How to train a kitten NOT to do things?

[drunkmike]

Layla has been very very good (knock on wood) for being so young and we have not really had any problems with her, but she is infatuated with chewing on magazines/books and electrical cords! The paper chewing was an easy fix, but the chewing of the cords really worries me. I keep her locked in "her room" during the day when nobody is home with her and everything is unplugged with baby proof inserts on the outlets to keep her from sticking her paws in. I never leave her alone to roam the house at such a young age but I have caught her chewing on the computer cord and my phone cord a few times. The only thing that seems to work is giving her a small blast from a water sprayer and for the most part she runs as soon as she see's it come out so I don't really ever have to physically squirt her but she goes right back to chewing again in a few minutes! Any ideas on what I can do?

[Traci]

Search "computer cord covers" on google and you'll find a host of places to buy cable and cord covers, there are various types and sizes to choose from. I get mine from cableorganizer.com

It's good you keep things unplugged, but please consider cord covers because if she chews on one or more, and when you plug it in, you could have an electrical short, which would be a fire hazard.

Keep using the spray bottle, it has it's many uses for training Also, when using the spray bottle, accompany it with a certain command (keep it consistent and simple) - like, "NO, Layla" - don't have to yell or raise your voice, just be sure to say it every time you use the squirt bottle. Then immediately divert her attention to a favorite toy or activity.

She's still young, and probably entering her defiant, independent stage, be calm and patient, but consistent in your command, spray bottle and diversion tactics. Remember, she has a lot of energy to expend, so be sure you have lots of different types of toys, interactive toys, scratching post, even a safe kitty tree if you can.

[Tina B and crew]

mike...I highly recommend the covers Traci mentioned. They are wonderful. We have them on our cords and it has been a life and money saver because Chunk was definitely a chewer. The only cord I can't use it on is my laptop cord, because take it with me often, so I just tuck it away where he can't readily reach it. He seems to have lost his interest in chewing since he has become older, so maybe Layla will do the same.