My cat is *out of control*

Question
I don't know where else to look, I am at my wit's end with my older cat, male, about two years old, inside cat. Nothing has worked, spray bottle, time out in the closet, making loud noises (he flees, but comes back later to do it again).

I'll begin my list with his most recent discovery to get old food out of the garbage can, every night it happens.. no matter what I do, I've barricaded the door to the garbage area with chairs/heavy objects (its hard to explain, its sort of a weak "accordion" door so he easily pushes through it). HE STILL GETS IN, and its FAR too late for any punishment because he does it while I sleep. I understand cats are curious and now that hes figured out he can get food by doing this he won't stop and I've run out of ideas.

I've had to store his toys in a drawer INSIDE a Tupperware box because every morning there are toys all over the living room floor. Every night I have to go over the house and make sure any thin cords are put away or hidden because he's already gone through about 500 bucks worth of headphones/microphones and even internet cables.

Every night I have to shove a chair infront of my kitchen cabinet because he likes to get under the sink and that is where I keep my cleaning supplies. He used to knock over his water dish aswell, but it seems he's over that. Oh and he chews my plants. Am I not feeding him enough? Am I feeding him too much? Is this just a phase?

Am I failing to give him the needed attention each day? I give him more than enough, and he even has a younger brother to play with. Please understand my frustration and giving him away is not an option for me, I love him too much! If there is anything I'm missing PLEASE fill me in! I want my house to be happy! :)

Answer
Tina,

It sounds like you have a happy, healthy, BORED kitty that needs his schedule changed and more stimulation.

Locking up the cat's toys is forcing him to find other ways to keep himself amused like cord chewing or getting into things. Picking up his toys is a small price to pay to prevent other unwanted behavior.

For the garbage problem change your garbage container to one with a lid. Dump the garbage often so the smell and resulting temptation is not there.

For cords you can buy "Chewsafe" or "CritterCord". They are clear, flexible protective cord covers with a citrus scent to keep the cat away from the cords. You can also make a solution of 1 part orange oil, 3 parts water and spray this on the object or blend citrus peels (orange, lemon) and water in a blender and paint-brush it on the cords. Cats hate the smell of citrus. You can use some of the mixture in the bottom of you garbage container too.
Here is a good article on chewing electrical cords: (copy and paste the whole link into your address bar)
http://www.ehow.com/how_2530_prevent-pets-chewing.html

Play interactive games with him to tire him out. A pet laser light is excellent for that (from PetSmat, Petco, etc.). Play 'throw and fetch' with your cat. Get some furry stuffed mice or shiny craft balls that come in a package at Wal-Mart's craft dept. or a craft store. My cats love to just carry them around when I get tired of throwing them!

Sometimes as cats get older their dietary needs change. Your cat may be experiencing hunger pangs in the middle of the night and is trying to tell you that by his behavior. You may want to feed him a can of food before you go to bed. Also leave bowl of dry food available all the time (free choice feeding) or at least at night so he can nibble if he gets hungry. Before going to bed play with him (like a session with the pet laser light) then feed him. Playing and then eating will make him tired and he is more likely to sleep all night instead of getting into things.

He also may have worms which will make him hungry all the time. If he does you need to get wormer from a vet because worms are getting immune to the products avaiable over-the-counter. There are different kinds of worms and you to need to make sure you get the correct medication for the type of worm.

On the bright side...he will eventually grow out it!

Tabbi