We love how playful and curious cats are, however these traits may pose critical dangers to their security. One conduct is especially worrisome, and that’s when cats chew on electrical cords.
Understanding the Conduct
Ache aid. With kittens, the explanation could also be because of teething discomfort. With older cats it could possibly be to alleviate ache from numerous dental points similar to periodontal illness.
Boredom. If there isn’t sufficient stimulation within the setting, cats might chew on electrical cords simply as an exercise to alleviate boredom.
Stress. When there’s a stress overload, cats might depend on displacement behaviors similar to over-grooming, licking issues within the setting or chewing on objects. Chewing on the rubbery texture of a wire could also be a method to self soothe.
Play. What might initially begin out as batting at a dangling wire can transition into biting at it. The benefit of the wire’s motion in addition to the feel might mimic prey sufficient to be an attractive goal.
Pica. That is the time period used to explain chewing on non-food gadgets. Some cats might chew on clothes, hair ties, shoelaces, or different gadgets round the home. Chewing on electrical cords can also be frequent. Pica could also be because of dietary deficiencies, however in lots of circumstances it’s the results of stress or boredom. Pica, and particularly wool chewing, is continuously seen in sure breeds, similar to Burmese and Siamese.
Indicators That Your Cat Has Been Chewing Electrical Cords Can Embrace:
- Extreme drooling
- Burns in or across the mouth
- Coughing
- Respiratory problem
- Singed whiskers
- Lethargy
- Lack of urge for food
- Vomiting
- Seizure
- Chewing on electrical cords can result in electrocution
Stopping Cats from Chewing on Electrical Cords
Deal with well being points. Have your cat examined by the veterinarian to verify for any dental points, or different well being issues that could possibly be the reason for the chewing. Your veterinarian might suggest a change in your cat’s meals, a rise in fiber, or advise the addition of dental treats. If the issue is periodontal illness, your veterinarian will suggest a cleansing. If the conduct is because of stress, establish the underlying trigger so you’ll be able to work on a conduct plan. For those who need assistance, your veterinarian may give you a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or licensed cat conduct advisor.
Safe cords. Cut back temptation by securing cords correctly. Use wire containment gadgets, clips, and twine organizers to maintain them hidden and out of attain. You could find many variations for wire containment at your native workplace provide retailer, dwelling enchancment retailer, and on-line. There are various sorts of versatile wire safety sleeves that may match round a single wire or you’ll be able to mix a number of cables into one neat, versatile tube. These sleeves are available numerous supplies, similar to rubber, plastic, or material. You may even run cords by way of PVC pipe by slicing it lengthwise and becoming the cable by way of. Change any broken cords. If a wire can’t be simply changed, contact a professional skilled.
Use deterrents. Apply a bitter tasting product to discourage chewing. You could find bitter tasting deterrents in your native pet provide retailer and on-line. Ensure any bitter deterrent you employ is secure for cats. Use disposable gloves when making use of the product and reapply often, or in accordance with the product’s instructions. Needless to say there are some hard-core feline munchers who will endure the foul style of the deterrent to proceed their obsession with gnawing on the cords. If potential, use the wire containment technique as your major security technique.
Create secure charging areas. For cordless electronics that have to be charged with a wire, encase the charging cables in versatile safety sleeves or arrange charging areas in areas the place your cat doesn’t have entry. If you’re charging a tool in your cat’s neighborhood, safe the cable so it isn’t dangling, and tuck it away the place your cat can’t see it.
Play together with your cat. Interact in interactive play periods together with your cat at the very least twice a day. Whether or not the wire chewing conduct is because of boredom or anxiousness, this launch of power shall be useful. Use a fishing pole kind toy so you’ll be able to mimic the actions of prey and let your cat have loads of profitable captures. Every sport ought to final at about quarter-hour. Be constant in your playtime schedule.
Present secure and fascinating solo toys. Set out toys that may’t be chewed up and place them in attention-grabbing areas on your cat to find throughout the day. There are additionally dental cat chew toys obtainable. Test together with your veterinarian in case you have questions on which chew toys could be most applicable on your cat. Puzzle feeders are an alternative choice. Look on-line and also you’ll discover many several types of puzzle feeders the place your cat can get a meals reward for manipulating or shifting the toy in a sure approach. In case your cat chews {the electrical} cords because of liking the rubbery texture, attempt some small rubber pet chew toys.
Enhance your cat’s setting. Create an setting that’s stimulating, comforting, and safe. Present a cat tree so your cat can look out the window and benefit from the out of doors leisure. Use pheromone diffusers to assist alleviate stress. Doublecheck that the litter field set-up is snug and handy and that you simply’re conserving it clear. Guarantee mealtime is stress-free (particularly in case you have a multipet family). Does your cat have interesting locations to scratch? If not, buy a tall, sturdy scratching publish that’s lined in sisal. In case your cat likes horizontal scratching, scatter a number of corrugated cardboard scratching pads round.
Vacation security. Safe lights on the Christmas tree so that they don’t dangle enticingly. Coat the cords with a bitter deterrent. Don’t put the lights on the twinkling setting so that they gained’t be as interesting to a playful cat. Safe the tip of the wire in a protecting sleeve or PVC pipe.
Develop kitty greens. Develop a container of secure cat greens to provide your cat a chewing different. You could find kitty greens kits at your native pet provide retailer and on-line.
Retaining a cord-chewing cat away from that conduct would require ongoing supervision, being proactive with safeguards, and utilizing constructive, efficient coaching and interesting options.
Want Extra Data?
In case you have questions on your cat’s well being or are involved about electrical wire chewing, contact your veterinarian. This text just isn’t meant to interchange your cat’s private veterinary care and isn’t supposed as a medical analysis. This text is for common data functions solely.
For data on cat conduct and coaching, confer with the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books can be found at bookstores and on-line. We’ve included hyperlinks to Amazon right here on our web site.
