The collar for cats is used mainly after operations, so that animals recover faster. They after such manipulations are very much weakened, there is also a high probability of the appearance of infections. Therefore, such an accessory is often simply necessary.
What it is?
This collar is also called "Elizabethan." Such a device is used for medical purposes and has a protective function. It prevents the animal from licking and helps wounds heal faster. And cats do it because at their genetic level they have to cure themselves by licking. Since they have a substance in their saliva that helps them to heal quickly. But still, it contains not only useful properties, but also various bacteria that can lead to infection and the spread of infection.
Elizabethan collar is necessary in the following cases.
- So that the animal does not remove the dressing after surgery.
- Does not allow the cat to lick the stitches so as not to carry the infection.
- Does not allow to comb wounds on the head.
- Saves wounds from injury.
- Helps wounds heal and absorb faster with various medications. It may be ointments or drops.
- Does not allow an animal to lick off medications.
- Prevents tear off the bandage from the head.
- Helps inflict flea drops.
- It protects the design for fractures.
This device has a conical shape, and its fields form a fence around the head. Also the collar can be inflatable. It helps a lot during the recovery period of a pet when it is necessary to guard the cat from licking its wounds. It is also very often used to treat cat fur with parasite products, components of which, if ingested, can harm it.
Elizabethan collar can be purchased at a veterinary clinic, specialty store or make yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, the mandatory requirement for the device is one - it should be as comfortable as possible, do not squeeze the neck or dangle on it.
How to choose?
To pick up a postoperative collar which will be ideally suited is rather problematic. After all, he must be comfortable, strong, as well as the right size. When you choose a collar for your pet, you must follow some rules: the collar should be comfortable when applying. So that he does not cause discomfort to the pet, the part that is adjacent to the neck should be soft. You can sheathe it with a cloth.
- Satisfactory height. The collar should not block the view of the pet, because it can begin to worry and will not get used to the new "equipment". Also, the collar should not be too low, then it will not interfere with the cat.
- Right size. It also makes a huge difference. Before purchasing a collar, it is necessary to measure the diameter of the neck, as well as the distance between the neck and the tip of the nose. Because if the accessory is small, then it will crush, and if it is large, it will dangle, and the animal will come out of it without any problems.
- Strength. The collar should be strong, keep its shape well and fasten. The cat should not take it off yourself. But it also cannot be too tight for the animal to breathe calmly.
How to do?
There are times when there is no opportunity to buy this device. But you should not worry about this, as it is easy to do it yourself.You will not need various tools that only the masters have, everything that everyone needs in the house. To create a collar, you can use items such as:
- cardboard;
- plastic bottle;
- flower pot.
You also need to make this accessory a comfortable, wide and not very hard collar to attach a collar to it. You can also use a harness. In this case, the load will go not only on the neck, but also on the spine, which will greatly facilitate the period of wear. By following the instructions, you can easily make an Elizabethan collar.
Made of light plastic
This option is the easiest. For him, you can take the most simple stationery folder. If you cut it, you get a fairly long web. For this design you will need:
- adhesive tape, adhesive tape or double-sided tape;
- stapler with large brackets.
Before you start creating, you need to take measurements: the diameter of the neck and the distance from the neck to the tip of the nose. Then take a sheet and draw two circles on it. What is smaller is the neck. And in order to draw a larger circle, it is necessary to measure the length of the head from a smaller one, but 3 cm higher than it is. Then inside the small circle we draw the next circle, it should be 3-4 cm smaller, the collar will be mounted there.
Next, cut the sample and do not forget about the stock. In that case, if you doubt about the length, then cut the circle longer, and then just shorten. From the edge to the center we draw a straight line and cut a sample along it, a small circle. Its also mode 5-6 times perpendicular for future loops.
The sample is ready, now we are trying on a pet. If necessary, correctable. Then put the pattern on the plastic and transfer all the measurements to it. What was done for the loop, fold in two times, fasten with a stapler and fix with adhesive tape so that the tips from the clips do not interfere. And there we insert a collar or harness.
Try on the collar again. If all is well, then connect it in the place where the cut was made, and fasten it with a stapler or double-sided tape. The main thing to remember is that the collar will still need to be put on the pet. If he has a bandage on his head, then you should not fasten with straps. Pay special attention that the distance between the collar and the neck should be no less than your finger. If it is less, it will rub and bring discomfort, and if it is too large, then the animal will easily remove the collar.
This is the easiest way to create an Elizabethan collar at home. It does not need any special skills and different equipment. The only drawback is poor strength. The collar is suitable while the animal is moving away from the anesthesia, but after that the cat will begin to move, scratch, and due to such actions the collar may not withstand.
If you have a thin plastic (soft cutting board), then you should give preference to it. The collar will be more reliable, and its edges can be processed to not provide inconvenience.
