How to Stop a Cat From Eating Cords

Cats by nature are curious animals and they like to explore their world through chewing. Most of the time this chewing is innocent and will not bring any harm to your treasured pet. It is important to know when harmless chewing can become dangerous, such as chewing on electrical cords. Most households have cords from their television, computers and appliances lying around where they can easily be reached by a precocious cat or kitten. There are ways to keep your cat safe from the possible shock, cardiac arrest or death that can result from this chewing.

Things You'll Need

  • Masking tape
  • Aluminum foil
  • Flexible safety cable
  • Cat toys
  • Bitter apple spray
  • Lemon juice
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Onion
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stop the chewing before it has a chance to begin by taping your electrical cords flush to the wall.

    • 2

      Wrap the electrical cords in aluminum foil or flexible safety cable, which can be purchased at most hardware stores.

    • 3

      Place any excess cord that may be dangling and attracting your cat out of its view by pushing it behind a piece of furniture or an appliance.

    • 4

      Keep cat toys around to distract your cat from the cords. Make sure to rotate in new toys every few days to help stave off boredom.

    • 5

      Rub the cord with a bar of soap. The cat will bite on the cord once and the unpleasant taste will keep it away in the future.

    • 6

      Place or spray other unpleasant tasting and smelling substances on the cord. This could be bitter apple spray designed to deter dogs and cats, or other household items such as toothpaste, lemon juice, or onion or mouthwash.

    • 7

      Block entry into any room that may have an abundance of exposed electrical cords, such as a home music studio or a laundry room.