain injuries.
  8. During the treatment of allergic and infectious skin diseases.
  9. After eye surgery and time of treatment of ophthalmological diseases.

Why do you need a veterinary collar for cats?

This barrier protection product performs the following functions:

  • Prevents the cat from removing post-operative dressings.
  • Protects seams and open wounds from infection and injury.
  • Allows medications (ointments, drops, powders) to be absorbed.
  • Protects fastenings of metal structures in case of limb fractures.
  • Prevents the licking of toxic medications (anti-parasitic drops).
  • Protects the cat's head from scratches and scratches.
  • Does not allow the bandage to be torn off from the head and eyes.

How long should you wear the collar?

The cat cone is used as prescribed by a veterinarian and is not removed from the animal until the wound has completely healed. Depending on the severity of the wound, the wearing period can range from several days to several weeks. During this period of time, the animal should not be allowed outside.

Wearing a special collar increases the effectiveness of many therapeutic measures and promotes a speedy recovery of the cat in the postoperative period.

In what cases is protection not needed?

Do-it-yourself collar for a dog after surgery

Freedom-loving animals have difficulty accepting a new wardrobe item. Therefore, if the pet cannot calm down, the veterinary cap will have to be removed.

There are times when completely getting rid of an accessory that is unpleasant for an animal is simply dangerous for its health. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the barrier structure with a bandage that is tied on the back. Animals perceive such a unique T-shirt more calmly.


A cat wearing a bandage feels more confident

What to look for when choosing

A veterinary accessory significantly complicates the life of an animal, so its choice should be taken with full responsibility. Choosing a veterinary collar for a cat is quite difficult, since you need to take into account many nuances.

House for a cat: options for how to make it yourself

The part of the product adjacent to the neck should be soft, ideally covered with fabric. The height of the cone should not be too high so as not to interfere with the view. However, a low one will not work, otherwise it will lose its functionality.

Additional Information! Size is the most important criterion. The kitten should not remove the product easily. But it is worth considering that a narrow collar will put pressure on the neck. A product that holds its shape well is considered good.

Bed for battery

It’s no secret that cats are constantly looking for shelter in the warmth, and especially in winter, when they settle down under or on the radiator. To make your pet more comfortable, softer and warmer, you can make a small hanging bed. For example, from a piece of PVC pipe of sufficiently large diameter, and from several hooks for hanging.

To make the lounger beautiful on the outside and comfortable on the inside, cover the plastic with soft fabric and a thin layer of foam rubber or other filler. Keep in mind that the pipe is smooth and slippery, so it is better to secure the edges inconspicuously inside with construction glue. Make sure that the filler does not bunch up, otherwise it will be uncomfortable for the cat.

If you want to remove and wash the upholstery, secure it with Velcro. You don’t have to buy fabric specially: old towels, bathrobes, an unnecessary blanket—anything will do. Hooks and rings can be of any shape and configuration - study the assortment of your nearest hardware store and choose something that fits the size of your battery.

Size chart of protective collars for cats - table

The big advantage of this category of veterinary product is that it can be selected in size according to the parameters of the animal. The following table will help you buy the right barrier cap:

How to make a house for a cat with your own hands: patterns

Neck circumference (cm)Collar height (cm)Marking number
22-2577
22-251010
28-331212
31-381515
38-442020
44-502525
47-573030

This information is very helpful when purchasing a barrier for your furry friend.
The main thing is to take measurements of your pet correctly. For your information! A cat collar can be made from cardboard, plastic, fabric and other materials. Each of them has its own pros and cons.

Preparing for work

Before you begin, you should decide on the purpose of the pet costume, the frequency of its use and design. Any homemade clothing for cats must include:

comfort: when worn, the pet is comfortable in the outfit, its movements are not constrained; quality: when making clothes for a cat with your own hands, you need to pay attention to non-artificial materials. Only inserts or trim made of synthetics are allowed

The reverse side of clothing for cats should be completely natural to avoid allergic reactions; simplicity: simple cut of clothes ─ a minimum of seams and costume items; practicality: clothes for frequent wear should not lose their appearance after cleaning and washing.

Material selection

You need to decide whether the cat's clothing will be sewn or knitted. In the first case, fabrics, accessories, and finishing are selected. In the second ─ suitable yarn.