From the bottle
The main task when creating a cat collar from a bottle is to choose the right size of the container. For these purposes, two-liter bottles are mainly used. Where the neck is located, we find the diameter that is most suitable for the neck circumference of the animal. Then we determine the length, make a mark. Cut off the neck. And according to the marks we cut out the future collar. The result was a cone. And to put it on the animal, you must make a vertical incision.
On both sides of the cut it is necessary to make holes for lacing. They can be made with a screwdriver or scissors. And to make it easier to do, the instrument can be heated with fire. You can also make the lacing gypsy needle. Before inserting the ropes into the holes, they must be processed or covered with a plaster. Because if this is not done, then cuts can harm the pet.
If you are engaged in needlework, you can improve this accessory just by stitching a soft case.. Then to the neck collar need to attach the loops, which will wear a collar. Even if your cat is not very active, you still need to fasten the structure well. All edges must be soft.
If you choose this option, you should definitely check that your pet can safely eat, sleep and actively spend its time. About an hour after putting on the collar, remove it and check if it is rubbing. If you find traces, then you should adjust the design.
In the same way, you can make a collar from a flower pot.
From cardboard
This option collar is very easy to assemble. Cardboard will come from any box. You will need to take a cardboard, cut a semicircle from it, the same length as the collar on which it will be attached. This can be done with scotch tape, stapler or needle with thread. The edges can be long and will go over each other. But there is nothing wrong with that.
To make a more reliable cervical collar, you will need tools, as in the previous version: scissors, stapler and scotch tape. The pattern for the future collar is suitable for any option. Also take measurements: the diameter of the neck and the distance from the neck to the tip of the nose. We make a similar scheme according to our standards, transfer them to paper and cut them.
Sample try on, if necessary customize. When creating such an accessory, thin cardboard should be used. Then the form is transferred to the cardboard, cut out and fasten the loops. Then in them we pass a collar or a harness. Try on again. When the edges are longer, it is more convenient to wear the collar when it is open.
This collar is suitable if the animal has a damaged head or part of it.
Soft fabric
In the event that your pet will have to wear this collar for a long time, then you just need to take care of comfort. Cats quickly adapt to the ingestion of food and water in such a device, but they are still uncomfortable to sleep in a plastic collar. Of course, the fabric collar is harder to sew, but it has three big advantages:
- ease - there is a smaller load on the neck;
- softness - does not interfere during any action;
- washing is possible.
Sew this type of collar should be made of cotton or linen. Since this fabric is easily deformed to keep its shape, it is possible to use rigid stands (pieces of plastic) or reinforcing materials. The fabric collar should have 2-3 layers. Edges are processed by fringe. When creating this option, the same dimensions are measured as in the other cases, but the length can be made shorter.
Where there is a cut, fasten it with velcro or do lacing (be sure to leave the stock). Before you begin to sew, prepare eyelets for the collar, they should be made of soft fabric and fairly wide (there will be less strain on the neck). The disadvantage of this option is that Such a collar keeps its shape poorly if the animal constantly tries to take it off.
But you can make it so that this device covers only the cheeks, and that the animal does not take off the collar, it must be fixed stronger, but not overdo it.
How to wear?
There are cases when a veterinarian does not put a collar on an animal or when you have made it yourself. In such cases, the question arises: "But how to properly wear it?" To do this, you must follow some simple rules. First you need to measure the cat's neck so that the collar fits in size. He should not hang out, but also not put pressure on his neck.
Then prepare the collar. Clip it to the collar or to a piece of soft cloth. In the event that the animal is scared, then take it, wrap it in a soft towel and calm it down. Wear a collar should be very careful not to harm.Very many animals do not like it when they wear foreign objects, and cats can behave aggressively. In this case, you will need an assistant.
Then the cat will have to be held by the scruff. After her head is in the collar, try to calm her down. Then fasten the collar around your neck. Check that nothing is pressed and not loose. Between the collar and the neck should be a distance in the finger.
Remove the collar is possible only with the permission of the veterinarian.
What if takes off?
Most pets long enough to adapt to the collar and initially intend to remove it. In most cases, this is an adequate reaction, but there are times when it indicates an incorrect application, which brings stress and inconvenience to the pet. This can be understood by how much time has passed since it was worn.
In that case, if the cat is trying to remove the design at first, then there is nothing to worry about. You can teach your pet. You just need to pay attention to him, you can put him on his knees, play with him. This will help the animal get used to the collar. And if a day or more has passed, it is worthwhile to find out whether the collar does not bring discomfort (it is tightly tightened, the corners are dug in, it closes the view). Otherwise, it is worth replacing.
How to make a veterinary collar for a cat with your own hands, see the following video.