Kitten chewing cords

hello

Our new kitten is usually quite adorable, when he's tired. He's 17 weeks old and not neutered as of yet. The main behavior problem is cord chewing. Just yesterday and today we found two cords chewed. Does anyone have any suggestions to help remedy this?

Thanks a lot!

Hi there and welcome. Have you tried putting some Bitter Apple on the cords. If that does not help, try Cyan Pepper. Hope this helps.

Frannie

....and if you are in a rush and don't have anything in the house Try deodorant...

I HAVE TRIED USING ALUMINUM FOIL AND WRAPPING THE CORDS. THIS HELPS BUT I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING THAT ISN'T SO VISIBLE.

We use split loom tubing that you can buy at home depots or radio shacks. I like it because I dont have to look at wires everywhere and the cats cant get to the cords. I have also used a product called chew guard that I got from the vet. Cats also dislike citrus. So You can try some lemon or orange too.

Just to approach it from another angle . . . What does the kitten like about the cords? Maybe you could find something else he can chew, maybe a chew toy for a small dog or something like that. Is he wrestling with it first and biting to "kill" it like a snake? Perhaps he would like a long narrow flexible something to play with, a rubber hose section comes to mind but I don't know how safe that is. If he is chewing to work off energy, you might try playing with him for a few more minutes before bedtime.

Otherwise, how much stuff can you unplug? (eek, not much at my house . . .)

THANKS, BUT IT'S NOT A KITTEN AND I'VE TRIED TOYS ALREADY WITHOUT ANY
SUCCESS. THISS CAT JUST LOVES TO CHEW, PRIMARILY CABLE CORDS.

In addition to the bitter (sour apple), try using some electrical tape & wrapping it around the cords - this way the cats will have more to try to chew through.

I had the same problem when I got my cat about 1 1/2 years ago. He pretty much got over it but I still check the cords once in a while.

When you have a new baby turning into a toddler, you essentially child-proof your home. Breakable objects go up on high shelves, knives or forks are never left down where he can get it, the poisons (cleaning fluids, insecticides, etc.) are kept inside a cupboard that you may have to lock to have full security, and on and on and on.

It is no different with a young animal. I didn't find electrical tape a deterrent and didn't know about all these interesting rub-on things. Best to put cords inside the split tubing or the special plastic conduits made to run electric wires down inside walls. You can screw plug strips into the wall that have an on/off button, so that instead of yanking things out of the wall, you simply turn all the plugs on one side of the wall off when you are not expressly using the cords. All conduits, cords in tubes, etc. should be ancored to the walls or floor skirtings with proper plastic coated u-shaped nails -- can't remember the English rod for them right now. All cords that have to go across the floor to a lamp or TV, etc., should be anchored with heavy tape to lie perfectly flat, with no raw or loose edges on the tape. You can use furniture defensively to block off spaces where cords have to rise to an appliance. Don't think of the nuisance of the problem. Think positively about protecting the cat. You will come up with clever and innovative solutions and then you can tell us what works best.

Your cat may be trying to get your attention. They are clever that way. Have you tried quiet quality time with the cat on your lap while you read or watch TV? Sometimes young cats get hyperactive, just like children. You might also get your cat another cat (I recommend a female, since males accept them more readily, even neutered males).

Anyway, do share your solutions with everybody. This isn't just your unique problem.

LOL Catherine.....Young cats...heck some of my older ones get into things my 6 months don't know about. I will agree with you 100%. As with most things, people have different levels of understanding and catering to our feline (or canine) companions. I personally beleive that if you bring a pet into the house it should be no different than having a child in the house. We here at the Taylor house have no real plants,have solid latches on all cabinets,no burning candles unless they are out of the cats reach,all bathroom doors stay shut, all sharp objects are put in drawers,all cords are bundled in heavy tubing,no pull cords for blinds. I even have my sewing stuff in tight drawers. Having cats is like having a 3 year old for life. Every measure you take in preventing accidents will help to ensure a happy healthy life.

Boy, Sandie, do I hear you! But sometimes the perpetual 3-year olds suddenly have a moment of very deep, mature behavior -- a sensitivity to saddness, a recognition of your need to just touch something soft and warm... They become almost maternal. We are lucky to be given this tendency to want to be with cats. I learn from mine everyday...sometimes about them, and even more often about myself and why or how I do things.

Hi!
I too, have used the split lume tubing with great results. You can also get the "spiral rubber cable wrappers". Ok, I know that isn't the right name for them, but that was a really good description. You can get them in the automotive department at Walmart. They're cheap. About 2-3$. Good luck with your little darling!
Cindy