No cat owner likes to see their cat in the “cone of shame,” but it’s necessary to keep them from licking or scratching a wound from a surgery, an injury, or skin allergy. Sure, you can get the plastic cones from your veterinarian, but aren’t there better options to make your kitty comfortable?
Fortunately, there is! E-collars, also known as Elizabethan collars, are brilliant alternatives to traditional plastic cones. They allow your kitty to heal comfortably after a surgery or injury, and they help ease the stress.
You may be wondering how to go about finding the perfect one that’s affordable, effective, and right for your kitty. If this is you, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll look at the top 10 reviews of the best cat cone e-collars on the market, so you can ease your mind knowing your kitty will be more comfortable should they ever need one.
The All Four Paws Comfy Cone E-Collar for Dogs & Cats comes in as our best overall cat cone collar. It comes in x-small, small, small-long, medium, large, and extra-large. The size chart shows how to correctly measure to find the right size for your feline friend. This e-collar is made from tight-gauge foam-backed nylon that will give your kitty a soft, comfortable feel with a padded construction. You can attach it to your kitty’s collar, and the plastic stays can be removed for more flexibility or left for a firmer and secure fit. It can even be reversed to cover the upper chest and neck or folded back for comfort while your cat eats or drinks. It also conforms to pet doors and door openings to provide natural movement, which will reduce stress for your cat. A downside is it may be too heavy for smaller cats.
This collar is water-resistant and easy to clean. In case your cat goes outside, the reflective material will make your cat visible in the dark. With all the features and the ability to custom fit, this cone is the best overall cat cone collar.
Pros
Soft and comfortable
Attaches to collar
Can be reversed to cover the neck and chest
Water-resistant
Conforms to doorways and pet doors
Cons
May be too heavy for smaller cats
2. ZenPet ZenCone Soft Recovery Pet Collar – Best Value
The ZenPet ZenCone Soft Recovery Dog & Cat Collar comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large. The soft canvas has built-in windows, so your kitty’s view isn’t obstructed while wearing it. The soft edges help keep your kitty calm and comfortable if it brushes up against walls or doors. It has adjustable fuzzy straps that connect to your cat’s neck, and you can also attach it to the collar for a more secure fit. Your cat can easily eat, drink, and sleep with it on, all while preventing licking or disturbing the injured area. The canvas material is also scratch-resistant, and it’s easy to clean.
A drawback is the soft cone may be too flimsy for some cats and may cover their face when they lay down. However, with the adjustable features and soft material, this cone makes our list for the best cat cone collar for the money.
Pros
Soft and comfortable
Built-in windows
Scratch-resistant
Cons
Soft cone may be too flimsy for some cats
3. SunGrow Post-Surgery Pet Recovery Collar – Premium Choice
If you’re looking for a collar that’s different from the norm by way of looks, the SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone Dog & Cat Recovery Collar could be a good option. It’s not only a cute design that resembles a blossoming flower with pink polka-dots but also a soft and comfortable cone made of memory foam. Your cat can move about easily and comfortably while recovering from a surgery or wound.
This cone will not obstruct your kitty’s view, and it won’t make startling sounds if brushed up against a wall or furniture. It’s water and bite-resistant and easy to clean. You can also flip it down, so your kitty has easier access to eat and drink.
It only comes in a medium size and may be too big for some cats; however, it is adjustable with Velcro strips. It’s also a little more expensive than other cones.
Pros
Cute, comfortable design
Made of memory foam
Water and bite resistant
Easy to clean
Cons
Only comes in medium
A little more expensive
May be too big for some cats
4. PETBABA Cat Cone Collar in Recovery – Best for Kittens
The PETBABA Cat Cone Collar is a soft-padded e-collar that won’t obstruct your kitty’s view with its transparent PVC construction. It comes in small (5 inches to 6 inches) and medium (6 inches to 9 inches). The adjustable range is tiny which makes it perfect for kittens and puppies. It snaps by way of a button closure, and the inner liner is padded for extra comfort. The available colors are pink and blue, and it effectively prevents your kitty from licking or scratching the affected area.
Some consumers have reported the snaps don’t hold and close properly, allowing the kitten to escape the cone. It’s also a little more expensive compared to other cones.
Pros
Great for kittens and puppies
Will not obstruct view
Padded inner lining
Cons
Button closure may not snap to
Kitten may be able to escape
Expensive
5. Alfie Pet Zumi Soft Edge Velcro Closure Pet Recovery Collar
If you’re looking for a tighter and more structured cone, the Alfie Pet Zumi Soft Edge Velcro Closure Dog & Cat Recovery Collar might work for you. This cone is available in extra-small, small, medium, or large and is made of a translucent PVC material so that it won’t restrict your cat’s views. The sturdy yet flexible PVC material prohibits your kitty from flipping the cone to get to any areas that need protection. It’s fastened by durable Velcro closures, easy to put on, and is lightweight. Even though it’s a bit more restrictive than other cones, your cat will still be able to eat and drink comfortably, and noise won’t startle your cat if it bumps into an object.
This cone may be too flimsy for some cats, and they still may be able to access the wounded area. This cone also doesn’t attach to a collar.
