Can kittens eat with an Elizabethen collar on? Or do I have to remove it first?

Hi. My 16 week old kitten, Misha, is getting spayed on Monday. The vet suggested an Elizabethan collar for afterwards. My other 2 cats didn't wear one after their surgeries, but Comet, my 1yr old cat, developed an infection at her spay sight last year, so I'm thinking Misha should get one, since I don't want to chance an infection.

Can kittens eat with one of those things on? Thanks in advance for answering.

In theory, they can eat with an E-collar on, but in practice almost all cats (in my experience, at least) do better if you remove it for meals.

You may find Misha's happier in a post surgery jacket than a collar - that was going to be my choice when my girl got spayed (long story - but when they shaved her for surgery they found she already had a spay scar :lol3: ). More expensive, but worth considering if you have the funds

I've never heard of a post surgery jacket, so I'm off to google it. Thank you for responding.

They're called medical shirts. Here's one web site: http://medicalpetshirts.com/ A small dog t shirt or a baby onesie will also work.

A collar post-spay is not necessary at all. Infections are very rare.

Dollar store has tiny dog t shirts I used one on one small kitty to prevent licking after flea treatment

worked fine.

 * love your member name  Life with 3 cats 

Another member made a shirt for her cat post spay. Here are the instructions she shared: http://www.instructables.com/id/Superior-post-surgical-feline--canine-appliance

Thank you so much for all of your ideas! I really appreciate it. I looked up the jackets and they're $30, which in and of itself isn't expensive, but for a one-time use it's more than what I was expecting to spend. I'm going to see about getting a onesie at the store this weekend. I haven't bought one of those in a long time. I looked at the link on how to make them, but I can barely sew a button so for the cat's sake, and mine, I'll go with the onesie.

I'm going to miss her come Monday night. She has to spend the night. I hate the thought of her in a cage hearing unfamiliar noises, especially barking dogs. She'll probably be scared to death and wondering where her family is at. I know, I'm a big baby. But it is how I feel.

Thanks again for responding to me.