One of our cats is at the vets at the moment. He is having an operation tonight to remove a tumour from his ear, which will hopefully turn out to be benign. He will also need to be kept isolated, in our small one bedroom flat, from the other two cats for 2 days, and supervised for another week or two after, and will be wearing a collar during that time so he doesn't scratch.
He is old (13 years) and hates change, so this is difficult enough for him... any tips on how to feed him (I'd rather not take off the collar, as it would be very difficult to put back on), make him more comfortable, and minimise bullying by the other cats? They usually get on well, though there has been a slight struggle for "top cat of the household" over the last few months, as the sick cat is getting older and slower....
Do you allow "grazing" or do you have set times to feed your cats?
I'd say you will probably have to hand-feed the poor tyke for a few days until the collar can be removed.. but having never used one of those devices, I couldn't say for sure.
I have been reading a bit around about the collars. I haven't seen any indications that will cause the cats to have problems eating or drinking.. just prevent them from injuring themselves with scratching, etc.
Posts: 9088 | Location: PA, USA | Registered: 06-05-02
We give them dry kibbles, and there is always food in the bowls and water beside it.
Yeah I reckon we will need to spoon feed him at least for a few days. I never actually had a cat needing a collar, but from seeing them at the vets, it looks like they are a good bit "taller" than the head, thus a cat couldn't reach the food dish. Though, I suppose we could put his bowl onto a cone or something to make it easier to reach.
Do you have a cage large enough for him to spens the day in? One that he could move around in. That would stop any chance of the other cats bullying him.
Providing the bowls you use are small enough to allow the collar to fit over the sides of them, you shouldn't have a problem even if it's "taller" than his head. (Though it shouldn't be too much taller. They certainly haven't been on any animals that I've owned or seen wearing them.)
