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My cat's allergies are healing. Is it safe to remove his cone?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 11.6 lbs

My cat has had a cone collar on for about the past month or so. Reason being was that his food allergies made him so itchy that we scratched both sides of his mouth open.. The cone was the only thing to stop him from touching it. Currently his face I would say is 90% healed. Just needs some more hair to grow in those areas. He is on his prescription food and on a steroid from his vet to combat itching. Is it safe to remove it? I just worry that all progress will be lost if he scratches it open.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2017

Hi there! Poor Bosco, allergies are rough! I always encourage my clients to keep the cone on until they see everything at the point we want to get it-that is 95-100% better (general aim). If he has not progressed that far yet and the food hasn't had time to work properly (I am unsure by your post how long you have been on your diet trial) and you remove the cone it may all be for naught. I generally give the food trials at least 30 days. The steroids will definitely help and if your vet has given you clearance to remove the cone-you can always do it on a trial basis. If he starts scratching again-back on with it! Hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You can start by taking it off only when you are there to supervise his actions. If he returns to scratching, then it must go back on and try again in a few days. If he leaves it all while you are there and does not scratch he can enjoy his freedom, but I would not leave it off while you are not there until he has proven over several times he has no interest in scratching.

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