No Sewing! Ditch the Cone of Shame for FREE

Have a cat (or dog) that just got fixed? Or has some kind of need to not groom to let healing take place? This can possibly even work as a thunder or calming jacket.
This project is for you.

This covers the instructions for the T-shirt method, but can be easily altered when a sock of stretchy fabric is what is available.
If using fabric, make sure there is a few inches of extra fabric at each end (neck and tail) to roll and pin for security.
If making with a sock the heel ends up where the chest just below the neck. Also, cut the end of the sock toe area for the head to fit through, and eliminate the cut in the back.
Socks are harder to wrestle on the animal, but usually do not need safety pins :)

Supplies

1. An old tube sock, t-shirt, or stretchy fabric.
2. 6 or 8 safely pins or more for a larger animal (If using a T- or fabric)
3. An animal in need

Step 1: T-shirt Method

Remove sleeves and front from the T-shirt. The one here is an (outgrown) children’s size 4t for reference.
The front can also be used, but the neck is higher on the back. More coverage is generally better.
Save the scraps in case a new one is needed or the first one is not a good fit.

Step 2: Folding the Fabric

With the inside facing up, fold both long edges together to overlap a bit in the center.
Then fold it again on the center line.

Step 3: Cut “Arm” Holes

About 3 inches down from the neck, cut through the folds in small semicircle . The one pictured is roughly an inch. Every cut will stretch out, so start smaller than you think is needed.
At this point, you may open it up to inspect it it wanted.

Step 4: the Final Cut

Measure the distance between the front and back legs. Make sure the animal is not scrunched up like the one pictured. If it is, you may end up cutting a bit more out of a set of holes to fit the length properly. We did :)
If the fabric got unfolded, refold it the way it was folded for the first holes, the repeat the cuts the measured length away from the front holes.

Step 5: Suit Up

It really helps to have a second pair of hands with this step.
Lay the new “coat” on the floor and set your beloved pet’s legs into the holes and slide it to the body.

Make sure all elbows and knees are outside the holes for proper movement

Note: it f doing the sock method, start at the head scrunching it down the neck until the face pops through, then start tucking the front legs through. Shimmy down the body and tuck in the back legs..

Step 6: Securing the Coat

As the coat is pulled up to the middle of the back pull snug (but not too tight). You should be able to fit two fingers between the coat and pet at both the neck end and back end of the top as you apply safety pins all along the back. See second image for fingers fit.
Use as many safety pins as needed to keep it secure.

Step 7: Final Alterations

Go over the whole coat making sure it covers everything snuggly without covering too far into the tail area. The pet should be able to eliminate without soiling the coat.
Roll down the collar area if wanted and safety pin in place if needed.
Tuck up and safety pin lower area if too close to the elimination area.

Step 8: Enjoy the Show

Have your video camera ready.
Your pet may become a drama queen upon donning the suit. Legs won’t work. They may roll around trying to rub it off. If you are really lucky they may even pretend they cannot eat. They are fine. Give them a distraction like a favorite treat or toy and watch the miraculous recovery. . . until they remember the suit is still on.

Comments

[randofo]

What I really want to know, how do you convince your cat to put that on?

[PeacefulHappyLife]

Lol, tuna?

[oluwatumila-akinsode]

Tuna does the trick. LOL

[kmmich]

I used a sock: cut off the foot part, cut away the toes and two holes for front paws. I pulled it over my cat's head and to my surprise, the paws popped right in place. Pick a sturdy, tightly knit sock though. In about 24 hours she had been scratching her back so much the sock turned all fluffy. Maybe next time I'd add a hole on the back to make it a little less tight and for her to be able to scratch her shoulders...

[PeacefulHappyLife]

Good idea about the “pressure release” hole. It seems like it would work great as long as it does not get too stretched out and allow access to the protected area.
Thank you for posting. I love that idea :)