Any hints and tips for coping with a cat in a cone of shame?

[FoxesOnSocks]

Just back from vets - he has a cone and is NOT happy. Also he doesn't use a litter tray so I've that issue too

What can I do?

OK few things here if he doesn't normally use a litter tray indoors this will be the first challenge. If he has a undressed wound don't use soil (this is normally recommended for outdoor cats) if the wound is on the pad the litter might be uncomfortable so it might be worth using shredded paper.
If your watching him most vets are happy for you to remove the collar just to allow him to eat or toilet but put it back on afterwards or when your not with him.
If he hasn't urinated in 24hrs call ur vets and look out for signs of problems ( crying when touching his abdomen or obsessive Licking at his tummy). There is a difference between him not urinating and not wanting to so just allow him a bit of privacy for this. I am guessing you have been given some pain medication for him to take? Make sure he gets it correctly and this will rule out pain problems. Overall there are many different types of collars you can get (inflatable, soft collars and see through collars) but see what your vet says as by your post it may not be a long term problem. Try to hand feed him if your are not happy to remove the collar for food, maybe something he loves just so he gets something nice. Good luck op

Tray is in a quite a place as I can put it, unfortunately I don't have a room separate from the main living area or kitchen, so I've it by the back door. The wound in top of the bottom part of his hind leg - if the makes sense

It's not the exact same litter (as I got it on line before) but it's very similar). I'll keep an eye on him.

We've always had litter trays inside so the cats - even the outside-going ones - have always known exactly what they're for. (Even the outside-going boys are kept in at night though.)

When is he due to go to the vet?

As Jayne said, don't leave it too long. If the appointment is a bit off, you might want to give his vet a wee buzz.

Tomorrow morning first thing. He has to fast from tonight.

I kept the litter tray for about out 10 months but he just didn't use it ever.

If they give you another hard collar can you ask them to provide a soft collar.(they may have to order you one in if they don't commonly use them) just keep trying with the litter tray like I said it's not that he can't go he is choosing not to. Also keep a eye out as he may go somewhere else in the house.

Back from vets (no stitches needed) and he has absolulty not used the litter tray (I've now two set up) his bladder was very full so vet advised seeing FoxesCat hadn't eaten yet to let him out then entice him back for breakfast.

He went out. Sat in the back garden face to the wind for about 15 minutes then came back in. Didn't go to the loo at all. .

The awkward so and so.

When he's had the cone off has he bothered the wound at all? When my kitten was neutered she couldn't wear the cone, as her head was too small, and it would have stopped her eating and drinking. We took it off and kept a close eye on her. She didn't take any notice at all of her stitches, and healed up really well. Maybe its worth trying him without it for a bit, to see how he gets on?

I did. He licked it, but wasn't at it too much.

Trying to entice him back in now (sent him out again to wee). Anyone would think cats were difficult...

Try some of this
www.amazon.co.uk/Wrap-Cohesive-Bandage-Dressing-Purple/dp/B005FWDT2Y
Good for tail/limb/paw injuries

I've had cats for almost 40 years and it was only when we had the last 2 neutered 3 years ago that we were offered the cone of shame, which we didn't actually use.
Never been necessary

My boys won't tolerate them, I'm afraid. They're one of their 'lines in the sand' along with pills.

I've been lucky in that they've not had procedures which absolutely required them so I've always been - or had someone - with them to ensure they don't worry a wound and got away with it. (I also always ensure that they have decent pain relief, to help take their minds off things.) The odd cleansing lick I don't really worry about,

Right the little brat is finally back and obviously emptied of wee - the breakfast withholding evidently didn't work as he came in and ate nowt - highly suspicious he went off and got fed elsewhere (which is leading to him getting fatter) he's crashed out on my bed. I'll leave the cone off as it's just stressing him out and he doesn't sleep (once again slept right up next to me last night - whilst I like getting affection for my cat I don't like thinking he's stressed)

Ah.

Did he pee outside, somewhere?

I had the same situation with the litter tray back in February. No cone though as his op was on back of neck.

He was supposed to be kept in for 10 days and he was going crazy. Meowing at every door, back and forth. In the end DH suggested putting the tray in the front porch and dear cat did use it but only once. Then moved it to the bathroom and he used it a few times.

Still meowed a lot and in the end the vet said to let him out and that was fine.

I used a couple of different litters and it was the wood pellet one he used.

Hope he gets better soon.

Might be a good idea to still keep one of the trays around permanently if you can. He'll likely use it as soon as he doesn't have to!