Problem with cat chewing on cords?

Question

I have a 7-year old cat (domestic short hair - aka common house cat) that chews through electrical power cords, plastic shopping bags, plastic hoses - basically anything plastic that he can get in his mouth, and has for the past 5 years.

He has a companion cat, is relatively active (you know, for a cat), is otherwise very healthy. Neither cat goes outside and they both eat a good diet of Iams Adult Cat Food (dry, very rarely they get a little wet food).

So, what would cause a cat to chew on cords? I have gone through countless computer keyboards, printers and mice, several lamps, a couple of coffee makers, a blender and at least two toasters - all of these things are plugged in and have live power going through them. If he has gotten shocked, it doesn't seem to phase him.

Any help on why or how to solve this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Boredom, maybe? If I'm in our office, one of our cats will chew cords if I don't pay attention to him. I generally either give him some attention or get his attention with a toy. Do you have plenty of toys around for him? It can be a nutritional deficiency, but Iams is a decent food, so I don't think it's that.

Here's some more ideas:

To handle the cord situation itself, you need to devise a way to cover the cords, discourage access to them, or make them unpalatable for chewing.

Cover the cords: Many computer supply stores carry pre-split hollow tubing for covering cords and electrical wires, as well as kits for managing computer cords. If you're handy with a utility knife, you can purchase flexible poly tubing in several diameters, in most building supply or hardware stores. Slit one side of the tubing, then cut it to length for each cord. You might also try larger "corrugated" tubing to run several wires through, if that works for you.

Discourage access to the cords: Try applying several rows of double-sided sticky tape to the floor surrounding a large cord tangle (such as frequently happens with computers). Cats will be reluctant to walk across the tape. Another excellent tool for keeping cats out of any undesirable area is the SssCat! cannister by Multivet. This product is a three-pronged training tool which works with a motion detector atop the cannister which triggers a high-pitched alarm and a quick spray of harmless material. It's a lot more expensive than bitter apple spray, but well worth the cost in its versatility for training purposes.

Make the Cords Taste Bad: By far one of the best training tools for any kind of destructive chewing is bitter apple spray. It is guaranteed to leave a bad taste in your cats mouth, one that he won't long forget.

Good luck!

Answer 2

This sounds just like my husbands cat that we personally adopted 5 years ago! We spent lots of money the first year replacing things, lol. For example, the mouse cord to the computer - he chewed through that at least 4 times. So, what did we do? We bought a wireless mouse this time! Some things cant be bought wireless though, which makes it difficult. So, we though of a few things that could hopefully help you too. First of all, there is this spray that they sell at most pet stores that is meant for chewing animals. You spray this stuff on cords, and it is supposed to taste bitter. This stuff really does work, and he stopped chewing on most things. Another thing we did was buy cord wrap. I wish i knew about this sooner too! I bought the cord wrap from Lowes Hardware, and I am sure they sell it other places too. It looks like insulation tube that fits around the cords - no chewing possible! Our poor kitty was having chewing withdrawals too, so we bought him lots of toys that made crinkle sounds that he could chew. :)

Answer 3

That's not just dangerous for the cat, but for everyone. My friends had a cat that chewed on the Xmas tree lights cord while they were out shopping. Burnt down their brand new house. The cat survived. They even kept the darn pyro.
This question keeps coming up on Answers; you'll find a lot of suggestion by doing a search within Yahoo Answers. I like the one about wrapping the cords in aluminum foil.

Answer 4

Whatever the reason, you need to take affirmative steps to stop this, because the next cord he chews on could be a potent power cord. If he did get a shock, your question would probably be quite different.

There is a product that you can find called Bitter Apple. Just do a Google search and you will find plenty of places that sell it, if you cannot find it locally. You may find it in the dog training section of a pet store, but it works also for cats.

You spray cords, etc., and most cats will not want to chew on anything coated with Bitter Apple.

Answer 5

It's a wonder the cat hasn't been electrocuted! My cats will chew on plastic shopping bags and mesh onion bags,but not cords.I would try putting a thin coating of Tabasco sauce or Bitter Apple on the cords,and see if that will deter him,and when he goes toward the cords,clap your hands and yell "NO!",then give him a toy or a treat to redirect him attention to something else. You might also get him some Kitty Greens at the pet store to nibble on.

Answer 6

Get a spray bottle and mix half white vinigor and half water. If you can catch the cat in the act spray him, they hate the scent. You could also spray around the cord or the cord(do it when it has time to dry incase you get the plug wet).
Ps. I wouldn't feed Iams, it had been one of the recalled pet foods that was killing pets but it's just my opinion that foods like Ekanuba, Iams and Science Diet arn't worth buying you never know if it happened once it could happen again.

Answer 7

Buy some other things that they can chew on.

The pet store has toys and things that are meant for cats to chew on.

This may be a way that GOD designed for them to clean their teeth, by chewing on things.

dave

Answer 8

My cat always took the cords out of the socket and I feared he would electricute himself.

It's your' cat's way of saying, 'Pay attention to me stupid'. Short fix's are put hairspray on the cords. Usually the best way to stop 'em is to keep them entertained ... even while u're on Y!A

Answer 9

PICA:Pica is the persistent craving and compulsive eating or chewing of non-food substances.

see your vet for this...thanks
and good luck