Our vet david grant works his animal magic

QOUR seven-year-old Burmese cat keeps going behind the television to chew the electric cables. Why does he do this and how can we encourage him to stop?

AIT is important to solve this as soon as possible as there is a real danger of electrocution or severe mouth burns.

Chewing is very common in kittens and is associated with teething. In older cats it may be due to oral discomfort and they may get some relief by chewing. Another possible reason is boredom.

At seven years of age it is quite likely that your cat has some degree of dental disease so a trip to the vet is advised to check for this along with any treatment.

In the short-term make access to the wires more difficult by blocking the entrance to the back of the television. If you have to leave him on his own, ensure it is in a room with no electric wires.

There are various cat toys you can obtain from pet shops that he can chew on and it would be a good idea if you can find time to play with him, as this will help alleviate boredom.

There are products available that you can wrap around the cables, preferably odourless, such as PetCords, £12.99 (amazon.co.uk). Go around the house and identify any other cables that might attract him so you can tackle those too.

David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.