This Is the Top Cat Cone (It Actually Stays On!)

The dreaded cat cone of shame. It’s a useful tool that has to be used during unfortunate circumstances. When your cat needs a cone, your vet provides one on the spot. It’s usually made of plastic and it’s a bit heavy on your kitty’s head, which only adds to their discomfort. Whether your cat is recovering from surgery or has a hot spot she can’t stop licking, a cat cone prevents her from accessing any wounds and hindering her own healing process.

When cats are in pain and uncomfortable, their demeanors change. And when they’re wearing a cone, it’s entirely heartbreaking seeing them wobble about, a bit off balance (probably due to a combination of meds and lack of peripheral vision), and struggling to find a way to get comfortable. When they finally figure out how to rest with the cone, their little faces make you just want to remove the dang plastic thing so they can get more comfortable.

But you know you can’t. You have to do your best to give them some treats, get them to drink water, and give them their medications. Sometimes, a cat cone is only required for a few days but for more severe wounds that require a longer healing time, your cat could be wearing a cone for weeks. Although the cones vets offer do the job, you also have the option to try a different type of cone — one with softer, more flexible materials that still gets the job done but offers more comfort. Below, we share our top picks!

#1 Best Overall: The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws

The best overall cat cone is The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws. This soft cone is made with nylon fabric, is available in eight different sizes, including extra small, and in two colors: black and tan. It closes with a Velcro strip for a custom fit and there are some loops at the neck to secure it to your kitty’s collar. There are also some removable plastic stays that can add more structure if necessary. It’s also a reversible design, both inside out and front to back. It’s completely water-resistant and water-repellent so if your kitty has a spill while trying to get some water or ends up with a little bit of wet food on the collar, you can easily spot clean it with soap and water.

Veterinarians have tested and approved the design to keep kitties safe post-surgery or when they need some help to stop biting, licking, or scratching themselves. The padded nylon is foam-backed and the tight gauge even prevents cats from getting their super pointy claws into the material. Your purchase comes with three sizing strips so that you can easily adjust the size of the cone for a secure fit.

The removable stays make this an extra practical design because you can leave them in for extra support and injury prevention. But if you remove the stays, you can even pull back the collar and let your cat enjoy a meal without the cone facing forward. It’s also great if you need to administer medication such as eye drops. It’s tough enough getting an uncomfortable kitty to sit still while you administer medication without a cone hindering your movement. By pulling it back, you’ll have more access to your kitty’s face for administering any meds, cleaning them up, or addressing anything else on your kitty’s face and ear area.

One reviewer used this cone with a long-haired tabby after she had life-saving surgery. As usual, she came home with a plastic cone but being that she had to be kept in a confined space, the reviewer wanted to add to her comfort as much as possible. This cone added that layer of comfort, which allowed her to rest more easily. The Velcro is a little loud, which can be startling to some skittish kitties, but overall since she had to wear this for about two weeks, it was the absolute best option they could have invested in. The cat’s human hopes not to have to use it again, but they know that they have a great product to count on if it’s ever necessary.

While most reviews for this product were positive, several reviewers said that their cats experienced difficulty eating and drinking while wearing this cone.

Pros and Cons of the The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws

Best Overall

Comfy Cone E-Collar

• Made of comfortable nylon fabric
• Available in several different sizes
• Good for cats and dogs
• Velcro closure ensures custom fit every time
• Water-resistant and water-repellent ensures cats stay dry while wearing
• Padded, foam-backed material prevents claws from piercing through

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2. Best Scratch-Resistant: ZenPet Pet Recovery Cone E-Collar

Traditional cat cones create “blind spots” in cats’ peripheral vision and throw their balance off, but the ZenPet Pet Recovery Cone E-Collar increases their visibility with built-in windows. It has adjustable hook and loop sizing and comes in four sizes, starting at small. This hybrid design was created to provide your kitty with a soothing and healing environment without that heavy feeling of a traditional cat cone.

They made it simple to fit on your cat and the extra features of this design add to the function and overall comfort of the cone. One reviewer bypassed the need for a traditional cone and took this one straight to the vet. She knew her kitty would be confused because it was the first time that she would be wearing a cone. The soft shape of this cone is what makes it so awesome. Although it’s tough seeing a kitty adjust to wearing it, she said after a couple of days, her cat was behaving a lot more like herself. She did bump into some obstacles on the first day but after wearing it for an extended period, she became used to it.

Stubborn cats may make it their full-time job to paw and claw at a cat cone, which can make the experience extra nerve-racking for you. This design is scratch-resistant, so no matter how much your kitty tries to claw at it, she won’t be able to tear through the materials. Eventually, she’ll accept her fate, and the cone will keep protecting her until she’s able to roam around unattended without it. It’s never the most comfortable experience (for you or your kitty), but having a solid product to count on makes a huge difference.

