Herding Cats at Home - April 2005

Q: We have a tabby male, 18-pound, 11-year-old indoor-outdoor cat. He's been chewing on electrical cords. In some cases he's gotten zapped. He manages to chew right through. He's been to the vet for his yearly checkup and all is well, top to bottom. Our worry is that he's going to hurt himself and cause a fire.

A: Chewing electrical cords is extremely dangerous for cats. If the big guy has been chewing cords for awhile and only got himself "zapped," he's been very lucky. Painful zaps are the least of the problems cord-chewing can cause, A cord carrying enough "juice" could kill him. Plus, cats can easily get serious electrical burns in their mouths, throats and windpipes that make it extremely difficult or impossible for them to eat normally, or even breathe normally. These burns are very painful and very slow to heal.

Chewed or broken electrical cords can also cause fires, as you mentioned.

If the chewing behavior is new, he may be trying to alleviate some discomfort or stress he's feeling. Did you mention this behavior to the veterinarian? Did the vet check Tabby's teeth thoroughly? It's possible that Tabby's having some mouth pain or irritation, and is chewing to try to find some kind of relief.

This is a very dangerous situation. I think you have to make ALL cords completely inaccessible to Tabby, or make them so unattractive to chew that he won't touch them. But inaccessibility is always the safest course with cats.

1. Look around your home and property and remove all electrical devices, appliances, etc, which don't absolutely need to be out and cat-accessible. Stow them in cabinets with child-proof latches, and take them out only when they're being used.

2. For devices that have to remain out, run all cords (electrical power, antenna cords, cable TV cables, phone cables, etc.; to a cat, a cord is a cord is a cord) through protective "cable conduits" or "cable raceways". These are plastic tubing products that contain and conceal the wires inside and would make it more difficult for a cat to chew down to the actual cord or cable. Cable raceways are available through electrical suppliers (www.panduit.com, www.milestek.com and many others), and at home-supply centers like Home Depot.

Even if all cords are covered or otherwise "protected," it's wise to unplug any appliance or electrical device that's not in use at the moment.

There's also a product, made especially for cord-chewing pets, called "Fire Shield." These are extension cords that automatically shut off the power if the cord is chewed through. (Fire Shield™ pet-safe extension cord; http://www.fireshield.com, 1-800-780-4324)

3. Even if you use cable raceways or other cable-covering devices, "paint" them (and any cords that absolutely have to remain exposed) with an unpleasant-tasting liquid such as "Bitter Apple" (sold in pet stores and garden/agricultural supply centers) or Tabasco™ sauce.

4. Keep a close watch on the cat and all cables. (Some cats actually LIKE Bitter Apple.) Reapply deterrent liquid frequently.

5. When you're away, keep Tabby in a cord-free room equipped with everything he needs, so you won't come home to find your house burned down.

6. Once you and your vet have determined that Tabby's teeth and mouth are healthy (yes, I think he needs a return trip to the vet just to make sure), give him plenty of safe alternative to satisfy his chewing cravings. "Kong" toys made for cats (there are larger ones for dogs) are hard rubber toys designed for chewing. These are great. Even a soft rubber grooming tool (like a "Zoom Groom") can be a good chew-toy for a cat.

7. Try offering him a more "chewy" food, such as a dry food with large nuggets. (Hill's "TD" is a good choice.) Use this as treats, or part of his regular diet. (Ask your veterinarian first.)

8. Make sure Tabby's getting enough active stimulation and exercise every day, and try to keep his stress level low. Could he be experiencing a conflict with another outside cat - perhaps having confrontations and/or fights you don't see? This could be stressing him out, especially if it's with a challenger to his neighborhood status.

9. invent a "ritual keyword phrase" (like "No shockers, Big Fella!") you say in a particular tone of voice or inflection when you see him chewing (ANY cord, not just a live one -- he doesn't know the difference). Use this phrase ONLY in that situation. Say the phrase, then gently remove him from the cord and divert his attention to something else. Above all, be consistent.

Whatever you do, the most important steps are to:
1. Make ALL cords completely inaccessible or extremely unattractive to him;
2. Take him to the vet for a dental-and-mouth checkup (Be sure to describe the cord-chewing to the vet).
3. Continued vigilance on your part -- and consistency.