If your kitty has taken to chewing on electrical wires, it can be a frustrating and dangerous habit for them. The risk of trauma from electricity or even outright electrocution can affect your pet, not to mention the expenses you might incur if your Bengal Cat has taken to gnawing on your cables and wires. What might initially seem amusing can lead to you replacing numerous cords or wires around the house, while attempting to keep your cat away from them.
In this article you are going to learn how to stop your Bengal cat from chewing wires.
Reasons Why Your Bengal Cat Chews Wires
There are numerous reasons why your Bengal might have started to chew on wires. One potential cause is an oral fixation. They might enjoy the sensation of chewing on wires, particularly the rubbery feel against their gums. Some kitties even develop
Obsessive Compulsive tendencies, which may manifest in them chewing on cords. You might notice color preferences, such as cats chewing on white cords rather than black ones, or vice versa.
Medical issues are another potential cause. Cats with dental disease may seek relief from the discomfort by gnawing on objects like cords. Metabolic diseases such as hyperthyroidism may increase your cat’s activity levels and lead to behavioral changes.
Stress and boredom are other major issues that can lead to your Bengal chewing on wires. They may seek out destructive behaviors to act out or simply to find something new to investigate. Your cat may feel better after chewing on wires and replicate the behavior whenever they get the chance to.
Ways to Stop Your Bengal Cat from Chewing Wires
Treat Medical Issues
The first step in stopping your Bengal from chewing wires is to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. A routine physical exam, blood work, and dental work-up can identify issues such as hyperthyroidism or periodontal disease. This is especially important as a great many cats are affected by periodontal disease as young as two to three years of age. If your veterinarian identifies a problem, it can often be treated.
Increase Mental Stimulation
If your Bengal Cat is chewing on wires, you need to give them outlets for their behavior. Increase activities, such as playing with your cat. You can use toys such as fishing pole type toys for your Bengal cat to chase and bat around. Also make sure you have areas for your Bengal to investigate, such as offering a shelf near the window where they can watch birds. You might even consider teaching your Bengal to walk on a harness and leash so that you can take them outside and allow them to explore their surroundings even more.
Block Off Wires
To help keep your cat from chewing on wires, block the wires off. Run them through PVC piping to keep your Bengal from getting access to the cords and consider running them behind furniture.
You might also consider dissuading your Bengal from chewing on wires through aversion therapy. Coat wires in a layer of hot sauce or citrus, or you can even use a product such as Bitter Apple spray.
Using a device such as the Ssscat motion sensor can also keep your kitty from destroying your wires.
Give Alternatives to Chew On
If you cat likes to chew on things, you should provide them alternatives that are safe to chew on. In your local pet store, you can find objects such as rubber chew toys or Nylabones to let your kitty gnaw on. You might even get them small dog sized rawhides to chew on.
Also make sure your kitty has plenty of fiber in their diet. Offering alternatives such as cat grass or even green beans can fill your Bengal up, which may reduce their impulse to chew on cords.
In Summary
If your cat is chewing on wires or cords, it is important to get them to stop and keep them away from electrical cords. If they destroy them, it is an additional expense for you but can also be quite hazardous for your Bengal Cat.
If they are chewing wires, schedule a check-up with your veterinarian to make sure that they don’t have a health condition, and consider ways to increase their mental stimulation and need to chew.
