So Lilly came home from the vets last night after being spayed with one of those protective collar things. When I first got her home, she could not keep her eyes open bless her, but she still managed to roll on her side, back claws up to her neck and wriggled out of the protective collar.

I called the vets who suggested a baby grow, to the life of me, I can't even think how that would go on a cat lmao.

I wrapped a small amount of elasticated bandage around her and taped it down, she slept for a bit, got up, ripped that off! put it back on, it was off again quicker than it took me to get it on.

I can't bare to see her in the protective collar thing though, it was so distressing, her little ears where backwards and she really hated it, had me in tears (over protective mum!)

So what do i do? All the stitches are internal, so it's just to stop her from licking and preventing an infection.

What have other people done?

She was back to her normal self last night, wanting to play, climbing up high and giving me mini heart attacks, got my normal wake up greeting this morning albeit earlier than normal.

Because she's still only 5 months old the vets struggled to find one that fits her small head and I believe the one that they did put on was the smallest and generally I think it's still to big for her. Especially when I compare it to your picture.

I've just popped into the vets and got the whole 'the wound will break down and then she'll be rushed in to have another operation' spill.

I am aware of this and I'm scared of it. But how the hell can I keep something on her when she can just get out of it? They had a go at me saying I wasn't doing it up tight enough which I am, turned around and said if it was any tighter she won't be able to breath. So they said that they're gunna put a note on her records to say that we are having difficulties keeping it on!

Told them about my attempt of a bandage thing and was told off for that cause air needs to get to the wound even tho the bandage I used was breathable. Then they once again go and suggest I put a baby grow on her - slightly hypocritical here right? A baby grow would also prevent air from getting to the wound....

I give up haha

We had Lexie spayed about five months back and found immediately that she would not wear the cone of shame, no chance. It was the smallest they had, and there was no way of fastening it tight enough that she couldn't slip out. Hers were also internal stitches, and to be honest, I only caught her licking and nibbling at them once, after about four days. She sleeps on top of me at night, and woke me up jiggling around trying to give them a good chew. I told her no and fussed her until she fell asleep again, but I can only imagine the healing wound must have been starting to itch a bit.

The vet was very pleased with her at her check up and when I explained that we had abandoned the cone almost immediately, she commented that getting them into the cone, having them wriggle out and then trying to get the cone back on was so stressful in itself that they probably aren't worth the bother most of the time.

I can't even imagine how I would have gotten a baby grow on her I can only think that you'd have to cut the bottom out anyway for them to use the litter tray, and I'm fairly certain Lexie would have found a way to wriggle out of it.

It's difficult since your vets are insisting on it. My advice would normally be to just keep an eye on her and the stitches, and ensure they're not inflamed, oozing or beginning to smell, but I know if I'd taken Lex back to the vets because of any of these things, they would have just dealt with it and looked after her without guilt-tripping me for not persisting with the cone.

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An alternative to the cone is to roll up a wash cloth and duct tape it like a loose collar. It's just enough for them to have trouble bending to their tummies or boy parts. You will have to refix it every day, or more often, if your baby figures out that getting it wet will make it fall off. :)

I have never had a problem with girls messing with their stitches. She looks MAD in that picture! :)

Here you go this is what I do...

I use a home made spay jacket - which is basically a small (not XS) size fleece from pets at home for dogs

One of my girls had a pyo spay - which basically means the incision needed to be a lot bigger - we had terrible trouble with her nibbling the stitches out and she was glued, stapled etc you name it - got there in the end. But decided when we had Sausage spayed I would try something different.
What I did was secure it with a bandage tied around the middle to stop it slipping round - but she was quite happy. Have used it twice with success and them not being bothered in the slightest.

Heres a photo to show you what I mean.
Much nicer then a cone of shame - or doom! Also I have subculture (think thats the right name) stitches - basically internal dissolving stitches so nothing is sticking out for them to be interested in.

awww he/she it tht photo doesn't look very happy with tht cone of shame on as we're on this topic does anyone tell me the averge price to spade a bangle

Hi, you need to register your cat with a vet by you and enquire with them the cost of a spay. I pay £59 at my vets but it will differ in different areas