How to stop a cat from chewing on power cords?

Question

I have an adult male cat who just recently took to chewing through power cords and wires. Just yesterday he was nearly electrocuted by my laptop's AC adapter. I can't keep an eye on him all the time. How can I stop this bad habit?

Answer 1

I'd unplug everything! Until you find a remedy, dont want a dead cat and burned down home.  Might sound stupid but it worked for me.......Get a border collie, mine chases my cat away when he starts scratching or chewing on the furniture, I dont even have to say anything, he knows its his job.

Answer 2

Put some cat repellent (I'm serious, pet supply stores may have it in stock) on the power cord, or something spicy, such as cayenne powder (as the other person recommended). Cats have an aversion to this as it hurts their nose. If you're worried that you can't keep an eye on him all the time, you can get one of those pet cameras that you can view your kitty from your work computer, laptop, cell phone, etc. Good luck! :-)

Answer 3

Put some cayenne powder, or any type of spicy powder and rub it onto some double sided tape. Then put the tape on the wire.

Answer 4

leave one plugged in.

put something on the cords, they sell products at pet stores, or just use tobasco sauce, rubbing alcohol. just a drop, their sense of smell is very strong.

get him some chew toys.

Answer 5

Hi Laura...for deterring inappropriate cat behaviour around electrical wires consider using a cable wire loom to bundle up the the wires. The loom is very inexpensive and not only does it prevent the cat from tangling in the wires, but also tidies the area up as well. You should be able to find some of these at local hardware stores if not you can order these online. Cable Organizer Wire Loom: http://cableorganizer.com/wire-loom/

For the wires that are difficult to bundle consider using either apple cider vinegar or ara pet-friendly deterrent spray-on product called Grannick's Bitter Apple® http://www.grannicks.com usually found worldwide at most pet stores. It is a citrusy scent that once a cat tastes will generally avoid those areas which have that particular odour. Rather than directly spray these onto the wires and plugs, first unplug the surge suppressor then mist the solution on your hand to coat the wires manually.

Answer 6

Put hot sauce on it. my cat's used to get on the counter and eat butter so one day i put butter with jalapenos in it and they haven't eaten butter since! :)  

Answer 7

Take tape and wrap it around the cord with the sticky side out!

or spay the cord with something the cat doesn't like...

There are also cord wrappers that look like a vaccume hose you can wrap around the cords to protect them.  

Answer 8

Well, they have several products that you can buy and apply to the power chords to prevent him from chewing the chords. You can find them at Pet’s Mart. If he has just recently started doing this, though there may be a deeper issue. Did something change recently in his diet, your actions, location etc. Cats have a tendency to act out their displeasure with a change. Of course, you could also “cat proof” your house. They sell those tubes that you can run your chords through. In addition to being pretty, it prevents your cat from getting to them.  

Answer 9

get cat NO! from the petstore.  Also use a squirt gun for when you are home.  Unplug anything not in use (do you know you can save energy bills by doing this? Even if it's not "on" it's still using power!).  It'll only take one good electric pop to cure him, but unfortunately it might be his last.  If you have to, put him in a room with food, water and litterbox while you are gone to keep him safe.  Give him chew toys to help with this new habit.