damn cat chewing through wires!

[HeartShapedSaw]

In the past month my 9 month old cat has chewed through the wires of two lamps, two pairs of headphones and today my bloody hair straighteners! Why would he do this!? How can I make him stop! I can shut him in the kitchen but the fridge... Washing machine.... Doesn't bear thinking about!

[cozietoesie]

I've luckily never had that problem, Heart, but didn't want your post to go unanswered so have had a look see. The attached article is US (and a tad heavy duty) but might be helpful.

\link{http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Cats-from-Chewing-on-Electric-Cords-and-Chargers\cats chewing on wires}

Various other comments seem to suggest that cats tend to outgrow this behaviour but in the meantime, and in general, cat proofing appliances/wires in the house, coating the wires with nasty scent, covering the wires with eg bubble wrap, foil or proprietary aids might assist.

Others may wish to comment as well if they've experienced the problem.

Best of luck. It would drive me potty!

[cozietoesie]

PS - there's also some stuff called 'Crittercord' which is a covering for wires. It's now sold in the UK - I found it on ebay and Amazon. Not cheap but I guess it depends how bad your problem is.

[HeartShapedSaw]

Thanks for replying! Seems like my cat is the only crazy one on MN then...

Ill check that article out now. It is a problem, I will be outraged if he chews through a major appliance lead!

[cozietoesie]

Oh Trust Me - it's just different types of craziness!

[tipsytrifle]

Cats like wires because they're kinda wriggly ... do you need more toys? Keep alert though, kit is obviously needing to work those jaws and teeth!

[HeartShapedSaw]

He has toys.. but prefers ds's toys or paper and stuff. He is a very active cat, always running about and shredding curtains etc! Maybe I should play with him more!

[cozietoesie]

Yep. Sounds like you should. 9 months is just a kitten and they need lots of play and stimulation.

[ColG]

My cat chews wires as well, but only selected ones like iPhone chargers and laptop or tv wires, the bugger! The only solution that seems to work is wrapping the wires in duct tape, but I sprinkle pepper inside the tape too. He only chewed one open and was cured!

[thecatneuterer]

I've never heard of cats doing that. I used to have a house rabbit that chewed through everything and I had to buy something that was like the crittercord mentioned above.

[ILoveMyCats]

One of our cats has been doing this for 2 years, but only with certain wires. Also a fan of iPhone chargers and headphones - tends to be thinner ones with white coating. We've covered all wires with thick spiral like covers. If she tries to chew them, she can't damage anything or herself. Crazy cats!