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Frequently Asked Questions
About CritterCord

• What is CritterCord
• Why does my pet chew cords?
• Why is wire chewing dangerous?
• How can I protect my pet?
• How does CritterCord Work? (Installation Instructions)


What is CritterCord?
CritterCord brand cord protectors are designed to protect your pet from dangerous electrical cords. CritterCord citrus infused protective tubing deters household pets from approaching protected cords, and the heavy gauge protects even persistent chewers. The citrus scent is infused into the product and therefore won't wipe or rub away. And because CritterCord brand cord protectors are virtually invisible, they won't disrupt your home decor.

CritterCord is made from medical grade tubing and the infused citrus scent is non-toxic. A MSDS is available upon written request.

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Why does my pet chew cords?
Thousand of pets across the globe (including cats, dogs and ferrets to name a few) have a condition know as "pica". Picas is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, pets may chew or such on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electrical cords, and plants. However, any object may be a potential target.

No one knows exactly why some pets exhibit pica type behavior. It has been speculated that pets that were weaned too early can develop pica behavior. A genetic component is also suspected, and because pica has been associated with a variety of disease including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any pet with pica. Although it is normal for many pets to eat small amount of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.

Rabbits and bunnies chew for another reason... because they have to. Rabbits teeth continue to grow, so they must chew to keep them at their right length. There are several theories as to why rabbits are specifically attracted to phone cords, antenna cords, cable TV cords, lamp cords, etc. One theory is that they are attracted by the vibration from the electricity. Another theory is that the electricity makes a noise that is audible to the rabbit. Or, could it be the plastic that encloses the electrical might taste good? Who's to know. Whatever the reason, it's simply not safe to leave a rabbit alone in a non-rabbit-proofed room. Providing your bunny with lots of suitable chew toys will reduce his desire to chew on your electrical cords, and covering the cord with CritterCord will provide an additional line of defense. Bunnies have a very keen sense of smell, so the citrus scent of CritterCord can make the critical difference!

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Why is wire chewing dangerous?
Pets that chew on power cords can not only destroy the cords and equipment, but risk being electrocuted, and potentially starting a fire in the home. Non-electric items also pose danger, as ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your pet's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Additionally, many common house plants are toxic to pets; chewing or eating them can cause a wide rand of symptoms form drooling to death. If your pet has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or display other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.

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How can I protect my pet?
The most immediate danger to pets is the potential of electrocution from power cords. Pets chew. We don't always know why. But we do want to help protect them. That's why we've developed CritterCord, specially designed to discourage most pets from dangerous and destructive cord chewing.

Additional measures you can take include:
  • Remove the items your pet is targeting, which can also include clothing, blankets and house plants.
  • Provide alternative items to chew or eat. Food-dispensing toys, durable pet toys, or piece of rawhide can be used to redirect your pet's chewing behavior to more appropriate and safe items.
  • Provide lots of structured play. Many pets chew on household items out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and set aside time each day to lay with your pet.
  • Consult with a veterinary behaviorist. If your pet continues to chew or ingest non-food items, referral to a veterinary behaviorist is recommended. Further environmental and behavior modification plans specifically tailored to your pet may be needed, in some cases, medication may be helpful.

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How does CritterCord Work? (Installation Instructions)

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