Choosing the material for your pet's clothing is the most important part of the work. If the cat doesn’t like it, all efforts will be in vain. It is difficult to force your pet to wear such clothes.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you can first put the selected material or yarn on the cat’s bed. The fabric must first be washed with a neutral detergent. If the surprise on the bedding does not cause protest from the pet, then you can safely start creating patterns, sewing or knitting.

It is better to choose soft, flexible fabrics for cats: knitwear, cotton or linen with a stretch effect. Clothes made from this material are comfortable and will not hinder your pet’s movements. The appearance of things will not suffer from frequent washing.

The finished knitted product must be washed.

Taking measurements

Creating clothes for a pet with your own hands begins with creating a pattern, for which you need to take measurements

It is important to determine the size correctly. The fit of the product on the cat and its comfort depend on this.

To take measurements from the model, you need to take a centimeter tape. To create a universal pattern, it is enough to determine 3 main parameters of the pet:

  • ОШ – neck circumference. Measured at the base of the neck - where it meets the chest;
  • OG - chest circumference. Calculate along the widest part of the cat’s body, under the front legs;
  • DI is the length of the product. Equal to the distance from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.

Based on these measurements, you can design any styles of clothing for various purposes for your cat.

If the product involves sleeves and a collar, then the following measurements are also needed for the pattern:

  • OT - body circumference. Measured across the stomach, in front of the hind legs;
  • OPL and OPL are the girth of the front and hind legs, respectively. Calculated based on their widest part;
  • LSH - neck length from base to ears;
  • DT - length of the body between the front and hind legs.

When creating a drawing, length measurements are taken in full, and the length of the girths is divided in half. Armed with the numbers, you can safely start cutting out a costume for your pet.

Universal drawing

The figure shows an approximate drawing from which you can create various clothing patterns for cats.

The top image is the back, consisting of two parts. The lower part is the tummy. Half of the part is drawn, a fold runs along the middle line. Semicircular recesses are holes for the pet's paws (armholes).

The DI measurement is laid along the lightning line. Next, a drawing is built from it in accordance with the size of the cat. Line CD is the length along the tummy from the front to the back paw.

When cutting the product, remember that clothing for cats should not be too tight. To do this, add 1-3 cm to the pet's girth measurements for a loose fit.

Seam allowances must be made along the contour of the pattern. Their size is adjusted as follows: add 0.5-1 cm along oblique and figured cuts, and 1-2.5 cm along side and shoulder seams. Clothes for a cat should not be too loose.

Required Items

To create clothes for cats with your own hands, you need to prepare a workspace: a table or any flat surface for cutting.

You will also need:

  • paper or fabric for making a pattern;
  • yarn and knitting needles or crochet hook if the project involves a knitted item;
  • fabric: main, lining, cushioning (insulation);
  • tailor's chalk;
  • adhesive materials for strengthening oblique and figured cuts;
  • sewing accessories: buttons, snaps, zippers, Velcro fasteners;
  • finishing accessories: braid, lace, adhesive applications;
  • sewing threads;
  • needle;
  • scissors;
  • sewing machine.

Now you can start creating an original, stylish set of clothes for your pet.

How to make a fabric collar

When it is not possible to buy a barrier structure, it can be made from a comfortable collar and scrap materials that you have at home. There is nothing complicated about this. It is enough to follow the step-by-step instructions, and then everyone will be able to cope with this task.

Made from soft fabric

It is important to take care of the animal's comfort. A veterinary cap made of fabric is considered the most convenient. When wearing it on the neck there is practically no load. It does not bother the cat, adapting well to its body.

Such a cone is sewn from natural fabrics such as linen or cotton. The pattern is outlined on the fabric and the blank is cut out, and then all the parts are sewn together.

Important! Fabric products do not hold their shape well. To make them stronger and more stable, plastic or plastic stands are used. Or you can simply fold the fabric in several layers.


The fabric collar does not put pressure on the pet's neck

Made from thick fabric

The product is made according to the same principle as in the previous version. Just choose a denser fabric - non-woven fabric, felt. Dense material holds its shape better, so one layer will be enough to make a high-quality barrier.

