Cats are adorable animals, and they make great pets. Cats are great because they are very independent animals. They clean and groom themselves, and they use a litter box, so cats don't need to be walked regularly the way that dogs do. While cats make excellent pets, they tend to be mischievous at times. Kittens are very mischievous, and many cats can be as well.
Cats get into plenty of things, and many like to chew on electrical cords. Unfortunately, this can be very dangerous. Chewing on wires can be a choking hazard and can cause oral burns or electrocution, which can be deadly.
Why Do Cats Chew On Electrical Cords?
There are a few different reasons why a kitten or a cat will start chewing on electrical cords. These include:
- Kittens are curious, and they enjoy exploring their environment. While exploring, a kitten will start to chew on electrical cords.
- When a kitten or cat chews on an electrical cord for the first time, they can enjoy the way that it feels. This will make them want to chew electrical wires more often in the future.
- Some kittens or cats will chew on wires because they are bored. If they have are looking for fun things to do, a kitten or a cat might find chewing on electrical wires enjoyable.
- If an older cat suddenly starts chewing on wires, it could mean that he has a dental issue. It could also mean that the cat has a nutritional deficiency.
- Stress can make your cat have the urge to chew. There are several situations that a cat can find stressful. Introducing a new pet into the home can be difficult for your cat. The same is true if you bring a new baby home. If you recently moved to a new home, your cat will be stressed until they get used to their new surroundings.
How To Stop Your Cat From Chewing On Electrical Cords
Because it can be very dangerous for a cat to chew on electrical cords, it is up to you to take the necessary steps to prevent him from doing so. There are a few things that you can do to keep your cat safe.
- Cover the cords: If your kitten or cat cannot get to the cords, they won't be able to chew. You can wrap the wires in PVC or use a rubber cord protector. The cat may still chew on the covering, but there will be no risk of electrocution or injury.
- Spray the cords: There are certain smells that cats don't like, such as citrus and bitter apple. If you spray the cords with citrus or bitter apple spray, your cat won't like the smell, and he will stay away. It is essential that you spray the wires regularly to keep your cat away.
- Create a distraction: When you see that your cat is chewing on electrical cords, you should take him away and distract him with toys. When your cat chooses the toy over the electrical wire, praise him. Over time, he will learn that it is not acceptable to chew on wires.
- Buy a CritterCord: A CritterCord is designed specifically to keep cats away from cords. It is a second cord that is infused with a citrus scent. This will keep your cat from wanting to chew on the electrical wires.
- Play with your cat often: If your cat is chewing on wires out of boredom, you should provide more playtime for your cat. If you don't have the time to spend playing with your cat one-on-one, you can buy him some interactive toys. These toys are great because the cat can have fun with them on his own.
- Schedule an appointment with your vet: If your older cat has suddenly developed a habit of chewing on wires, you should call the vet. If the issue is related to his teeth or a vitamin deficiency, he can be treated, and the chewing should stop.
- Protect both household cords and pets alike
- Heavy Guage protects cords
Cats may be independent animals, but they don't always know right from wrong. Cats and kittens don't understand that they can be seriously harmed when chewing on electrical cords, so it is up to you to protect them. The sooner you take action, the safer your cat will be.
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API