cat decides chewing electric cords (danger) is more fun than scratching furniture. how do I make her stop?

Question

This is an adult (1-2 yr) black and white tuxedo cat, spayed female. I got her in September from a shelter. At the time, she did not chew wires. But about 2 months later she chewed through some and damaged more. She continued to do this intermiittently, but now it is an obsession. She is watching me right now and is staring at her next objective: a lamp cord. I do not know how to make her stop. Can anyone tell me what t do to stop this?
Thank you
Camilla

Answer 1

I agree with the hot sauce on the cords. Although, there are repellents in pet shops that you can spray on the cords to stop your cats from biting the cords. The only thing is with the repellent, you have to use it every 24 hours as it wears off after that. Trust me, I have seen cats that have done that and got seriously hurt. One cat stays in my mind the most. He got half his face disfigured because of biting on electrical cords. So, either go with the hot sauce or the cat repellent. But, do it soon. Hope this helps out.

Answer 2

Hi Camilla...for deterring inappropriate cat behaviour around electrical wires consider using a cable wire loom to bundle up the the wires. The loom is very inexpensive and not only does it prevent the cat from tangling in the wires, but also tidies the area up as well. You should be able to find some of these at local hardware stores or order these online. Cable Organizer Wire Loom: http://cableorganizer.com/wire-loom/

For the wires that are difficult to bundle consider using either apple cider vinegar or ara pet-friendly deterrent spray-on product called Grannick's Bitter Apple® http://www.grannicks.com usually found worldwide at most pet stores. It is a citrusy scent that once a cat tastes will generally avoid those areas which have that particular odour. Rather than directly spray these onto the wires and plugs, first unplug the surge suppressor then mist the solution on your hand to coat the wires manually.

Answer 3

hide as many cords in the house as you can, and (i suggest this to everyone with cats with strange behaivors) if you think its an anxious or nervous habit, where she might randomly feel uncomfortable in the house, then get her some Feliway air freshener. You can't smell it, but it helps calm cats down. My cats used to not use the box, and race around the house, but with Feliway they act normal. I've read the box, and it says it helps calm nervous cats, which can eliminate spraying and other habits such as that.

Answer 4

Put a little hot sauce on a paper towel and run it down your power cords. Don't soak them as this could be dangerous but just enough to make it taste terrible to your cat.

Answer 5

You're right...it's very dangerous. All I can think of is coating all your cords in something that tastes nasty.....maybe that stuff people use to stop biting their nails?

It would be a pain and you might have to do it more than once, until she learns, but better than a fried kitty.

Answer 6

i had the same problem with my rabbit. one thing you could do is to make it so the cables are placed or held in a place were your cat can't get them, for example, behind a table or desk.
there is always the way of squirting the cat with water when she nibbles, but thats kind of mean. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Yeah use that stuff people use to stop chewing their nails.

Answer 8

if you smell burning fur then you will know your cat has given up on this habit