A few reviewers said that this cone was too large and heavy for their cat.

Pros and Cons of the ZenPet Pet Recovery Cone E-Collar

Best Scratch-Resistant

ZenPet ZenCone Soft Recovery Collar

• Cone has windows to help your cat get its bearings
• Adjustable hook-and-loop sizing
• Available in four sizes
• Lightweight design makes it easy to wear
• Scratch-resistant design makes it hard for cats to remove

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3. Best for Kittens: PETBABA Cat Cone Collar

Kittens are considerably smaller than full-grown cats and the PETBABA Cat Cone Collar fits around their tiny necks without weighing them down. The smallest size is 5 to 6 inches around the neck, and it is 4 inches in width. It has a very small adjustable range. It’s designed to prevent your kitty from licking or scratching her wounds while she heals. You can use this immediately after leaving the vet and you can even keep it on hand for kitties that struggle with grooming. It’s a helpful cone, especially if you foster kittens or are currently caring for a litter.

It’s made with lightweight PVC and it’s clear with pink or blue trim, which allows your cat to keep her peripheral vision while wearing it. The neckline is soft and padded to increase comfort while your kitty gets better. One reviewer used two of these for each of her 4.5-month-old kittens after their spay surgeries. She mentioned that she did have to clean up a little for one of her cats after each meal because she would spill some food on the cone but other than that, they held up perfectly over the two-week healing period they had to wear them. One of the kitties took her claws to it and scratched the soft lining to pieces but the cone still held up and did its job!

Several reviewers reported that the collar was too big or too small for their kitten, so measure your pet carefully before placing your order.

Pros and Cons of the PETBABA Cat Cone Collar

Best for Kittens

PETBABA Cat Cone Collar

• Perfect size for kittens
• 4-inch width offers great coverage
• Prevents licking and scratching
• Made of lightweight PVC
• Soft, padded design provides comfortable wear

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4. Most Comfortable: SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone Cat Recovery Collar

If you’re still not sure about using that lampshade design of cat cones, even with softer materials, you’ll love this creative alternative: the SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone Cat Recovery Collar. It’s a cushioned collar that’s super soft and has a rounder shape than others, which allows your kitty to rest easily in any position. It’s a flexible design that holds its place but doesn’t impede your cat’s movement. It’s a lot less stressful for cats because it doesn’t block their vision, doesn’t hinder natural movement, or attempts to eat or drink water, and it’s super comfortable and efficient.

The edges are made with soft fabric instead of a rigid lining so when they’re resting, they don’t have to stay in a specific position. You can also fold it upward or fold it downward depending on the recovery spot. It’s equipped with adjustable loop-type wrist closure fasteners, to tighten or loosen it as required. After your kitty uses this soft cat cone, it might be a little dirty. To get it looking good as new, just throw it in the wash! Aside from the practical design, it’s a lot more colorful and vibrant than traditional cones and can keep your kitty looking cute as a button while she recovers.

One reviewer tried this on her 16.2-pound kitty that had undergone abdominal surgery. Unfortunately, he was really struggling with the cheap paper collar that was applied at the vet. It freaked him out and he would get stuck in the corner of a wall, trying to move, and not understanding why he was stuck. The medications he was on made him a little bit slower and confused and that collar just added to his discomfort. The reviewer loved the microfiber material and how flexible it is. She was able to easily maneuver it so that her cat could keep his peripheral vision while remaining protected. He was able to get to his food and water without any difficulties. Based on this reviewer’s experience, we love this alternative to traditional designs and highly recommend it!

A few pet parents said that their cats managed to slip out of this collar.

Pros and Cons of the SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone Cat Recovery Collar

Most Comfortable

SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone Cat Recovery Collar

• Creative alternative to standard cone design
• Soft, round shape makes it more comfy and manageable
• Flexible design offers protection but doesn't impede movement
• Won't block vision
• Allows for ease of eating and drinking
• Adjustable closure ensures a custom fit

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5. Best Budget-Friendly: Depets Adjustable Recovery Pet Cone E-Collar

When you’re still dazed by the total you paid at the vet, (especially if you don’t have pet insurance) you will be delighted to find the Depets Adjustable Recovery Pet Cone E-Collar. Coming in at less than eight dollars, this adjustable plastic cat cone provides enough depth to prevent your kitty from licking herself. The neck circumference is adjustable, and you can quickly take it on and off, so your cat doesn’t have a stressful experience during the application or during removal. It has a soft fabric edge which makes it breathable and comfortable.

