Bitter Apple Spray

I searched the forums but couldn't find an answer to this. Sorry if it's already in a thread somewhere else. Also sorry if this is a really stupid question!

What's the best way to apply the bitter apple spray to wires? Should I spray it straight on, or spray onto kitchen towel and wipe it on?

Also, do I need to re-apply and if so how often?

I really hope this stuff works!

I would spray the Bitter Apple in a soft cloth and wipe the cords down with it. When I used it, I believe I reapplied it every 2 days or so. It's been so long ago it's hard to remember... I think it mentioned that on the back of the bottle. I didn't use it on electrical wires, but did use it on the chains for my coo coo clock. They hung down low to the ground and were quite tempting for Dori to play with. Good luck, I hope it works for you!

Thank you I didn't realise we'd have to re-apply so often! I did read the back of the bottle but it didn't give much info at all really.

I hope it works too but I think we're going to look into getting wire loom for them in the end... it will be easier and gauranteed to work.

Thanks again!

I was just searching online and can only find the instructions "apply as often as needed". Maybe someone else will respond with the answer I don't remember why I chose every 2 days to do it.

re-apply?! Uh-oh....I sprayed it once a year ago, it stopped the couch scratching, and I thought that was it! Oops!

I lightly spray it right on the wires - a few drops at various places. Don't spray it too close to the wall socket or to the other end of whatever the cord is plugged into.

You don't need a lot. Put it where the cat will smell it or be more likely to put the wire in its mouth. Re-apply once a week or every other week - most times, unless you have a very determined cat, you won't need to use Bitter Apple very often A few months of doing this should cure your cat of biting on any wires.

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

Don't spray it too close to the wall socket or to the other end of whatever the cord is plugged into.

Click to expand...

That's funny cuz the kittens I had a few weeks ago, that is the only place they were interested in chewing and playing with is where it came ou of the wall socket and the other end where it was plugged into the appliance.

Then be very careful in spraying near the socket. I'm not sure how spraying it on a paper towel and then wiping would be, but you could try it.

Remember water and electric don't mix!

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

Then be very careful in spraying near the socket. I'm not sure how spraying it on a paper towel and then wiping would be, but you could try it.

Remember water and electric don't mix!

Click to expand...

I didn't even use it actually, I just distracted them. They were going to a new home a couple days after that so I didn't bother to spray the cords. I would spray it on a towel first and then wipe it on, I think it would coat over the cords better that way.

Last time I used bitter apple spray I sprayed too much and it lingered in the air too long and I could even taste it! It's gross stuff, not wonder it keeps the cats away.

Thank you everyone. I used a cloth to put it on earlier today and stopped at the plug ends of each, as that's where the insulator is hard and she doesn't seem interested in those bits... just the parts that look like string to her! I think using a cloth gave the best coverage.

For now i'll re-apply ever couple of weeks I think she doesn't go near them too often. After watching her reaciton to the spray this morning though, i'll know if it's worn off teh wire or not. It was so funny and cute to see her try and get the taste out of her mouth. I'm glad it works on her!

And you're right Jen, it's horrid. As soon as I started spraying it i realised why it works so well, the smell of it and taste of it from where it was in the air was awful!

I used it on my plants once months ago and never had to reapply. It worked that completely.

However, I've found it's less successful in deterring my cat from cords and plastic bits around the house that he likes to gnaw on... in that case I reapply only when I see him biting those things again. I just dip my fingers in the Bitter Apple and then try to coat such items.

I wouldn't reapply until you see a recurrence of the behavior. It may not be necessary.

We also used it on shoes - our lab decided to chew a hole in my good pair of boots. So we got out the Bitter Apple spray and sprayed a little on all the shoes. She never again tried to chew on shoes!

We've never had to use it on shoes anymore

I have the same problem with my cat-he chews on electrical wires and shoelaces. But I found that the bitter apple doesn't work. He destroyed the wire for a clock radio and everywhere I look there are tooth marks! And shoe laces are his favorite things-if you tuck them in he isn't as apt to get them, but who can always remember. I would hate him to get electricuted but can't find anything that really works.