How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Cats

Next Steps

The most common objects of kittens' chewing are wires and cords, houseplants and fabric or leather furniture.2 Each item requires a slightly different approach to prevent the cat from chewing.

Wires and Cords

Cats usually find cords and wires to chew on especially if left alone during the day. Try to provide plenty of "play alone" toys for your cat or kitten, including wall or door mounted toys they can swat or bat around, cat towers to explore, with attached toys for added interest, or even an arrangement of cardboard boxes on the floor to form a tunnel, with holes cut through the sides. Toys that dispense treats are a great way to satisfy their hunting instincts.

To handle the cord situation itself, you need to devise a way to cover the cords, discourage access to them, or make them unpalatable for chewing.

• Cover the cords: Many computer supply stores carry pre-split hollow tubing for covering cords and electrical wires, as well as kits for managing computer cords. If you're handy with a utility knife, you can purchase flexible poly tubing in several diameters in most building supply or hardware stores. Slit one side of the tubing, then cut it to length for each cord. You might also try larger "corrugated" tubing to run several wires through if that works for you.

Discourage access to the cords: Try applying several rows of double-sided sticky tape to the floor surrounding a large cord tangle (such as frequently happens with computers). Cats will be reluctant to walk across the tape.

• Make the Cords Taste Bad: By far one of the best training tools for any kind of destructive chewing is bitter apple spray. It is guaranteed to leave a bad taste in your cat's mouth, one that he won't long forget. Be advised you may need to reapply this to the area you want your cat to avoid, especially if you have a persistent cat.
• Try CritterCords Cord Protector, to cover cords.