Training a Kitten to Not Eat Cords

Cables, wires and cords provide tremendous temptation for some cats, especially for a curious kitten. Chewing on these objects can sometimes prove dangerous, however, as cats may experience electric shock, a burned tongue, loss of teeth or even death. An electric shock can even result in respiratory failure in felines. If your new kitten shows a proclivity toward chewing cords, immediately take steps to train this behavior out of your beloved pet.

  1. Aversion

    • You can help your kitten develop a healthy aversion to cords and wires by spraying them with an appropriate repellent. At your local pet store, you can find products that contain scents and tastes that cats find unpleasant. The sprays, which typically contain bitter tasting isopropanol, will not harm the kitten or the cords. Over time, your kitten will learn to shy away from the cords even without the presence of the repellent spray.

    Alternatives

    • Cats will most often chew on cords as a result of boredom. You can discourage boredom simply by providing plenty of toys for your kitten to enjoy. Purchase a variety of different objects, like wall-mounted toys, scratching posts, climbing posts and even cardboard boxes. VetInfo recommends that you avoid all toys that encourage chewing behaviors, such as dangling strings. Such toys can cause choking if ingested, and they can also encourage kittens to begin chewing other objects, such as wires and cords.

    Positive Reinforcement

    • Encouragement is an effective and important part of any pet-training regimen. Keep a bag of kitten-friendly cat treats handy, and reward your kitten when it plays with its proper toys. Giving a treat to your kitten will encourage it to gravitate toward its own belongings and discourage it from chewing on inappropriate objects.

    Disciplinary Action

    • If you catch your kitten chewing on a cord, never strike or yell at the animal. Spray the animal with a light mist spray bottle filled with water, but only if you catch the animal in the act, and do it immediately. Over time, the cat will associate chewing cords with unpleasant consequences. Do not allow the kitten to see you administering the spray. Be discreet, or the kitten may continue to chew when you aren't looking. Use only a light spray and try not to get any wires or cables wet.

    Other Actions

    • If the problem persists, wrap the cables in bubble wrap or aluminum foil, both of which will repel cats. Unplug cables from any electrical outlets when not in use, and supervise the kitten at all times. In some cases, cats may naturally outgrow the chewing phase within a couple of years.