Collar for a cat: features, selection, manufacture and application

The collar for cats is used mainly after operations, so that animals recover faster. After such manipulations they are very much weakened, there is also a high probability of infections. Therefore, such an accessory is very often simply necessary.

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 the wounds heal faster. And cats do it because they have it at the genetic level that they themselves have a cure by licking. Since they have in their saliva a substance that helps fast healing. But still it contains not only beneficial properties, but also various bacteria that can lead to infection and the spread of infection.

Elizabethan collar is required in the following cases.

• So that the animal does not remove the bandage after surgery.
• Prevents the cat from licking stitches to prevent infection.
• Prevents combing wounds on the head.
• Protects wounds from injury.
• Helps wounds heal and absorb various medicines faster. It can be ointments or drops.
• Prevents the animal from licking medications.
• Prevents to tear off the bandage from the head.
• Helps to apply anti-flea drops.
• It protects the structure in 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, when it is necessary to protect the cat from licking wounds.It is also very often used to treat cat hair with parasitic agents, whose components, if ingested, can harm it.

Choosing a postoperative collar that will fit perfectly is quite problematic. After all, he must be comfortable, strong, as well as a suitable size. When you choose a collar for your pet, you need to follow some rules: the collar should be comfortable to use. So that he does not cause discomfort to the pet, the part that adjoins the neck should be soft. You can sheathe it with fabric.

• Satisfactory height. The collar should not block the pet’s view, 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 is also of great importance. Before acquiring 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 press, and if large, it will hang, 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 remove it on its own. But also he cannot be too tight for the animal to breathe calmly.

There are times when there is simply no way to buy this device. But you should not worry about this, as it is not difficult to do it yourself. You do not need various tools that only masters have, everyone needs everything in the house. To create a collar, you can use items such as:

• cardboard;
• plastic bottle;
• flower pot.

In the manufacture of this accessory, you will definitely need a convenient, wide and not very rigid 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. Following the instructions, you can easily make an Elizabethan collar.

This option is the simplest. For him, you can take the simplest stationery folder. If you cut it, you get a fairly long canvas. For this design you will need:

• sticky tape, adhesive tape or double-sided tape;
• stapler with large brackets.

Before you begin to create, you must take measurements: the diameter of the neck and the distance from the neck to the tip of the nose. Then we take a sheet and draw two circles on it. The smaller is the neck. And in order to draw a larger circle, you need 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 attached there.

Next, cut out the sample and do not forget about the reserve. In the event that you are in doubt about the length, then cut the circle more authenticly, and then just shorten it. From the edge to the center, draw a straight line and cut a sample along it, a small circle. Its also mode 5-6 times perpendicular to future loops.

The sample is ready, now we try on the pet. Adjust if necessary. Then we put the pattern on the plastic and transfer all measurements to it. What we did for the loop, we fold it twice, fix it with a stapler and fix it with adhesive tape so that the ends from the staples do not interfere. And we put in a collar or harness.

We try on the collar again. If all is well, then we 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 need to be worn on the pet. If he has a bandage on his head, then do not fix it with braces. Pay particular attention to the distance between the collar and the neck should be no less than your finger. If it is smaller, it will rub and bring discomfort, and if it is too large, the animal will easily take off the collar.

This is the easiest way to create an Elizabethan collar at home. Here, no special skills and various equipment are needed. The only drawback is poor strength. The collar is suitable at the time the animal moves away from anesthesia, but after that the cat will begin to move actively, itch, and in connection with such actions the collar may not withstand.

The main task when creating a cat collar from a bottle is to choose the right size container. For these purposes, two-liter bottles are mainly used. Where the neck is located, we find the diameter that best suits the girth of the animal’s neck. Then we determine the length, make marks. Cut off the neck. And according to the marks, we cut out the future collar. The result is a cone. And to put it on the animal, you should 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 tool can be heated with fire. You can also make lacing with a 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 the slices can harm the pet.

If you are engaged in needlework, you can improve this accessory by simply stitching a soft case. Then it is necessary to attach loops to the neck collar, into which the collar will be pulled. Even if your cat is not very active, you still need to fix the structure well. All edges must be soft.

If you chose this option, you will definitely need to check that your pet can eat, sleep and spend his time actively. About an hour after putting on the collar, remove it and check if it is rubbing. If you find traces, then it is worth adjusting the design.

This collar option is very easy to assemble. Cardboard is suitable from any box. You will need to take the cardboard, cut a semicircle from it, the same length as the collar on which it will be attached. This can be done using tape, a stapler, or a needle and thread. The edges may turn out to be long and will come on each other. But there is nothing to worry about.

To make a more reliable neck collar, you will need tools, as in the previous version: scissors, stapler and adhesive 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 by the standards we take, transfer to paper and cut it out.

We try on a sample, if necessary, we customize it. When creating such an accessory, you need to use a thin cardboard. Then we transfer the form to cardboard, cut out and fasten the loops. Then we pass a collar or harness in them. Try again. When the edges are longer, it is more convenient to wear a collar when it is open.

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 enough adapt to the intake of food and water in such a device, but they still feel uncomfortable sleeping in a plastic collar. Of course, the fabric collar is more difficult to sew, but it has three big pluses:

• lightness - there is less strain on the neck;
• softness - does not interfere during any action;
• washing possible.

To sew this type of collar follows from 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. A fabric collar should have 2-3 layers. Edges are trimmed with fringe. When creating such an option, the same dimensions are measured as in other cases, but the length can be made shorter.

Where the incision is, fasten it with Velcro or make lacing (be sure to leave a margin). Before you start sewing, prepare the loops 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 does not hold well if the animal is constantly trying to remove it.

There are times when the veterinarian did not put on a collar on the animal or when you made it yourself. In such cases, the question arises: "but how to wear it properly?" To do this, you need to follow some simple rules. First you need to measure the neck of the cat so that the collar fits in size. He should not hang out, but also not put pressure on his neck.

Then prepare the collar. Fasten it to a collar or piece of soft cloth. In case the animal is scared, then take it, wrap it in a soft towel and calm it down. Put on the collar very carefully so as not to harm. Many animals do not like it when they put on foreign objects, and cats can behave aggressively. In this case, you will need an assistant.

Then you have to hold the cat by the scruff. After her head is in the collar, try to calm her. Then fasten the collar around your neck. Check that nothing presses or dangles. Between the collar and the neck there should be a distance in the finger.

Most pets adapt for a long time to the collar and at first intend to remove it. In most cases, this is an adequate reaction, but there are times when it speaks of improper use, which brings stress and inconvenience to the pet. This can be understood by how much time has passed since wearing.

In the event that the cat tries to remove the structure for the first time, then there is nothing to worry about. You can train 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 to get used to the collar. And if a day or more has passed, then it is worthwhile to find out if the collar does not cause discomfort (it is tightened too much, the angles dig in, it closes the view). Otherwise, it is worth replacing.

See how to make a veterinary collar for a cat with your own hands in the next video.