Elizabethan collar/not using litter box!

I just brought Morrell home from the vets today (has an abscess). They put in a drain, gave him fluids, and he's on antibiotics. pain meds, and has an Elizabethan collar (also had a rabies shot).

I just went up to check on him, and he urinated on the comforter which he was laying on. It was a good amount (soaked through). Is this normal? Is it because he feels so confined with the collar on? He hasn't used the box (fresh litter) that's in the room with him. He also isn't eating/drinking.

I will call the vet tomorrow, but I just wanted some advice about the urinating. How am I going to survive until the drain comes out???? I don't want him to ruin my daughter's floor (but this is the only room I can keep him in where I can easily catch him (and keep him out of the basement, from escaping outside, etc).
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Laurie

I would call the vet as you've mentioned, but I would guess it's just because he's not feeling well.

The only surgeries my cats have had was spay/neuter and their e-collars had no affect on using the litter.

Is it possible for you to remove the collar while supervising him to see if he will eat and drink?

I would say it's because he's not feeling well. Definitely ask the vet, though, and keep us posted!

Originally Posted by lindsaydelores

I would say it's because he's not feeling well. Definitely ask the vet, though, and keep us posted!

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Well, to update everyone. . . I've broken all the rules

Not only did I take the collar off (he was scaring me - cowering in a corner, shaking, not eating, drinking or using the litter box), he escaped his prison in my daughter's room to the basement (He's 15 lbs of fury, and I couldn't stop him!).

He spent yesterday in the basement mostly (terrified of what I would do to him next). He licks around his drain, but has been rather good about not pulling it out (so far anyway). He only needs it for one more day anyway. He's eating again (I put his liquid antibiotic in some tuna juice and he's taking it!!!

I just can't get him to let me irrigate his drain (he growled at me).
I always have to play nurse to the most difficult of kitties. Any of my other 3 would be much easier to contend with. Morrell was a stray/ferral and he is very skittish. I can't hold him when he's well, let alone when he's sick and terrified. I don't have a strong enough personality to show him that I'm boss (for fear that I'll lose a few fingers/limbs!).

I just hope I can get him in his cage on Monday to go back to the vets to have the drain removed.