With a new kitten, it’s crucial to make sure her environment is safe. And, since kittens are always looking for opportunities to play, one clear danger comes from dangling electrical cords. The danger is two-fold: a kitten can attempt to chew on exposed wire, and she can also try to pull or climb it, causing an object to fall on her from above.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent electrical cord dangers.

Start by inspecting your cords. Worn cords or plugs should be replaced. Wrap dangling lamp cords around table legs, and use electrical twist ties to control excess slack. Visit your local home improvement store or office supply store and look for cord containment products such as baseboard cord covers. If you can’t find any, you can get a long piece of PVC pipe and run the cords through it along the baseboard.

Look for computer cord containment products as well. These not only reduce the risk of your kitten chewing on the wires, but help you control that mess of tangled wires behind your desk.

Child-proofing products are very useful for pet owners as well, such as outlet covers, surge-protector covers, and outlet plugs.

Also, you’d do well to coat dangling cords with a bitter anti-chew product. Please don’t use Tabasco sauce or hot pepper, however, because they’re just too severe for a kitten. Instead, use a product made especially for pets.

Finally, since your kitten’s desire to chew and play with electrical cords comes from her natural curiosity and playful behavior, make sure you provide her with safe alternatives for exploration and fun!

For more information refer to the book Think Like a Cat.

© 2009 Cat Behavior Associates, LLC