You can hide cords from cats using the methods outlines below which amounts to taking preventative measures, to keep your cat safe and prevent mishaps in your home.
Key Takeaways To Hide Cords From Cats
Use Cord Covers
Install A Cord Cover in the Wall
Use Cord Clips Or Ties To Contain Cords
Use Furniture To Conceal Cords
Use Rugs Or Carpet To Conceal Cords
Install Electrical Points In The Floor Near Your Desk
Hide Cords On A Desk Using A Desk Organizer
DIY Cord Cover Using Fabric
DIY Cord Cover Using Foamboard
DIY Cord Cover Using Cardboard
All of the points mentioned above, to hide cords from cats, are explained in more detail in the article below. Use The Table of Contents, to take you to the idea, that you would like to explore further.
Table Of Contents
How Do You Hide Cords From Cats Behind Furniture Or Walls?
A good way to cat-proof wires is to conceal wires and cords behind furniture or walls.
1. Use Cord Covers To Hide Cords From Cats
Cord covers, also known as cable raceways, are plastic or metal channels. They can be affixed to walls or baseboards to hide cords and wires. They come in various sizes and can be painted to match the walls.
They provide a very good way to hide cords from cats and toddlers and generally just keep a multitude of cords out of the way.
2. Install A Cord Cover in the Wall
This means cutting a small hole in the wall and then running the cords and wires through it. A cord cover can be installed inside the wall to conceal the cords. This is a more permanent solution. This method does mean cutting holes in the walls, so it won’t be for everyone.
3. Use Cord Clips Or Ties To secure Cords Away From Cats
Use cord clips or ties to secure cords and wires to the back of furniture, keeping them out of sight and out of reach of cats.
4. Use Furniture To Conceal Cords
Place furniture, such as bookshelves, in front of cords and wires to keep them hidden from view.
When wires are concealed, it is important to make sure that they are still accessible for maintenance.
They must not block air vents or create fire hazards.
How Do You Hide Cords On The Floor?
1.Use Rugs Or Carpet To Hide Cords From Cats
Floor rugs can be placed over cords and cables to conceal them.
This is an easy solution, most effective when there are only a few cords to conceal.
2. Install A Cord Cover In The Flooring To Hide Cords
This is done by cutting a small hole in the floor and then running the cords and cables through it. A cord cover can be installed inside the floor to conceal the cords.
This is a more permanent solution, but it does mean cutting holes in the floor. You would know if this is a solution that could work at your place. I live in a single-story bungalow with a wooden floor and under floor access, so it is actually a perfect solution for me.
3.Electrical Points In The Floor Near Your Desk
Think about having an electrical power point installed on the floor, near your desk. This is a very good solution. It eliminates any long cords stretching from a wall outlet all the way to your desk.
If you are doing a home office reno this would be a perfect time to get this done. It looks so much neater, in addition to keeping cats and toddlers away from cords.
How Do You Hide Cords From The Cat – On A Desk?
Protect your cat from chewing through cords near your desk, by installing a cord cover in the desk. Cut a small hole in the desk and then run the cords through.
Does your desk have a hole for cords (many desks have this built-in)? The cords simply pass from your desk to the power outlet near the desk. This is a very tidy and neat arrangement.
Some desk organizers have built-in cable management options, such as clips or channels. This is to keep cords organized and hidden, cat proof and baby proof.
DIY Cat Proof Covers For Cords
1.DIY Cord Cover Using Fabric
Make a DIY cord cover using fabric. It is a simple and affordable way to conceal wires and cords. Here is a basic guide on how to make a cord cover using fabric. This fabric has a fire resistant feature.
Materials For A DIY Cord Cover Using Fabric
Fabric of your choice (enough to cover the length of your cords)
Scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Velcro or snaps (optional)
Instructions For A DIY Cord Cover Using Fabric
Measure the length of the cords you are going to cover and add a few inches to allow for seam allowances. Cut your fabric to this length.
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the long edge, leaving both ends open.
Turn the fabric right side out, so that the seams are now on the inside of the fabric tube. This last step of turning the fabric right side, out can be tricky, but there are ways to make it easy peasy, as explained in the video below.
Insert the cord or cords into the fabric tube.
Place the cord cover along the baseboard (also called the skirting), or wherever you want to conceal the cords.
Try different sewing techniques like quilting. This would give the cover more structure.
