The Easiest Ways to Prevent Your Cat from Chewing on Wires

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Cat-proof your phone charger with these simple steps

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 31, 2024 Fact Checked

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How to Keep Cats Away from Wires

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Why Cats Chew on Cords

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Dangers of a Cat Chewing Wires

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Key Takeaways

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

When your kitty nibbles on your household cables, it isn’t just bad news for your wires; it can also lead to serious health concerns for your feline friend. That’s why protecting your wires from your cats with wire sheaths, bitter spray, and other clever tactics is so important—and we’re here to give you the full picture. Read on to learn effective strategies to cat-proof your wires, along with some helpful info on why cats like to chew in the first place (and what can happen if they chew a little too ferociously on wires). In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to create a plan of action to keep your kitties (and cables) safe.

How do you stop a cat from chewing on wires?

Protect the cords with sheaths or covers.
Cover the wires with foil or double-sided tape.
Coat the cables with a bitter spray or deterrent.
Store your cords in a wire loom.
Put training mats near the wires to deter your cat.
Give your cat enriching toys.
Spend lots of time with your cat.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Keep Cats Away from Wires

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Use wire covers and sheaths. Wire covers and sheaths obscure your cords and chargers with tubing, which prevents your cat from having easy access. All you have to do is wrap the cover around the cord to provide easy, cat-proof coverage.
- If you have a pretty massive cord setup, a cord reel might help with this.
Pet owners have found that cats aren’t huge fans of aluminum foil, and may steer clear of surfaces where foil is present.^{[1]
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Apply double-sided tape to the wires. Cats aren’t known to love the feeling of sticky tape, and may avoid surfaces that are covered in it. Wrapping up an entire length of cord in double-sided tape may help prevent your cat from sinking their teeth into it again.
- Duct tape can also be an effective way to cover up your cords.^{[2]
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Spritz the cords with a bitter apple spray or other deterrent. Bitter apple sprays coat a given surface in an unpleasant (but totally safe!) flavor that cats hate. Give your wires a good spray-down to help your kitty get the message.^{[3]
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- You can also use a product like Chewsafe Cord Cover, a safe but foul-tasting clear cover for your cables.
- Dish soap is another possible option—just make sure to add more periodically.^{[4]
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- Steer clear of using substances like garlic to coat your wires, which is poisonous to cats.^{[5]
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Set carpet grippers near the wires. Some pet owners have noticed that their cats aren’t huge fans of the bumpy texture that carpet grippers have. With this in mind, they may stay away from spots where you lay them down (like near cords and chargers).
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Remove unnecessary electronics from your space. Take a look at all the cords, chargers, and their respective electronics in your living space. Do you use all of these devices regularly, or can some of them (and their wires) be put away? Clearing away some cords will definitely stop your cat from chewing them.
- For instance, you might retire your old VHS player, or a lamp that you barely use.
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Block off the wires so your cat can’t get to them. See if there are any clever ways you can totally hide your cords so your cat doesn’t have easy access. For example, you might plug your TV into an outlet behind the dresser it’s perched on, rather than using an extension cord.^{[6]
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- Cord cover kits can be an effective way to hide and block away cords from your cats.
It's the dangling that often attracts the cat; once taped firmly to a table leg or wall, the cord blends in and ceases to provide the same attraction. You can also purchase Velcro attachments or special cord clips to keep cords attached flatly to another item.^{[7]
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While this technically won’t stop your cats from chewing your wires, it will protect them in the event that they continue to chomp on your precious cables. ^{[8]
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Invest in GFCI outlets and surge protectors for your wires. GFCI outlets and surge protectors help identify and shut down electrical surges before any person (or animal) can be hurt by them. Surge protectors are easy to set up, while GFCI outlets take a little more time and electrical know-how to wire and install.^{[9]
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- Always call an electrician or handy-person if you aren’t comfortable installing or otherwise modifying your home’s outlets.
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Give your cats safe and enriching toys. If your cat is totally enriched and entertained by their environment, they might not feel the need to gnaw on any nearby cords. Some great options to consider include:^{[10]
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- Laser pointers
- Puzzle feeders
- Wand toys
- Brown paper bags (with the handles taken off) or cardboard boxes
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Create an enriching environment for your cat. Make sure that your cat has the ability and space to jump onto a high, vertical surface, like a cat tree or cat condo. Having accessible windowsills with visible birdbaths can also be incredibly stimulating for your cat.^{[11]
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- Tip: Make sure your cat has plenty of comfy places where they can relax, too, like a roomy bedroom closet or a spot under your bed.
Play with and spend lots of time with your cat. Giving your cat lots of love, attention, and entertainment is a great way to keep them out of trouble (or, at least, out of your cords).^{[12]
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Section 2 of 4:

Why do cats chew on cords?

