Tips to Stop Your Cat from Chewing Wires

Although it seems that your cat has an obsession with house wiring, their taste is not only for this element. When cats start teething they will chew and bite anything that comes into sight and more so if it hangs and sways from somewhere. This is because they think it is a game or a toy.

Most cats overcome this problematic behavior from their second year. However, if not completely eliminated at this stage of life, it can become an obsessive habit. You will have to keep the kitten and house safe. Chewing a power cord that is plugged in can burn your cat's tongue, break their teeth and electrocute them; leading to internal damage or even death.

If your cat is an adult and continues with this behavior, even though they have long left the teething stage behind, they may be very bored. Cats, although homely, need a lot of activity and play. If your bored cat goes crazy with cables and not only delicately plays with them but also chews and break them, divert their attention. Distract them with toys that simulate fun and challenge, through interaction with their human family. For example, simple boxes, linens, fabrics and soft animal toys are loved by cats. For more information, do not miss our article on the 5 toys cats love the most.

More seriously, a reason your cat is chewing cables can be related to their dental health or diet. A trip to the vet is recommended to ensure their teeth are well maintained and their daily dietary needs are met.

It is likely you have all the ingredients at home to make the following simple and powerful magic potions that will help keep your cat away from cables. If not, you can buy them in any store or supermarket. To know how to stop your cat chewing and biting wires take note of the following recipe:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of Vaseline with 2 teaspoons of acidic lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of ground red pepper.
  
  

Spread this mixture on all the exposed electrical wires in your home. Although cats are attracted to smells they hate the taste of sour lemon and the itchiness of a strong pepper (warm-blooded animals avoid them). Vaseline acts as an adherent of the mixture to the cable and helps keep it compact.

Although not the most aesthetically pleasing, while you are in the process of eliminating this behavior in your cat, wrap all wires in foil with double-sided tape (the grey-silver color) or use bubble wrap. Cats do not usually like the sound and effect of the bursting bubbles. Rubber covers can work well too.

As always, AnimalWised recommends prevention. We know that virtually every household in the world will have some hanging electrical wires. Yet, it is very important to do everything possible to prevent this behavior - especially if you have animals and children. Make sure your home is safe for your pet and your family.

First, put away all video game console controls, try using wireless headphones and block the spaces in your home where the cat shows interest. Second, any cable must be wrapped tightly and hidden behind furniture. You can use the wire fixtures used in bread bags to make the cables shorter and prevent long sections from hanging (as this will call their attention). Avoid the snake and pendulum effects at all costs. You can avoid these temptations using a bit of tape to pull the cables out of the way and sticking them to the wall.

Follow our tips to stop your cat from chewing on the wires and see how, gradually, they will abandon this habit that causes a lot of damage to both animal and home.

If you want to read similar articles to Tips to Stop Your Cat from Chewing Wires, we recommend you visit our Behavioral problems category.