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The Cone of Shame: 5 Alternatives Your Fur Children Will Love You For

Author: K. Marie Altoby K Marie Alto Updated 3 min read

The Cone of Shame: 5 Alternatives Your Fur Children Will Love You For by toe beans

If you’ve ever had a kitty or pup hopefully you’ve had them spayed/neutered.

Since fur babies can easily pull out stitches and over-groom sensitive areas, it’s important to restrict their access.

Enter the solution: the traditional plastic cone; dun dun dunnnnn “the cone of shame,” placed around your fur baby’s neck.

Dog wearing plastic Elizabethan collar

It’s heartbreaking to see your little one struggling to eat and get comfortable while trying to recover.

But, did you know there are alternatives to this plastic cone? With a little bit of planning, you can order a comfier alternative for your fur baby.

The Soft Cone of Shame

This is most similar to the plastic cone that you’re used to seeing.

While this collar still has a structured cone shape, it’s much more flexible to allow your fur baby to lay comfortably.

It also bends a bit if they don’t quite clear the edge of their food dish, preventing unneeded frustration.

Kitten wearing a blue soft cone of shame

The Inflatable Collar

This option is nice because it still limits your fur baby from the surgical site, but it doesn’t obstruct their peripheral vision. The best part, it can double as a little pillow! Beware if your fur baby is a huge scratcher.

While these collars are usually durable, persistent scratching is asking for a popped interior.

Puppy wearing a gray inflatable collar

The Surgical Recovery Suit

While it looks like something you would put on a baby, this specially designed suit is modified to fit your fur baby’s anatomy so they can potty without the suit getting yucky.

Yep, so no collar is needed, instead, a little bodysuit keeps the surgery area safe. If you go with this option, be sure to manually check the incision as directed by your veterinarian to ensure it’s healing properly.

Kitten wearing surgical recovery body suit

Cute Alternatives

These options really fall into the soft cone of shame category, but they entertain the pet parent way more than a boring soft collar. “Dress” your little one up as a little piece of toast or a cute flower while they are healing.

You’ll get some adorable pictures while keeping your little one nice and safe!

Cat in elizabethan collarDog in cone

Have you ever purchased a special recovery item for your fur baby? What did you get?

Read More Cat Care Guides

One more thing, if you are feeling like getting a little special something for your fur baby that is unique, made right here in the USA, 100% pup and cat safe, USDA certified organic and brought to you by a US company, check out Toe Beans online pet supplies store!

K Marie Alto
K Marie Alto

K. Marie is an animal lover, wife, pet momma, blogger, writer, and co-founder of Toe Beans®, the premier American manufacturer of direct-to-pet-parent dog and cat wellness supplies. A company that creates certifiably better pet products proudly made in the USA.

By redefining what conscious pet households should expect from pet products — from how, where, and by whom they are made to the materials used — Toe Beans® is becoming the #1 trusted source for health-conscious pet parents seeking ingredient transparency, healthier choices, true American craftsmanship, and the highest standards for the furry family members they love most.

She loves sharing her journey through social media — follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Read Marie’s full bio here.

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