Q&A for How to Keep Cats from Chewing on Electric Cords and Chargers

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.

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.

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.

Never apply essential oils direct to the cat. Oils that cats dislike and tend to steer clear of include lavender, peppermint, lime, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.

This is less common in cats than dogs. Generally, cats aren't great chewers and don't explore things with their mouths to the same extent dogs do. However, there are exceptions to every rule such as cats that chew wool or fixate on shoes.

As a general rule, Bitter Apple spray is considered non-toxic to cats and safe to use as a deterrent to stop them from chewing on stuff. However, always read the label for a specific product, and pay close attention to any warnings about use.