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 reduction. With kittens, the explanation could also be on account of teething discomfort. With older cats it could possibly be to alleviate ache from numerous dental points resembling periodontal illness.
Boredom. If there isn’t sufficient stimulation within the surroundings, cats could chew on electrical cords simply as an exercise to alleviate boredom.
Stress. When there’s a stress overload, cats could depend on displacement behaviors resembling over-grooming, licking issues within the surroundings or chewing on objects. Chewing on the rubbery texture of a twine could also be a strategy to self soothe.
Play. What could initially begin out as batting at a dangling twine can transition into biting at it. The convenience of the twine’s motion in addition to the feel could mimic prey sufficient to be an attractive goal.
Pica. That is the time period used to explain chewing on non-food objects. Some cats could chew on clothes, hair ties, shoelaces, or different objects round the home. Chewing on electrical cords can be widespread. Pica could also be on account of dietary deficiencies, however in lots of circumstances it’s the results of stress or boredom. Pica, and particularly wool chewing, is regularly seen in sure breeds, resembling Burmese and Siamese.
Indicators That Your Cat Has Been Chewing Electrical Cords Can Embrace:
- Extreme drooling
- Burns in or across the mouth
- Coughing
- Respiratory issue
- 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
Tackle well being points. Have your cat examined by the veterinarian to test for any dental points, or different well being considerations that could possibly be the reason for the chewing. Your veterinarian could 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, determine the underlying trigger so you’ll be able to work on a conduct plan. For those who need assistance, your veterinarian can provide you a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or licensed cat conduct advisor.
Safe cords. Cut back temptation by securing cords correctly. Use twine containment units, clips, and rope organizers to maintain them hidden and out of attain. You’ll find many variations for twine containment at your native workplace provide retailer, residence enchancment retailer, and on-line. There are numerous forms of versatile twine safety sleeves that may match round a single twine or you’ll be able to mix a number of cables into one neat, versatile tube. These sleeves are available in numerous supplies, resembling 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. Substitute any broken cords. If a twine can’t be simply changed, contact a professional skilled.
Use deterrents. Apply a bitter tasting product to discourage chewing. You’ll find bitter tasting deterrents in your native pet provide retailer and on-line. Make sure any bitter deterrent you utilize is protected for cats. Use disposable gloves when making use of the product and reapply recurrently, or in keeping with the product’s instructions. Understand that 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 attainable, use the twine containment technique as your major security technique.
Create protected charging areas. For cordless electronics that have to be charged with a twine, encase the charging cables in versatile safety sleeves or arrange charging places 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 along with your cat. Interact in interactive play classes along with your cat a minimum of twice a day. Whether or not the twine chewing conduct is because of boredom or nervousness, this launch of vitality might 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 protected and fascinating solo toys. Set out toys that may’t be chewed up and place them in attention-grabbing places on your cat to find through the day. There are additionally dental cat chew toys out there. Test along with your veterinarian when you have questions on which chew toys could be most acceptable 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 means. In case your cat chews {the electrical} cords on account of liking the rubbery texture, strive some small rubber pet chew toys.
Enhance your cat’s surroundings. Create an surroundings 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 just’re maintaining it clear. Guarantee mealtime is stress-free (particularly when you have a multipet family). Does your cat have interesting locations to scratch? If not, buy a tall, sturdy scratching submit that’s coated in sisal. In case your cat likes horizontal scratching, scatter just a few corrugated cardboard scratching pads round.
Vacation security. Safe lights on the Christmas tree in order that they don’t dangle enticingly. Coat the cords with a bitter deterrent. Don’t put the lights on the twinkling setting in order that they received’t be as interesting to a playful cat. Safe the top of the twine in a protecting sleeve or PVC pipe.
Develop kitty greens. Develop a container of protected cat greens to provide your cat a chewing different. You’ll find kitty greens kits at your native pet provide retailer and on-line.
Preserving a cord-chewing cat away from that conduct would require ongoing supervision, being proactive with safeguards, and utilizing constructive, efficient coaching and interesting alternate options.
Want Extra Data?
If in case you have questions on your cat’s well being or are involved about electrical twine chewing, contact your veterinarian. This text isn’t meant to exchange your cat’s private veterinary care and isn’t supposed as a medical prognosis. This text is for normal info functions solely.
For info on cat conduct and coaching, discuss 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.