The 10 Best Cones For Cats

Editor's Notes

August 18, 2020:

Cat cones come in a variety of designs, from soft fabric options to traditional plastic models. Both versions come with compromises. Cats tend to be pickier than dogs about wearing cones, and some don't take well to losing their peripheral vision. Soft cones like the SunGrow Soft Donut are generally less intrusive, and neck-only models like the Forno Adjustable stay clear of kitty's face.

The downside is that soft cones can be bent out of the way, and they may leave the hindquarters and ears accessible. Depending on where a cat's problem spots are, this can defeat the purpose of the cone. Stiff cones protect the entire body, but at the cost of some vision and comfort. Our ranking tends to favor cones that will work for a wide range of cats and injuries — our top pick, the Bolbove Soft-Edge Recovery, is a hybrid of soft and rigid designs.

Some of these cones will also work for small dogs, but we recommend steering clear of cones designed only for canines. Cats are more sensitive to weight, and some small fabric collars are too heavy for feline use. We recommend that cat owners stick to this list — dog shoppers should head over to our dog cones ranking.

Even the most comfortable cone won't always be pleasant for your cat. The healing process can be difficult, but cat cones are a necessary annoyance in many cases. Some owners have reported good results using recovery suits or baby clothing as an alternative, but this depends on temperament and wound location. As always, listen to your vet and look for the best solution for your cat's needs.