Pros
No view obstruction
Comes in 4 sizes
Easy to put on
Lightweight
Cons
May be too flimsy for some cats
Doesn’t attach to a collar
6. Vivifying Pet Cone Adjustable Light Elizabethan Collar
The Vivifying Pet Cone, Adjustable Lightweight Elizabethan Collar has a closure design that consists of three snaps. It’s soft and comfortable with flannel sides and is lightweight. It comes in small and medium sizes and has four different colors: blue, pink, red, and green. It’s easy to put on, and you can fold it down so that your kitty’s face isn’t completely covered. Your cat won’t get agitated because it can’t see; the cone is translucent, and it won’t obstruct your cat’s views.
This cone may not be as sturdy and effective as other cones, and if your cat is an escape artist, they may be able to free themselves. It also may be hard for your kitty to eat and drink with it on, but for the price, it works pretty well for a temporary situation.
If you’re looking for a cone that serves as both a cone and an adorable costume, look no further than the KUDES Cat Small Dog Recovery Collar. This colorful color collar comes in extra-small, small, medium, and large. Suitable for small dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies, this cone is easy to put on and secure. You’ll need to measure the circumference of your kitty’s neck to ensure the correct size. Once you slip on the cone, you can adjust by pressing the button on the string and pulling to the desired size. It’s soft, comfortable, lightweight, and won’t interfere with drinking and eating, nor will it obstruct your kitty’s view.
This cone is only useful for an upper body injury or wound that you want to protect. Your kitty will still have access to their paws, so avoid this product if you need it for paw injuries. Some cats may be able to pull it off their neck, so you’ll want to supervise at first to make sure it’s on properly and secure without it being uncomfortable.
The Amakunft Adjustable Cat Cone Collar Soft, Cat Recovery Collar is another cute option that can serve as both a cone and a costume if you prefer. It comes in many fun shapes, such as pineapple, toast, avocado, donut, egg, and peach. Stuffed with cotton, the material is soft and plush for comfort, and it’s machine washable. This cone acts as a soft pillow so your kitty can rest and relax during recovery. To adjust, simply pull the short string to the desired size.
This cone is not suitable for paw injuries and only useful for upper body wounds or injuries. It’s not for use after a spay/neuter. It doesn’t come in multiple sizes, but it is easily adjustable.
This cone is a terrific alternative to the hard plastic cones, and your kitty will look cute in it to boot.
The Depets Adjustable Recovery Pet Cone E-Collar comes in a small or medium and is made of lightweight plastic. It’s scratch and bite-resistant, and washable. The edges are covered in flannel for a soft feel against the neck, and you can adjust the size. The edges are secured with Velcro, and it’s easy to attach.
This cone is not as comfortable as our previous picks, but it effectively protects the entire body. It will also obstruct your kitty’s view, and they will have a harder time eating, drinking, and sleeping in this cone. For the price, it’s cheap and will do the trick.
Kong doesn’t just make toys; they also make the KONG EZ Soft Collar for Dogs & Cats. It comes in extra-small or small and is suitable for cats and small dogs. It also comes with Flexstay technology that keeps the shape intact. When it gets dirty, throw it in the washing machine for an easy clean. The neckline is adjustable with cinch-tight toggles, and your cat can eat, drink, and sleep comfortably with it on. It’s soft, so it won’t make startling noises if your kitty rubs against a wall.
It will obstruct your cat’s view, and it doesn’t attach to a collar. Cats may be able to tear the material, as well.
Pros
Flexstay technology helps keep the shape intact
Soft
Machine washable
Adjustable
Cons
Does not attach to collar
Obstructs view
Cats may be able to tear through the material
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Cone Collars (E-Collars)
We know it can be a little confusing and overwhelming when shopping for a cat cone. Cones are necessary for helping your kitty heal, and you want them to be as comfortable as possible throughout the process. To make things a bit easier when looking for a cone, let’s consider some factors before making a decision.
Weight
The weight of the cone is important because you want your kitty as comfy as possible. If the cone is too heavy around the neck, your cat will have trouble walking and balancing. Aim for as lightweight as possible yet secure so that it doesn’t fall off.
Fit
Unfortunately, one size doesn’t fit all, so you’ll want to make sure the cone comes in multiple sizes. If you have a large cat, make sure the cone will be big enough. You’ll also want to make sure you know how to measure your cat’s neck to ensure a proper fit. Most of the cones come with instructions on how to correctly measure before purchasing. Most of them are adjustable, too.
Comfort
The cone should be made from a soft but sturdy material. If your kitty is comfortable in the cone, it won’t try to get out of it. The cone should also allow for normal eating, drinking, and sleeping while it’s on. Padded cones are a good option, too.
Ease of Use
How easy the cone slips on and off will determine what kind of battle you’ll be up against with your cat. If your cat wants no part of the cone (odds are it won’t at first), you’ll want something that’s simple and quick. Some cones come with snaps and straps, which take a little more time to adjust. Others simply fasten together with Velcro, and others slip over the neck and tighten with a pull of a short string. Knowing your cat’s personality will help you better decide which will work for your kitty.
Restricted View
Cones that don’t restrict your kitty’s view are terrific options to keep them more comfortable. That way, they won’t feel as confined and more apt to keep it on instead of wiggling out of it. Cats rely on their vision, and if they can’t see, they’ll become scared. Cones with translucent material or built-in windows are fantastic options for this purpose.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our reviews of the top 10 best cat cone collars available, and we wish you all the best in finding the perfect one for your kitty’s needs.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
