Suggestions for cat repellant ? (Before Jasper electrocutes himself)

Hello, I'm a new member.

I have a new kitten and he loves to chew electric cables !

So far I've got two things from the pet store that are supposed to stop him.
One was plastic tubing supposedly coated with a smell that cats hate.
He loved that one, all over it before I even opened it.

The second was a spray. That doesn't work either.

Can anyone suggest something that would work. Maybe a home-grown solution instead of a commercial product. Something I can cook up in the kitchen sink maybe....

Thanks in advance.

I have a pussy cat that loves chewing cables too. They can be very odd

We use convoluted cable - it's a thick plastic tubing with a split down the side that you just slide over the cables. We have every cable in the house covered. Every single one!

It looks like this: http://cableorganizer.com/wire-loom/ptfe-wireloom.htm

If you just go to an electronics store, they shoul dbe able to point you in the direction of the convoluted cable, it's a few dollars for a big roll of it.

Originally Posted by sarahp

I have a pussy cat that loves chewing cables too. They can be very odd

We use convoluted cable - it's a thick plastic tubing with a split down the side that you just slide over the cables. We have every cable in the house covered. Every single one!

It looks like this: http://cableorganizer.com/wire-loom/ptfe-wireloom.htm

If you just go to an electronics store, they shoul dbe able to point you in the direction of the convoluted cable, it's a few dollars for a big roll of it.

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That is a great idea..

my suggestion is go to the pet store and ask about the repellents ... if memory serves Most are not for electrical

I too use the cable covers. It's the easiest, permanent solution that I've found. I've heard you can spray white distilled vinegar on things to keep cats away but I've never tried it myself.

It is very important to kitten proof wires and outlets when introducing a kiiten to your home. Their world is all about getting into every nook and cranny and what is electrical wires and cables to us is sticks and inanimate objects perfect for them to play and bite on. Collecting all wire and cable excess and securing it either with cable protectors or simply gathering and taping to secure them. Then keeping them out of these areas by placing things that block them from going into these areas. You can use cardboard or better wood to block them from getting behind furniture, into cables and trouble.
One thing about using scent or taste deterrents is that you can't spray a live wire. You can use a spice like Cayenne or Nutmeg but it won't stick to the wire. It's best to secure the wires and then maybe put some at the edge to deter them, just make sure they don't suddenly get a mouth full!

One thing you might try besides keeping as much of the cord as possible out of kitties reach is putting some Mentholatum on the cord. Stuff like "vicks", cold remedy products that have a menthol smell should keep her away. You will have to reapply it once in awhile but I can almost guarantee kitty will not want to chew on it.

Good Luck!

Mm

Originally Posted by Mmfh

One thing you might try besides keeping as much of the cord as possible out of kitties reach is putting some Mentholatum on the cord. Stuff like "vicks", cold remedy products that have a menthol smell should keep her away. You will have to reapply it once in awhile but I can almost guarantee kitty will not want to chew on it.

Good Luck!

Mm

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If you do try this, and it will work, you have to unplug cords till application is dry.......Moisture is a conductor so never leave a wet solution on or around outlets or cords

My cats go insane over the smell of Vick's. They love it. Maybe something citrus?

Some have suggested a wipe of tabasco on the wires. Worth a try!

Hot chili extract (the bottle with the chilis and a clear liquid in it) might work, too.

Originally Posted by mrblanche

Some have suggested a wipe of tabasco on the wires. Worth a try!

Hot chili extract (the bottle with the chilis and a clear liquid in it) might work, too.

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Once again never apply a wet mixture to a live wire.......

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I picked up some convoluted tubing today. Looks like this is a good option. We'll see how it goes.

The repellent ideas are interesting, but mostly a bit messy !

I hope that after he gets fixed next month he'll settle down a bit.

Thanks again.

We used Bitter Apple Spray to cure Lola of chewing cords. One of my husband's very expensive cables was a casualty, and she was chewing on my laptop charger too (that also died, but was unrelated to the chewing). The bitter apple worked. If that didn't work, I was going to try hot pepper spray that someone had suggested.

When I applied it, I put the bitter apple spray on a cotton ball, then wiped the cord. It dried very quickly.