How to Stop Your Cat From Chewing Electrical Wires

When cats chew on wires, plastic bags or other foreign objects. These behaviour may be caused by an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); or health-related / environmental factors. EG: Dental issue, a way for the cat to relieve stress; etc. No matter what is the reason behind it, it is extremely dangerous for cats to chew on electrical cords, it could cause short circuit to your house; damage your appliances, or worst electrocuted. 

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can address this kind of behaviour.

Reasons for Chewing

It might be a mystery why cats choose electrical wires to chew on. The reasons for cord chewing may include:

Stress

Stress can prompt a wide range of odd behaviors. In these cases, the chewing serves to relieve anxiety and simply makes the cat feel better emotionally.

Boredom

When a cat isn’t having enough stimulation or exercise, it will cause boredom and that will result stress may cause it to seek other outlets.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) usually involves chewing and gnawing behaviour.

Although cord chewing may be the primary OCD behaviour you observe in your cat, you may spot other symptoms as well. There doesn’t seem to be an explanation for why some cats develop a particular combination of OCD symptoms.

• _{Overgrooming, characterised by a cat licking and chewing its fur so vigorously that it starts to fall out in spots, is also common.}
• _{Obsessively sucking, licking or chewing on fabric.}

Dental

Cats that have pain in their mouths caused by dental problems may indulge in gnawing behaviour in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. So it’s important to visit a veterinary for dental care. EG: Checkups and cleanings.

Pica

A nutritional deficiency called pica is associated with eating odd materials. When a nutrient is missing from its diet, a cat will seek to replace it, but may choose inappropriate items to ingest. Some cats that suddenly begin targeting inedible objects.

How to Stop Chewing

Take your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup if it displays inappropriate chewing behaviour so that any underlying health problems can be discovered and addressed. In the meantime, take steps to keep your cat safe.

• _{Cover electrical cords by running them through wire protector. You can also make them less appetizing by using bitter spray.}
• _{Offer the cat alternatives to chew, such as cardboard.} 
• _{Reduce anxiety to help eliminate the need for chewing. Consider trying a synthetic kitty pheromone (Feliway) to relieve stress and soothe your cat. Otherwise, make sure your cat’s litter box is spotless and that it has enough toys and playtime with you to stave off boredom.}