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Personal enjoyment Some cats just like the way chewing feels to them, and might especially enjoy the texture of a cord or charger.^{[14]
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- Tip: Make sure your cat has plenty of engaging toys and enriching activities that they can use and enjoy, so they can be entertained beyond an electrical cord.
Cats are naturally curious creatures with built-in hunting instincts.^{[15]
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Research source} To some cats, the shape and position of a cord may pique their curiosity and help stimulate these instincts.
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Boredom Some cats are looking for mental enrichment and use chewing as a means of passing the time. If you suspect that your kitty is bored, make sure you’re dedicating plenty of time to play with them each day.^{[16]
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- Tip: Try to make time for around two 15-20 minute play times with your cat each day to keep them engaged.^{[17]
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Many cord covers are made with a slightly pliable substance. Some cats might like the “give” this substance offers to their teeth, which may encourage them to chew cables more frequently.
Pica is a behavioral issue that revolves around chewing on/eating items that aren’t meant to be eaten.^{[18]
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Anxiety and stress When cats feel stressed, their anxiety can manifest in pretty destructive ways—like chewing electrical cords, for example. Compulsive orders can be an addition to this type of behavior, a stressed cat may also hide away more than they typically do, drink and eat their meals less than they normally would (or eat more than usual, alternatively), meow more than usual, and/or groom themselves too much.^{[19]
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- Certain cat breeds are a little more inclined to feel anxious and experience separation anxiety, like the Siamese cat.^{[20]
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- A compulsive disorder may also contribute to chewing behaviors.^{[21]
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If your cat chews on cords frequently, it could mean that there’s an issue with their teeth or dental health overall. Visit your vet so they can take a closer look at your kitty and see if a dental-related issue could be causing the unwanted behavior.^{[22]
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Section 3 of 4:

Dangers of a Cat Chewing Wires

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Choking As a cat chews and gnaws on an electrical cord, they might end up nibbling off small pieces of the wire covering, which can pose a choking hazard.
- If your cat appears to be choking, you can actually give them a feline version of the Heimlich Maneuver by holding them with their back to your chest (so they’re dangling). Then, place your hand over their abdomen and push/propel your hand up 5 times to help dislodge the obstruction.^{[23]
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Burns Thermal burns (caused by electricity) are very real issues that can stem from a cat chewing on a live wire. If your kitty was recently burned, you might notice an injury near their mouth that looks gray, light yellow, tan.^{[24]
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- The burn will form wherever the cat was exposed to live electricity; in this case, that would likely be around the mouth.
Chewing on a plugged-in cord can cause a cat to be exposed to a live electrical current, which can lead to serious side effects like seizures, muscle spasms, tummy pain, a pulmonary edema (a condition where liquid collects in the lungs), vomiting, cardiac arrest, and more.^{[25]
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Section 4 of 4:

Key Takeaways

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Deterrents like cord covers, bitter sprays, and foil can be effective tools to keep cats away from wires, but they shouldn’t be your only strategy. Giving your kitty lots of quality time and enriching toys is another important way to keep them content (while keeping your wires intact).
Electrical cords can create serious injuries like burns, along with even more serious conditions like seizures, respiratory issues, pulmonary edemas, and more. If your cat displays any type of concerning symptom after chewing on a wire, take them to a vet as soon as possible.^{[26]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I convince my parents that wires can be covered and it's safe to get a cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Show willingness by tidying the wires in your bedroom as an example of how it's possible to make a safe environment for a cat. (Be careful handling plugs and cables; if necessary, unplug electrical equipment from the mains or turn the power to the socket off). Show your parents what a good job you did, and offer to cat-proof the rest of the house. If they are unconvinced, ask them if this is the only reason they don't want to get a cat and to be honest about why.

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Question

How do I keep my cat from chewing on cords?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

To a cat, cables and cords can seem like wiggly snakes and are inviting to play with or chew. The best option is to conceal the cables in trunking or behind furniture. If the cat chews on the power cable to a laptop (which you move around), try and conceal the cable under a blanket or behind your legs.

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I'm on oxygen, which is piped to me via long tubes that run all over the home. My cats chews these when I'm not looking. What can I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Spritzing the outside of the tubing with a smell that deters cats may be your best option. Most cats dislike citrus oils, so make up a solution in a spray bottle or dampen a cloth with diluted citrus oil and wipe it over the tubing. This will need to be reapplied regularly.

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Tips

If you have an especially anxious kitty at home, consider installing a plug-in pheromone diffuser in a room they spend a lot of time in.^{[27]
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Hot sauce can also deter cats when rubbed on cords, but be sure not to use too much.^{[28]
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Research source} In large amounts, hot sauce can hurt your cat’s GI system.

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Call up an electrician and see if any of your home electronics can be hard-wired into your home. This could potentially help minimize the number of cords lying around to begin with.

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