E Collar Post Spay

Stella was spayed yesterday and got picked up today.  The clinic recommended that an e collar be put on if she tried to lick/bite the incision.  She did, so I picked one up.  How long should I leave it on?  She isn't able to eat or drink very well while wearing it so I removed it for a brief period to allow her to, but once she finished eating she resumed licking the incision.  How can I ensure that she is able to eat and drink?  I don't want to have to keep the collar on her any longer than I have to, but I also don't want her to mess anything up down there.

Oh, and apparently she was in heat.  I guess it was getting to be that time (about 5 months), but she showed absolutely no signs.  I guess that could maybe explain the two orange cats I saw outside my building the other night...

You can try to show her how to eat with it on or if she really can't physically do it you may need to get a different size.

I had to cut 1 1/2" off Rosie's on Monday,  because when she lifted her head her bowls were lifting with the bottom of the cone, but l took it off yesterday and made her a little t shirt from the sleeve of a stretchy top l had.   She feels much better and is able to sleep and eat better   View media item 146309

I fixed the eating problem for the most part (cut a bit off of the cone), but how long should I leave it on her?  She was spayed on Wednesday and still tries to lick the incision when I take it off.  Should I give it until next Wednesday (a full week)? Longer?
 

I left my cats on until the stitches were out, because as soon as l took it off to let them have a break they went to lick the incision and that lead to them pulling at the stitches

Rosiemac said:

I left my cats on until the stitches were out, because as soon as l took it off to let them have a break they went to lick the incision and that lead to them pulling at the stitches

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She does not have any external stitches- they are all internal and there is surgical glue. 

That may be better?!. Me personally  l would still leave it on.  I wouldn't want to risk the wound opening up incase an infection got in.

The best person to ask is your vet though