The material is a lightweight plastic, so it won’t weigh your kitty’s head down. One reviewer used this with her three-year-old kitty that kept scratching himself and bleeding right near his eye! She did what she had to do, got this budget-friendly cat cone on him, and he lost all his will to live — for approximately three hours. We love cat owners with a great sense of humor. Anyway, he started to heal very quickly with the antibiotic he was prescribed and after those initial three hours, he figured out how to navigate his way around the house. She left it on for a whole week, removing it three times per day for some cuddles and during meal times.

During this period of removal, she would also quickly wipe it down to clear out any water or food-soaked areas. The plastic was super easy to clean, allowing her to put it back on after they were done with meals, snuggles, and cleaning. She did mention that after he was completely healed, he needed a bath because he was a bit stinky. But the cone did what it was supposed to do and now he’s back to his self-cleaning, free-running, loving, and playful self. She also mentioned that she now uses it to clip his nails because it’s a lot easier when he’s in this submissive position.

A few reviewers reported that the labels were impossible to remove. Their cats were annoyed by the labels and licked them obsessively.

Pros and Cons of the Depets Adjustable Recovery Pet Cone E-Collar

Best Budget-Friendly

Depets Adjustable Recovery Pet Cone E-Collar for Cats

• Adjustable plastic collar ensures a custom fit
• Affordable price tag at less than $8
• Prevents your cat from licking and scratching where it shouldn't
• Soft fabric edge means Kitty will be comfy

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Selecting the best cat cone for your kitty depends on several different factors. Obviously, your budget is a concern. You may not be able to go for a super comfortable splurge option, but you can still pick up a great product with soft lining, and sturdy materials, that will help your kitty heal. While it may not be the most comfortable, it serves a specific purpose and that’s to get your cat back on track. Below are some of the other considerations when deciding on the best cat cone:

Material

The traditional cat cone is made of plastic. This is super easy to clean when eventually your cat spills either liquid medication, food, or water on it. Having something that you can quickly wipe down, even while your cat is wearing it, is super helpful. For cats that are going to be in recovery for a longer period, you may want to consider a different type of fabric. The original comfy cone that we highlighted as our number one pick is made with padded nylon, so it remains sturdy but still offers some softness and flexibility.

The most comfortable cone we highlighted is the SunGrow soft cone. This one is great if your cat tends to be pretty docile and not too fussy. However, a cat that absolutely hates cones and will use all her efforts and energy to get it off may be able to get through it or may be able to fold it back in a way that prevents protection. Deciding on the material is about practicality, comfort, and of course, your budget.

Size

Size is another critical feature. If it doesn’t fit, your cat will be able to slip out of it, and she may re-injure herself. With sizing, you should be able to slip two fingers beneath the neckline of the cone and it should be able to adjust around your cat’s head rather easily. You should be able to gently pull the cone away from your cat’s head to test it—and it should stay put. If it slips off, it’s too loose. With kittens, it can be hard finding a size small enough. That’s why we highlighted an option for kittens in the list above. If you’re not sure about the size, check with your vet and they’ll be able to provide guidance.

Comfort

Whether your kitty is recovering from surgery, or her allergies have flared up and you’re just trying to prevent her from scratching her skin raw, she’s already in an uncomfortable state. No matter what type of cat cone you use, it’s still going to take some getting used to. If all you can afford is a standard plastic cone, that’s completely fine. It’ll work to prevent your cat from injuring herself and although it won’t be comfortable, cats are resilient. Once that cone comes off, she’ll be back to her regular self.

A softer cone is obviously more comfortable, but it should remain sturdy enough to where your cat can’t manipulate it away from her face. Consider your cat’s personality and the length of time she’ll need to be wearing the cone so you can make the best decision. You may initially start with a plastic cone, realize that it’s not quite working for your cat, and switch over to a softer, more comfortable option. Luckily, you have five amazing products to choose from above.

The Different Types of Cat Cones: Pros and Cons Compared

Soft Cat Cone

Plastic Cat Cone

Verified Review: User Experience

The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws is revered by cat owners because of how it offers superior protection with a more flexible approach. For example, this user was ecstatic, sharing that “This thing was a godsend. I was kicking myself for not ordering it in time for my cat’s spay. She had to wear the plastic cone for a few days and watching her morose response to it was heartbreaking. When we switched to this, she was like a new kitty (a cross between a post-spay cat and her old self). It’s definitely a better comfort for a cat than the plastic cone.”

The SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone offers a unique alternative that pet parents love. This user shares her story: “Our cat was attacked by another cat and had a serious abscess on her shoulder. When she came home from the vet, she had drainage tubes and the dreaded “cone” made of plastic. It threw off her equilibrium and made it very hard for her to eat, drink and sleep. This soft cone was awesome! She was able to eat and drink and it didn’t throw off her equilibrium as her whiskers were not confined. She was able to sleep comfortably as well. She has had to wear it for 2 1/2 weeks and doesn’t seem to mind. If your pet needs to wear a cone for any period, I highly recommend this product!”