Surgery recovery suit for cats

September 29, 2023 12:48 PM

So... my cat had surgery to remove an intestinal blockage and has another 10 days at least of wearing the elizabethan collar to stop them from getting at the sutures. Have you used a surgery suit for a cat (male)? Would you recommend one?
posted by spamandkimchi to Pets & Animals (6 answers total)

I never used the suit for my cat but I found he much preferred the soft donut type collar or the large soft umbrella collar to the hard plastic one. Both worked well to keep him away from the incisions. He actually managed to take some stitches out with the side of the hard collar.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 1:00 PM on September 29, 2023

Both when the kitten got spayed and later had a hernia fixed, she struggled mightily with the collar (and really couldn't get to her food), but getting her a recovery suit was a lifesaver. Heartily recommend and still have no idea why it isn't the default.
posted by General Malaise at 1:52 PM on September 29, 2023

I used the suit, sometimes successfully (elderly cat) sometimes not (tortie figured out I'll take it off if she gets wet, dove under every faucet and into every bath). Good corset style lacing is the key.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 1:52 PM on September 29, 2023

My cat has worn an inflatable collar a number of times over the last three years (he has a recurring issue). It looks like an airplane pillow. He's 15 lbs and takes the dog size small from Kong, I think most cats would be good with the XS.
posted by kate blank at 2:52 PM on September 29, 2023

My male cat needed to have a mass removed by his shoulder a few years ago and I used a surgery suit purchased from Amazon. At the time, he weighed 13 lbs and he fit into a XS suit (blurry cat tax). It made the days after surgery much easier. If you can get it on your cat, I'd recommend it.
posted by bCat at 6:25 AM on September 30, 2023

Fwiw, I used a child's onesie with the snaps along my cat's back, and it worked fine to protect his stitches and he was pretty comfy in it.
posted by vers at 7:33 AM on October 1, 2023