Our question this week was:

My son has a 6-month-old female kitten that has the rather dangerous habit of chewing on cords: phone cords, stereo equipment and earphone cords. So far she has not chosen to chew an electrical cords, but it seems inevitable. Have you got any suggestions?

I don't want his beloved cat to electrocute herself and she is causing a lot of damage!

Linda Isherwood


Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. Sorry to hear about your cats interest in electrical cords. No easy answer here. You can do one or more than one of the following:

1. Keep your cat from being around the cords
2. Hide the cords
3. Place a deterrent around the cords such as something with a funny smell such as soap
4. Make a loud noise (such as shake a pop can with rocks in it) and reinforce a negative response when the cat is by the cords.

A combination of all of the above may be most effective. It is a frustrating problem. I'd also recommend making sure your cat has plenty of play toys like feline flyers, and other toys that stimulate her. Play with her and tire her out. Teach her there are more interesting items in the home besides the cords.

Best of luck!


Dr. Jon



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