Why is it risky?
Electrical cables are a chewing hazard, particularly for kittens. Contact with live wires causes electrical current to pass through the body, producing tissue burns at the point of contact, pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), cardiac arrhythmias, and potentially death. Standard household current (220V in Europe, 120V in North America) is sufficient to cause life-threatening injury.
Affected Systems
Nervous · Cardiovascular · Respiratory
Symptoms
Burns to mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, coughing, pale gums, collapse, cardiac arrest.
What To Do
Do NOT touch the cat before disconnecting power at the source. Emergency vet immediately, pulmonary edema can develop over hours even if the cat initially appears unaffected.
Notes
Cable protectors, bitter-tasting sprays applied to cables, and enclosed cable management systems significantly reduce risk. Prioritize cables near the floor, behind furniture, and around charging stations. Risk is highest in kittens and declines with age.
Sources
→ Merck Veterinary Manual — merckvetmanual.com
→ American Veterinary Medical Association — avma.org