Why does my cat chew electrical cords?
Compared to dogs, cats are less likely to chew electrical cords. However, you will see cats nibble and play with cables from time to time. This is usually prevalent in teething kittens as they try to keep using their forming teeth. Keep kittens from chewing cords, especially since it may prove very dangerous.
Another reason you have to stop your cat from chewing cords is that it may cause to expose the wires, which may cause electrical shortages or random sparks. These scenarios are dangerous for the cats and yourself as compromised wiring can lead to a fire.
There are numerous ways to keep cats from chewing cords. Before diving into that, we must first understand why they do it. For the most part, cats can be bored or curious with the sensation of having the wires in their mouths. Young cats, in particular, have a strong urge to chew and nibble with their teeth. This behavior is more common in cats under two years old.
You will need to be extra observant since cats can get electrocuted and shocked once they’ve chewed their way to the middle of the wire. Cats chewing on cords are susceptible to electrical burns, choking, and oral wounds.
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How to stop cats from chewing cords?
To stop cats from chewing cords, you must find a way to distract them. Play with your cat regularly to engage them in interacting with you. By diverting their attention to you, you can keep the cats from chewing cords. Set a time each day to play with your cats to establish a play routine. This continued reinforcement of behavior will signal your cat’s sense of familiarity and comfort. Instead of attacking the cables, they will look forward to playing with you every day.
Leverage their hunting instincts by introducing wands and fake mice. Since these are mostly made of rubber, they could be a solid alternative to the flexible material on the wires. Other rubber toys can be used to take their minds away from the dangerous cables.
Setup scratching posts in easy-to-reach places to entice your cat to play on them. Cats may be more interested in scratching the posts than chewing electrical cords. Aside from scratching towers, you can introduce cardboards and other play areas for your cats to focus on. The idea is to drive their interest away from the cords and into these more fun apparatus.
Lastly, you can cat-proof your wires to make them less desirable for cats to chew. You can use plastic wraps to cover the cables and protect them from your cat’s sharp teeth. Apply deterrents that could be sprayed on the wires. Cats have a highly sensitive sense of smell and often avoid areas that can be offensive to their noses.
Other options to cat-proof your wirings can be Velcro wraps, double-tape, and motion-activated sprays. If you can hide your wires well enough for your cat to find it bothersome to chew, then that would decrease its chances of being mangled by your pet. You must always be innovative in separating your cat from your wires. Frequently check your wires to be sure, as your cat may be chewing them whenever you’re not around.
What to do if my cat Is chewing cords?
Sometimes, even if you do your best to keep cats from chewing cords, they will find a way to make it happen. As a pet owner, you must be prepared to find your cat gnawing away at your electrical cords.
When you catch your cat chewing cords, the first thing to do is to firmly and loudly reprimand them. A sharp vocal signal will indicate that their behavior evokes a negative feeling from you.
Do not forcibly and hastily pull your cat from the cords, as the sudden movements may cause them to panic. This will increase the risk of further injury to the cat. Instead, gently but firmly remove your cat and the cords away from each other. Check if the line is currently plugged in. Remove it immediately if it is. Take care that you don’t get scratched or bitten. You must also be cautious of exposed wires from where the cat has chewed off. Do not touch it as it may electrocute you.
Once you’ve separated the cat from the cords, remove your cat to a different room. Hide the cables immediately to an area where your cat can’t access them. Distract your cat with food or toys to keep them engaged.
How do you stop the kitty from chewing cords?
While potentially dangerous, cats would often go back to chewing cables even after being reprimanded. Chewing and biting are cats’ instincts when exploring their surroundings. However, there are ways to keep cats from chewing in the long term.
As a pet owner, you need to be firm when training to stop the kitten from chewing cords. Here are a few ways to effectively distract and stop your cat from chewing cords:
Buy teething toys for your cat
The most common reason cats chew at cords is because they are teething. Many pet owners who have this problem have kittens or cats below two years old. Introduce to them a wide selection of teething toys. Mouse toys come in all shapes and sizes. Some are made of rubber, while others have plush-like material. This heightens the hunting experience for the kittens. Allow your cat to have fun while they are teething. If they grow bored, they’re more inclined to explore dangerous items such as electric cords.
Change your cat’s diet
Diet could be a factor in why your cat wants to chew cords. If they aren’t getting enough nutrients, they may start eating wires as an alternative. Introduce a diet with high animal protein and low plant-based carbohydrates. Cats are carnivores, so they naturally welcome this kind of diet. Supervise your cat’s diet to keep it from chewing cords and other items.
Spend more quality time with your cat
Cats will chew on cords simply because they’re bored. Without enough interaction, cats would find ways to entertain themselves. If your cat feels left alone, their instinct would tell them to try new things. This may drive well-mannered cats to try something they don’t usually do, like chewing cords. Make sure to provide your cat with ample quality time. Give them a specific time of the day for play or even a cuddle. This will minimize the tendencies of risky cord-chewing behavior.
Take your cat to the vet
If all else fails and your cat remains adamant in chewing your electrical cords, it’s probably time to bring your cat to the vet. Cats unable to stop this behavior may be suffering from too much stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pica eating disorder, or a cat’s compulsion to eat things with no nutritional value. In these rare cases, professional medical intervention is warranted. Bring your cat to your trusted veterinarian and explain your cat’s predicament to him. The vet will assess the situation and provide you with the necessary course of action to improve your cat’s health.