2. A DIY Cord Cover Using Foamboard
Here is a basic guide on how to make a cord cover using foam board, to cat proof electrical cords.
Materials For A DIY Cord Cover Using Foamboard
Foam board (size will depend on the length of your cords)
Ruler
Utility knife
Spray adhesive
Paint or decorative paper (optional)
Instructions For A DIY Cord Cover Using Foamboard
Measure the length of the cords you want to cover and add a few inches to allow for overlap. Cut the foam board to this length using a ruler and utility knife.
If desired, paint the foam board or cover it with decorative paper to match your room decor. Allow the paint or adhesive to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Use a utility knife to make a small slit in the foam board, at one end of the cord cover, big enough to fit the cords through it.
Place the cord cover along the baseboard or wherever you want to conceal the cords. Make sure the cords are coming out of the slit.
If you want to, you can cut small notches at the back of the foamboard, where the plug sits. This allows the plug to fit flush with the wall.
This is a simple and easy way to make a cord cover using foam board.
Where Do You Buy Foamboard?
Buy foamboard at a variety of retail stores and online marketplaces. Some common places to buy foam board are Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards. They all carry foam board.
Art supply stores, such as Michael’s, carry foam board in various sizes and thicknesses.
Online marketplaces – You can also find foam board online on websites such as Amazon.
You can buy foam board at specialty stores such as picture framing or sign-making stores. They may have a wider range of options for thickness and sizes.
Check the quality and thickness of the foam board.
Make sure that it is heat resistant and flame retardant if it will be near any heat sources.
How To Make A Cord Cover Using Cardboard
1. A DIY Cord Cover Using Cardboard
This is a simple and affordable way to conceal wires and cords and make them cat proof. Let your creativity take over or keep it plain and simple. Here is a basic guide on how to make a cord cover using cardboard:
Materials For A DIY Cord Cover Using Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard (size will depend on the length of your cords)
Scissors or utility knife
Ruler
Glue or tape
Paint or decorative paper (optional)
Instructions For A DIY Cord Cover Using Cardboard
Measure the length of the cords you are going to cover and add a few inches to allow for overlap. Cut the corrugated cardboard to this length using scissors or a utility knife.
If desired, paint the cardboard or cover it with decorative paper to match your room decor. Allow the paint or adhesive to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Using a utility knife make small slits in the cardboard, at one end of the cord cover. Make the slits big enough to fit the cords through it.
Place the cord cover along the baseboard or wherever you want to conceal the cords. Make sure the cords are coming out of the slits.
Decorate the cardboard if you have a creative streak. Use a cutter or scissors to make designs on the cardboard, such as waves or zig-zags. Glue some beads or other decorative elements to make it more attractive.
Remember that cardboard is not fire-resistant, so make sure to keep it away from heat sources.
How To Stop Cats Attacking Cords And Wires In The First Place
1.Use cord covers or conceal wires and cords behind furniture or walls. Plastic wire wraps are a good idea if you do not fancy the DIY route.
Toddler-proofing and cat-proofing wires and cords do have some similarities. Put the cords away or out of sight and reach.
2.Use a spray repellent, like apple cider vinegar or homemade citrus spray, on the cords. This will discourage cats from biting or scratching them. Bitter apple is a non-toxic spray that cats dislike. It is available at pet stores or online.
3.Cats don’t like the taste of Irish spring soap, vinegar paste, sports liniment, or lime juice. Cats are curious creatures who may be tempted to lick but will not return.
4.Cover the cord with double-sided tape. This would be a temporary solution until the cat is trained to not go near the double-sided tape. The tape is sticky, and cats hate sticky.
5.Have some cat grass for the cat to chew on. Cat grass is easy to grow.
6.Get the cat a scratching post or other scratching solutions for the cat instead of chewing cords.
Cats love corrugated cardboard. There are many corrugated cardboard toys for cats that provide a cheap and effective way for cats to scratch safely.
7.Provide your cat with cat toys that are stimulating, particularly if you are not home during the day. Cats will get bored when left alone for long periods of time.
One Last Thing
Do an electrical cords reconciliation.
Honestly, when I look at the tangle of electrical cords near my desk and near the tv, they appear to have multiplied. There can sometimes be one or two that are not even being used anymore. Oops!
They have somehow stayed in place, although unused.
I have even removed unnecessary appliances.
What is that DVD player still doing there? It feels good to free up space, but for what? More cords!
You know more cords will come along at some point, so being cord prepared, is a good motto to have.