If your dog or cat has ever had to wear the dreaded “cone” after undergoing a medical procedure, you know that most animals are not the biggest fan of the device. Although it’s designed to keep pets safe by stopping them from licking or biting a wound or incision, they can also make them pretty uncomfortable. The traditional cone limits their range of motion, and it can also make it difficult for your pet to eat and drink. It may also impact their ability to see and hear.
If your pet struggles with the cone, there is actually a pretty easy DIY alternative to keep your furry friend comfortable while they recover at home. You can make your pet a “jacket” out of an old t-shirt, and it can cover wounds or scars just like the cone.
The DIY site Instructables has a complete tutorial on how to make a jacket for your pet. To get started, all you need is a t-shirt or other piece of material, scissors, a marker and four safety pins.
For a medium cat, your material needs to about 20 inches square, and you’ll need to size up or down accordingly, depending on the size of your pet. The author notes that the jacket should fit snugly without being too tight.
Rather than restricting their head, the jacket covers a wound or incision on their belly or back so that your pet cannot get to it. (The jacket looks like it may not stop your kitty from reaching her front paws.)
Facebook user Joel Campbell used the method to make a jacket for his cat, and it looks like it turned out pretty perfect. Instead of using safety pins, he created ties from his t-shirt.
“How to cut an old t-shirt to make a jacket for critters recovering with stitches to keep them from chewing and scratching them,” he wrote alongside photos of the finished jacket and his cat wearing it.
The Instructables author says it’s OK if they lick or bite the material, but if they actually bite or lick through it, the cone may be your only option. It’s worth a try, though! Would you make one of these jackets for your pet?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
