Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet Clinic
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Can my cat wear a donut soft collar instead of an e collar after an entropian eye surgery?

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and could really use some advice. My sweet cat, Whiskers, just had entropian eye surgery to correct her inward-facing eyelashes, which were causing her so much discomfort. The vet sent her home with one of those hard plastic e-collars, and she absolutely hates it. She looks so miserable, and it breaks my heart to see her struggling with it. I've read about those inflatable donut soft collars and was wondering if they would be a suitable alternative? Has anyone else had success with using the donut collar in a situation like this? I just want to make sure she's comfortable while still keeping her from messing with her eyes. Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Answer:

Hello there! It's great that you're thinking carefully about your cat's comfort after surgery. Entropion surgery can be a bit uncomfortable for our feline friends, so it’s important to protect their healing eyes from them scratching or pawing.



Using a soft donut collar instead of the traditional e-collar can often be a suitable alternative, especially if your cat finds the latter too cumbersome. Donut collars are typically more comfortable and less restrictive, allowing your cat to eat, drink, and move around more naturally.



However, it's essential to ensure that the donut collar is the right size. It needs to be wide enough so that your cat can’t reach its eyes with its paws. Some cats are adept at maneuvering, and if they can reach or rub their eyes, it could interfere with the healing process.



At home, keep an eye on your feline friend for excessive scratching or pawing at the collar, as well as any redness, swelling, or discharge from the eyes, which might indicate an issue. If you notice any of these or if your cat seems unusually lethargic, it might be time to consult a vet.



To ensure the best recovery, I recommend booking a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. We can provide personalized advice and check your cat's post-surgery progress. Wishing your kitty a speedy recovery!

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 20, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Dog has mysterious fever and 2 diagnosis in a few days
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat sometimes drooling after tooth extraction?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hole under my neutered cat's testicles.
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat with food allergy- atopica next step. Should I get second opinion?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links