Feature of the pattern

When making a protective cap for a cat yourself, you will have to prepare a pattern. It looks like a half ring.

The collar should not interfere with the pet’s view, so before starting work it is necessary to measure the circumference of the neck, which will correspond to the length of the inner line of the semi-ring. The length of the pattern should be with a margin of 2 cm.


The collar pattern is very simple

Ready-made models

A medical collar for cats can be purchased at a pet store, veterinary pharmacy, or through an online pet supply store. The modern pet industry offers a wide variety of models. We analyzed market offers, reviewed the characteristics and compiled the TOP models.

Plastic

The bulk of the products are made of transparent and translucent plastic. These are lightweight, comfortable accessories that do not interfere with the cat’s view and are easy to care for.

Popular models:

  • Protective collar for cats with collar (TOSHKA and KO);
  • Talismed Collar;
  • Avita group.

Protective collar with collar (TOSHKA and KO)

The design is made of transparent durable plastic and is secured with Velcro. The comfortable collar makes it easy to put on the collar. Available in different neck diameters, allowing you to choose the size you need. Flexible plastic is fracture resistant. The animal does not lose orientation when moving due to the transparency of the product.

  • Plus: the sharp edge of the product is finished with a fabric edging.
  • Minus: you need to select the size.

Prices depend on size: from 190 to 995 rubles.

Collar Talismed

The protective cone made of high-quality plastic is attached using three fasteners to the collar. A latch-tongue is used for fixation and adjustment. Available in several sizes.

  • Pro: Suitable for dogs.
  • Cons: sharp edges.

Price: from 101 to 324 rubles.

Avita-group

The convenient plastic design is equipped with soft loops made of non-woven material for attaching to a cat's collar. It has several diameters, which allows you to choose the size you need. Fixed with Velcro. The transparent plastic of the collar does not interfere with good visibility.

  • Plus: no sharp edges.
  • Cons: Requires sizing.

Price: from 95 to 150 rubles.

Soft

Unlike hard plastic structures, soft models are made of opaque fabric and non-woven materials. Collars are produced in the shape of a truncated cone, equipped with Velcro fasteners and attachments to the collar. It is more comfortable to sleep in soft models, but in them animals are less oriented in space.

Popular models:

  • Freddy's Friends Brand Pillow Collar;
  • Medical collar OSSO;
  • Kruuse Buster Soft Collar;
  • Disposable post-operative collar Kruuse Buster.

Freddy's Friends Brand Pillow Collar

A very comfortable and soft alternative to plastic structures. The product is made in the form of a round pillow made of durable water-repellent Oxford fabric. Additional softness is provided by synthetic padding. Fixed around the neck with a cord with a clip.

  • Plus: good review.
  • Cons: high price.

Price: from 850 to 1150 rubles.

Medical collar OSSO

The model is made of durable Oxford fabric - a cat will not be able to tear it. To secure it on the animal's neck, the collar is equipped with a Velcro collar. The cat experiences less discomfort when wearing it, thanks to the small dimensions of the product and its flexibility.

  • Plus: does not affect the animal’s thermoregulation.
  • Cons: bad review.

Price: from 190 to 455 rubles.

Kruuse Buster Soft Collar

This simple fabric model is made in the shape of a four-section cone. The fabric is water-repellent. The edges of the product are finished with piping. Fixation is carried out using lace and loops.

  • Plus: has good flexibility.
  • Cons: bad review.

Price: from 120 to 200 rubles.

Disposable post-operative collar Kruuse Buster

The product is intended for one-time use in the postoperative period. Made from non-woven waterproof material. The non-rigid design makes it easier for the pet to see and does not interfere with daily functions. Fixed around the neck with a drawstring.

  • Plus: it doesn't rub your neck.
  • Cons: disposable.

Price: from 150 to 170 rubles.

DIY Elizabethan cat collar made from cardboard

This design provides assistance during the rehabilitation of pets after operations. The main thing to consider is that the collar should be comfortable.

If it is not possible to buy a suitable accessory, then the most affordable option would be a homemade cardboard collar. You can use any cardboard box from which 2 semicircles are cut out, the inner diameter of which should be the length of the collar. Then use tape to connect both parts.

