How to get cat to stop chewing wires

A dangerous household item cats often chew is electrical cord and wire. As with plastic bags, cats can find the oral sensation of chewing on cords pleasant. Kittens in particular can chew cords as part of their exploratory development. Chewing on cords is a dangerous activity that should be actively prevented as it presents a choking hazard, as well as the possibility of injury and death from electrocution. It also can obviously damage your household electronics and cause electrical fires.

What’s so great about chewing cords?

One reason that cats will chew cords can be related to their dental health, and if you find your cat engaging in these activities, a trip to the veterinarian to make sure her teeth are in good order is important. You may also want to discuss with your veterinarian your cat’s diet, as chewing on odd objects can be a symptom of insufficiency in daily dietary needs. Finally, boredom can be a major factor in habits like these. You should adopt a plan combining management (to keep your cat safe) and enrichment (to engage physical and mental needs).

Tips to keep your cat from chewing cords.

Consider wrapping cords in rubber covers that can be purchased at most stores that sell electrical and home repair supplies. Putting the cords inside PVC tubing is also an option. You can also rub them with a citrus scent, which cats dislike and will avoid.
Providing your cats with enrichment will play a big role in dissuading them from chewing inappropriate items. Miranda K. Workman, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and Adjunct Professor of Animal Learning at Canisius College, communicated to me, “Addressing a cat’s sensory needs: smell, taste, texture and sound.” If your cat likes chewing on cords, find items in your local pet store that approximate those sensations, such as rubber chew toys. Look for items that are different from these as well, so your cats are able to enjoy a wide variety of textures and sounds when they chew and play. Says Workman, “I even use puppy Nylabones® as chew toys for very orally focused cats.”
Increase your daily play with your cat as well, which can help tire your cat out both physically and mentally. Look for toys that require you to be engaged with the play, such as “fishing wand” type toys. Interactive food toys, where your cat has to hunt for food within the toy, are also a way to engage feline minds and bodies. Training (specifically clicker training) your cat to do simple behaviors such as sit, down and other tricks is also a wonderful way to increase your cat’s exercise and it’s a wonderful bonding activity.

For some additional resources on cat enrichment ideas, the American Association of Feline Practitioner provides a helpful list. If you need more help, find a professional through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the Animal Behavior Society, and the IAABC.

Return to, "6 Strange Cat Behaviors Finally Explained" >>

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

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Cats are less likely to chew cables compared to dogs, but every precaution should be taken to make sure cats are safe if they do chew. Not only does chewing and biting damage the cords, but it can result in terrible harm to your cat, such as electric shock or choking. Keep in mind, however, that this is typical for teething younger cats, and even the most devoted cord-chewers tend to grow out of it.

1
Work out where the electrical hazards in your home are. Every electrical item at cat level is a potential hazard, as are items the cat can reach and jump to. Be especially careful of cords from appliances, cords from computing and printing equipment, cords used temporarily for such things as Christmas tree lights, cords in places you can't reach but your cat can (for example, behind heavy items such as fridges, freezers, heaters, and televisions), and all electrical outlets.[1] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
2
Keep the gaps between any cord protection and the termination points as small as possible. The most vulnerable parts of the cord are where the wire joins the plug or appliance. These sections are not easily protected by cord protection kits. Check them regularly.[2] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
- If the gap between an appliance like a fridge or is wide enough for a cat to slip down or into, then you need to take precautions to guard the relevant electrical cord and outlet.
3
Unplug unnecessary appliances and put them away in a safe, cat-free space until needed. When needed, do not leave them unattended, or confine their use to safe, cat-free spaces. There is no point leaving unused appliances out gathering and taking up space when they could be neatly tucked away, unchewed and dust-free.[3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

1
Rearrange your furniture to provide protection for hanging cords or cords that tend to move. Block the base and/or back of tables or book cases that have a gap between the floor and the bottom of the unit or the wall and the back of the unit. Remember that cats can slink into openings smaller than your fist, depending on the cat's size. Your cat can also move objects that aren't firmly fastened or are heavy. Hide as much of the cord from your cat as possible. Tidy up unnecessary corded appliances and put them away in a safe, cat-free location.[4] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
- Consider using wireless technology wherever possible, confining the cords to the transmitters to protected or cat-free areas.
2
Put small appliances or chargers in boxes or drawers. If you can create a charging station in a drawer, the cat will be unable to get at many of the smallest and most attractive cords. Putting items with cords in boxes (with a hole cut out the back) can also disguise their true function and make it less likely that a cat will pounce.[5] X Research source Go to source
3
Tape all dangling cords down so that they don't dangle. It's the dangling that often attracts the cat; once taped firmly to a table leg or wall, the cord blends in and ceases to provide the same attraction. You can also purchase velcro attachments or special cord clips to keep cords attached flatly to another item.[6] X Research source Go to source
4
Buy cord management covers. These are available at a hardware store in a variety of formats and colors. Some attach to the wall or furniture, while other just bundle the cords together. Regardless of the kind you choose, they are a plastic cover for your cords that a cat cannot bite through.[7] X Research source Go to source

