My cat chews cords and hoses. How can I stop this destructive habit?

Hi there, thanks for your question on PetCoach. It sounds like you're working hard to break Spooky of this habit! The short of it is, there won't be an easy solution if Spooky isn't doing it when you're home to catch him in the act. You can try covering the exposed parts of the cord with something foul tasting or spicy, such as bitter apple sprays (there are many brands on the market, but here's one: ) or hot pepper sauce (I don't usually recommend the latter due to the potential for GI upset, but cord chewing is an exception, since that's a habit that could be life threatening!). If that doesn't work, then it will likely come down to husbandry/management, by potentially barricading Spooky away from the exposed cord or keeping him in a separate room. If he never tries to chew it when you're there, then the usual training strategies won't work, as all training options require responding in the moment that Spooky would show interest in the cord. Hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Usually these behaviors can be corrected but this usually needs in person training by a qualified dog trainer. I recommend you consider hiring a qualified dog trainer to work with you in person. You can try using positive reinforcement by focusing on the positive meaning when he listens to you and stops chewing you start rewarding him with treats and praise. Most of the time when that is done consistently, it tends to help significantly. Good luck and have a good day!

Cute kitty!! I'm sorry that you are having a hard time with her. It sounds like you've been trying all the right things up to this point. I think the most helpful thing for you at this point would be to consider investing in a consultation with a behaviorist. Here is a great site to find one near you: https://iaabc.org/consultants Additionally, consider a laser pointer toy at multiple times throughout the day to help keep her occupied: https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Automatic-Cat-Laser-Toy/dp/B07537S2LJ or a motion activated mouse is also a great option. Use a "hunter" type feeding toy... this allows cats to "hunt" their food. This is a great system: https://docandphoebe.com Here's a site with some additional info that may help you better understand the behavior and intervene appropriately: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly this is a puppy and or breed problem that MOST dogs eventually outgrow. Everything he could chew on should be put away or removed until this phase of puppy-hood is over. The family needs to learn to put their shoes in the closet. All plants should be put up on furniture or shelves. All exposed wires should be hidden or blocked with baby gates. When Damon can not be 100% watched he should be crated for his own safety or penned in a dog play pen or gated in a room that is puppy proofed. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise with walks and one on one play or sign him up for doggie day care during the day. Most chewing occurs out of boredom. Sign him up for training classes or start teaching him "leave it" and be sure he knows how to come when called. This is going to take time and patience and everyone doing their part to prevent injury to their belongings and to Damon. I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend using a bitter tasting solution such as bitter apple or something very hot such as cayenne pepper and apply it to the things you do not want Peyton to chew on. Allow him to grab the object with the substance applied to it and when he drops it because of the bad taste, say "no!" to reinforce that this is not an acceptable behavior. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!

There are products that you can purchase from pet stores (such as Petco or Petsmart) that you spray or rub on things to deter your pet from. They work by being bitter tasting or smelling bad to your cat so that she won't want to go by them. That would be my recommendation so that she stops chewing on the cords. Good luck!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend using deterrents such as bitter apple spray and spray it directly on your couch or use a spray bottle filled with water and every time you catch her chewing, spritz her in the face and say "off!". Loud noises such as a can filled with coins or an air horn can also help deter her from chewing. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.