The collar is attached to the collar. In order not to spoil it, you need to put a cover on the collar and sew a cone-shaped protection to the cover.

How to make a cat collar with your own hands from a plastic bottle

The main condition for high-quality production of a bottle collar is the correct size. In most cases, a two-liter bottle will do. Manufacturing process:

  1. On the neck of the bottle, select a place with a diameter suitable for the cat’s neck.
  2. From this line the height of the collar is measured and all excess is cut off.
  3. A vertical cut is made and holes for lacing are made on each side.
  4. The holes are treated so that they do not injure the animal. For example, you can heat them with a candle so that the edges melt and become less sharp.
  5. Pull the lace through the holes.
  6. Improve the quality of the accessory by attaching a case with loops for the collar.

Important! The animal should be comfortable. Therefore, you need to regularly check that the cone does not press or rub your neck.


A plastic bottle as a collar is the most economical option

Other options for homemade cat collars

There are many other options for making safety collars. One of the most popular and simple models is a foam cone. A ring is cut out of a sheet of foam rubber. The thickness of the ring should be no more than 2 cm and the diameter 30 cm.

You can also make your own cat collar from a plastic or paper plate. A circle is cut out in the center 1 cm larger than the diameter of the neck. The inside is glued with fabric to prevent injury from the sharp edge. The product is put on the cat and the incision site is sealed with tape.

Important! Homemade structures are more suitable for short-term restriction of movement, since they are not very durable.

What is a safe cat collar?

An incorrectly selected protective equipment can seriously complicate the life of your pet. To avoid mistakes, follow these recommendations:

  1. When choosing the height of the cone, consider comfort and safety. It shouldn't be too high or low. Otherwise, the cat will lose lateral vision or be able to reach forbidden places.
  2. Don't save money. In the production of cheap accessories, toxic materials with a pungent odor are often used.
  3. Pay special attention to the narrow part adjacent to the neck. It shouldn't be tough. Before purchasing, be sure to make sure that your finger fits between the structure and your neck. A fit that is too tight can lead to skin irritation and difficulty breathing, while a fit that is too loose can lead to quick removal.
  4. Cover any sharp edges that could injure your cat with tape.
  5. Avoid heavy and bulky models. Despite their beauty, such products greatly limit freedom of movement and interfere with visibility.

The most important point is choosing the size. In total, you can find 9 options, but only the first 4 are suitable for cats. They differ in the width and height of the cone, so first you will need to measure the circumference of your pet’s neck:

  • less than 19 cm – model No. 1 with a height of 7.5 cm;
  • 19-23 cm – model No. 2 with a height of 10 cm;
  • 23-30 cm – model No. 3 with a height of 12.5 cm;
  • 30-35 cm – model No. 4 with a height of 15 cm.

The first option is suitable for kittens, the second - for teenagers and miniature cats, the third - for adult animals, and the fourth - for representatives of particularly large breeds, for example, Maine Coons. All other sizes are designed exclusively for dogs.

How to put on a collar

In some situations, protection is worn in the clinic. In all other cases, you will have to cope with this difficult task yourself.

The collar should fit in size and not press or hang around your neck. Before putting on the accessory, you need to calm the animal. If the cat starts to get nervous, you need to pet it, carry it in your arms, talk to it in a calm voice and then try to put on the accessory again.

Important! You need to periodically check how correctly the collar fits. After all, the pet may try to remove it and thereby move it so that it becomes uncomfortable. The distance between the barrier and the neck should be at least 1 cm.


How to put on a collar

What to do if the animal cannot get used to the collar

A cat owner may notice that his pet is taking off his protective collar, what should he do in this case? Most likely, an unreliable design was chosen that can be easily removed over the head or unfastened or torn.

Perhaps the product has sharp edges that rub the animal’s neck and cause irritation . This assumption should be tested.

IMPORTANT! Cats have a great sense of how people treat them. If, in addition to the inconvenient design, they also receive indifference from the owners, rehabilitation after injury or surgery will be difficult.

There are cats that will not be able to put up with a collar for a long time; you need to show maximum attention to your pet, pick it up more often, and calm it down. When it’s time for lunch, the “Spanish cow collar,” as it is sometimes called, needs to be removed and the cat should be fed something tasty.

