Chewing electrical chords

Question
I adopted Bucky one month ago from a shelter.  He is a 9 month old DLH who
was feral before being picked up by the shelter.  He has adjusted quite well to
our home... (despite being nervous around my husband- but I think that is
getting better and will go away with time)..  He is very sweet, loves to have is
belly rubbed and is very playful.  He is soo playful infact, that he has taken to
playing with everything, including electrical chords.  Last night he chewed all
the way through a chord for a lamp, which thankfully was unplugged!  I think
that he is bored.  Besides getting another cat (I still havn't convinced my
husband that having two is easier than one).. what can I do to stop the
chewing??  I was told to buy a squirt bottle and squirt him when he does it.  
They only problem is that I am returning to work soon.. and I am afraid that
will make his destructive behavior worse.  Right now he is used to having me
around all day.  Is there anything I can rub on the cables in the house to
make them taste bad to Bucky?
Thanks!!

Answer
Nikki,

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

Squirt bottles make a mess, I've never used them. I just scare the bejeeses out of the cats if they even think about going near a cord. Then of course I love on them a few minutes later so they aren't scared of me, just of going near a cord. And I've never had a problem with it.

Yes, it IS boredom. You DO need a kitty friend for your kitten/cat to play kitty games with, cuddle and groom, and keep him company when you are not there. Tell your husband it's easier to have 2 (or more) cats than one because they are less destructive because of boredom and it takes the pressure off of you to keep them amused and company all the time. Here is a link to an article for your husband to read:
http://www.chathamanimalrescue.org/twocatsarebetterthanone.shtml

If you do get another one ("honey, look what I found today!" (smile)) make sure it's about the same age and temperment as the one you have. I am including good links to articles on introductions:

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

If your cat is teething or wants something to chew on an excellent thing to get him is a raw beef rib bone. Especially for a cat that has feral cat history because it is like a 'fresh kill'. Give him one periodically for a treat. Most cats love it and the fibers in the meat cleans their teeth. I go to the supermarket and have the butcher cut the beef ribs in half.

Make sure you have a lot of toys like stuffed mice you can throw. Pet laser lights. You can get them at PetSmart or similar stores, or even Safeway has them. They are great for interactive play and 'hunter' type cats can 'hunt' the little red 'bug' on the walls, ceiling, and floors. Just don't EVER shine the light in their eyes.

I this info helps.
Tabbi