1
Make the cord distasteful. Spray or wipe down cords with something distasteful to the cat. There are commercial product solutions and homemade solutions. If making your own, consider using such things as hot sauce; lavender oil; a homemade citrus or vinegar paste; garlic, cayenne pepper, Vicks, dish soap, lime juice,or chili oil or paste. Some people use a light coating of sports ointments (the really strong menthol sort) or deodorant . Be sure to let the applied substance dry completely before re-plugging the cord into the wall and you'll need to reapply homemade fixes periodically. Avoid using anything salty because cats love licking salt.[8] X Research source Go to source
2
Cover cords with something solid that deters chewing. Commercial products include "Chewsafe™" and "CritterCord™", which are clear, flexible protective cord covers infused with a citrus-scent to keep the cat away from the cord. These are easy to add and don't require topical re-applications.[9] X Research source Go to source
3
Disguise cords with tape. Both foil and double-sided tape can work. These can be purchased from the hardware store and are easy to wrap around the cords. With the foil tape, cats dislike the alkaline taste in their mouth and will refrain from chewing anything coated in the tape. With double-sided tape, cats hate anything sticky and won't touch it. The problem with this method is that it is sticky, and therefore tricky, and will also collect a lot of fluff for you.[10] X Research source Go to source

1
Try noise or rapid action to deter your cat. There are several things you can do if you catch your cat in the act. Yelling a loud "NO" or clapping your hands every time the cat goes near the cord is one possibility. Another is to keep a water-gun handy for squirting your cat when it gets too close to places you don't want it going. Obviously, be careful not to hit electrical or electronic equipment with the water.[11] X Research source Go to source
2
Use a motion detector with noise. If you can find a motion-detector toy that makes a noise as soon as it spots motion (for example, a frog that croaks), consider placing it strategically to go off every time the cat gets near certain vulnerable cords, such as under the computer desk. It will need to be loud and sudden enough to scare off your cat, and there is a chance that he'll just get used to it and ignore it.[12] X Research source Go to source
3
Find distractions. Cord chewing can be a sign of boredom, a sign of practicing prey hunting, or just a need to play. Try new items at home to keep your cat interested -- a carpet square, cardboard boxes to shred, or even a rubbery dog chew toy.[13] X Research source Go to source
4
Try cat grass. Purchase or grow some cat grass grown from oats or wheat. Many cats feel the need to chew on grass, and without grass, the next closest thing is string and wires. Cat grass is available in pet stores and on the internet, and you can buy seeds of oats and wheat and grow them yourself in a pot with a little soil. You can even dig up a little sod from a yard that is not treated with pesticides or herbicides. Look to make certain the sod only contains grass leaves, no weeds. Place the clump of sod in the pot on the floor and let the cat chew on it. Release the sod to its original place when the cat is done chewing on it. Repeat frequently, as needed.[14] X Research source Go to source
5
Give your cat plenty of fun cat toys. When cats chew cords, they're often looking to create small toys for themselves. Short wires skitter across linoleum and hardwood floors quite marvelously when batted by a furry paw. You might try distracting your cat with a different sort of toy. Just be sure to avoid any toys that encourage wire-chewing behavior (such as toys which are wire-like using string, yarn, etc.).[15] X Research source Go to source
6
Keep the cat away when moving items with cords. There are some activities where cord movement is inevitable and it is probably best to keep your cat locked out of the room or space where you're using such appliances rather than risk chewing and the potential for electrical shock to both you and your cat, as well as the potential for a heavy item falling on your cat if the cord is pulled down too much.

Question

How do I convince my parents that wires can be covered and it's safe to get a cat?

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Show willingness by tidying the wires in your bedroom as an example of how it's possible to make a safe environment for a cat. (Be careful handling plugs and cables; if necessary, unplug electrical equipment from the mains or turn the power to the socket off). Show your parents what a good job you did, and offer to cat-proof the rest of the house. If they are unconvinced, ask them if this is the only reason they don't want to get a cat and to be honest about why.
Question

How do I keep my cat from chewing on cords?

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To a cat, cables and cords can seem like wiggly snakes and are inviting to play with or chew. The best option is to conceal the cables in trunking or behind furniture. If the cat chews on the power cable to a laptop (which you move around), try and conceal the cable under a blanket or behind your legs.
Question

I'm on oxygen, which is piped to me via long tubes that run all over the home. My cats chews these when I'm not looking. What can I do?

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Spritzing the outside of the tubing with a smell that deters cats may be your best option. Most cats dislike citrus oils, so make up a solution in a spray bottle or dampen a cloth with diluted citrus oil and wipe it over the tubing. This will need to be reapplied regularly.

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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 964,007 times.

Co-authors: 48

Updated: August 30, 2021

Article Rating: 77% - 17 votes

Categories: Featured Articles | House Training Cats

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"This gave me a couple of good ideas to try and discourage my adopted cat from chewing on the skinny charger type of cord. Already, my electric blanket cord, the portable phone charger base cord, and a barcode scanner device cord have become unusable and cost me money to replace them due to her chewing. I'm off to the hardware store to purchase shiny tape and also a spray at the pet store. Thanks for your suggestions."

"I loved finding this comprehensive and pedagogical guide! Nice layout. I was searching for examples of how to construct the perfect charging station to keep my very agile Cornish Rex out (she's cost me a fortune in chargers), having a pretty clear idea already. I did not really find input on that, but will keep the possibility to affix the cord to the wall with a sticky protector in mind. "
"Thanks for listing repellent spray items. Tape and plastic covers are useless: she just chews those, too. I already have them as bundled and hidden as possible, and I have a desk exactly like the one in the diagrams!"
"Hiding the cords and distracting my kitten from chewing by offering cat toys worked great! She has since grown out of chewing cords, thank goodness!"
"I mixed vinegar and water in a spray bottle and sprayed the wires! The double-sided tape is a great idea - the cats hate it!"
"Very useful information! Really helped my situation, thank you so much!"
"Thank you so much, now my kitten isn't able to reach any chargers."
"Lots of wonderful suggestions here. Thank you."
"Taping the cord seems to be the answer for me."
"Pickle juice is what I used."

How to get cat to stop chewing wires

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