Your cat may be irritated by certain types of collars, such as those made of plastic or opaque. If you change the design, the cat calms down and over time gets used to slight discomfort.

Wearing rules

Putting a collar on an animal is only a small part of the job. The owner must help him get used to the new wardrobe item. At first, it is removed before feeding.

When an animal undergoes a course of injection treatment and is given injections in the scruff of the neck, the accessory must be worn in such a way that the rough fastener does not rest on this place.

They also do periods of rest from the collar. For this purpose, the kitten is temporarily freed from the product, but so that it does not harm itself at this time, it is held in their arms.

Advice! If the pet strongly protests against the veterinary accessory, you need to periodically remove it, but then put it on again as soon as the animal has rested a little.

Features of operation

Even a properly selected protective accessory will cause temporary difficulties for your pet. In addition to movement, it will affect eating and hygiene. For faster adaptation, follow these recommendations:

  1. Remove the collar while feeding or hand-feed food to your pet.
  2. Brush the coat daily to prevent matting and assist with hygiene of other body parts as needed.
  3. Organize the space in the house so that the animal cannot get stuck in too narrow passages.

Do not let the cat outside and limit communication with relatives until the end of use. Periodically check the tightness of the cone and the condition of the skin and fur in contact with it.

How to wear

After surgery, baleen patients are dressed in protective clothing by veterinary clinic staff. In all other cases you will have to deal with this yourself, so just follow the instructions:

  1. Prepare the accessory and attach it to a strip of soft fabric, bandage or collar - if it does not fasten itself.
  2. Immobilize your pet with a towel and pick it up. For convenience, call an assistant to delineate responsibilities.
  3. Carefully put on the cone, holding the animal by the scruff of the neck, and secure it with a fastening element (fabric, bandage, collar). If the recommendations from the veterinarian indicate injections in the withers, place the clasp away from the injection site.
  4. Make sure your finger fits between the neck and the cone.

Be sure to praise your pet and give him treats, if this does not conflict with the therapeutic diet.

When to shoot

The service life is individual. It depends on the speed of regeneration and the severity of the existing wound. The exact time of wearing is determined by the veterinarian, based on the condition of the mustachioed patient. Until this point, removing the cone is strictly prohibited.

If the cat doesn’t get used to it and removes protection

Don't be upset if immediately after putting on the protection your pet tries to take it off. Adaptation usually takes several days. If it drags on for a long time, make sure that you have not made one of the common mistakes:

  1. The wrong size to make it easier to remove, or the presence of sharp edges that rub the neck.
  2. Insufficient attention. During the rehabilitation period, the animal is very vulnerable, so try not to leave it alone.
  3. Unsuitable material. Your cat may be annoyed by noisy plastic or an opaque design that obstructs his view. In this case, just choose another model.

Be sure to take short breaks at first. When removing the cone, hold your pet in your arms or otherwise control his behavior to prevent him from licking the wounds.

How long should you wear the collar?

Injuries, post-operative scars and skin diseases require caring and attentive treatment. The animal will try to lick its wounds, and if you allow it to do so, the healing process will be delayed. An infection may also occur, leading to serious complications.

On average, the rehabilitation period lasts from one to two weeks. But in each individual case the process takes place individually, because the animal’s recovery period depends on the state of health, age and its body. Attention and care for the kitten will quickly bring the animal back to normal. A comfortable rehabilitation period depends entirely on the efforts of the owner.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of protective devices

It is important for every caring owner to understand the benefits of protection and whether it can harm the pet. A protective collar, like any device, has its advantages and disadvantages. Having studied them, the owner will be able to understand that the benefits from it are much greater than the disadvantages.

It is enough to make a simple comparison:

Disadvantages of a collarAdvantages of a collar
Animal discomfortDurable and reliable
Discomfort when eatingWide range of applications
Difficulty in selecting a model for large or small animalsProtects against wound infection
Clean cats cannot lick themselves while wearing this accessory.Prevents the animal from hiding in a hard-to-reach place
Ability to cling to objectsLarge selection of options in different price categories

In barrier therapy, the protective collar for cats has proven its effectiveness in practice. It allows you to maintain good health during conservative treatment or in the postoperative period. A properly selected collar will allow the cat to recover comfortably and without harm to health.

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