Cat recovery from an abscess - how to care? Pls help

[Falaffeleybollocks]

Our very fighty neutered Tom got a cat bite and an abscess last week. Vet drained and gave 2 week antibiotic. Cat then managed to lick site and wound became open.
He's now being kept in with cat cone securely on at all times while the site heals but is distressed a lot. Vet told us to give morphine and that was about it. First cat, first experience of an injury how to keep him comfortable and when do we know he's well enough to take the collar off and let him out?
Tia

I know it's very worrying for you to see him distressed, but it's just a case of waiting for the healing process. Cats generally heal quickly, so hopefully you'll be able to remove the cone in a few days. When my cats have had cones, I have actually removed them when I can see what they're doing, ie not licking wound, and then put the cone back on when I'm not with them. Hope he gets better very soon

Can you keep him occupied with a catnip toy and play time?

I would also suggest removing the cone while you are around and see what he does.