Cats and Computers: Keeping Both Safe

I would bet my bottom dollar that most cat people who spend time online are more than aware that cats, like furry little magnets, are attracted to computers. It doesn't seem to matter if the computers are desktops or laptops, they're all appealing to our inquisitive little heat-seeking missiles.

It completely saddens me to have to shut my office door while I'm working, making myself subject to the doleful, pleading mews and chirps of Hush Puppy jumping up to the doorknob. I'm positive that his ability to instill maternal guilt in me rivals any human child.

But even though our cats long to be near us and to curl up on a keyboard (even during our online shopping on Cyber Monday), it just isn't good for our computers (and is sometimes unsafe for our cats). I learned this the hard way when my keyboard stopped functioning and I found that it was completely gummed up with cat hair. Now that I only use a laptop, it's crucial to keep my keyboard fur-free and my LCD screen sans scratches.

To keep our electronic equipment safe, there are those times when we must set limits to the areas in which our kitties are permitted.

Here are a few suggestions that may help you win the battle, if not the war, of cat versus computer.

Distract and Conquer

Provide an enticing distraction. Try setting up a window perch or cat tree impregnated with cat-nip and constructed with shelves and tunnels, placed in relatively close proximity to your work station. These offer a frustrated feline the opportunity to be near you, but not sitting in your lap or wandering all over your keyboard.

Spray for Safety

A safe and inexpensive way to discourage cats from chewing wires, cords and cables is to spray these items with a commercial cat repellent. You can also easily make your own using Tabasco sauce mixed with water. I also had great success spraying cords with a non-toxic, citrus scented room deodorizer before I moved my equipment into a secure office. But do be sure to unplug these items before you spray them. Using dust-covers on your equipment is also a great idea.

Secure Cords

Make sure that all wires, cables and cords are carefully secured under your desk and on walls. You can purchase plastic conduits to wrap these wires, which also help prevent serious accidents and keeps kitty safe from being electrocuted.

Stay Cool

Turn all equipment off before leaving the room. This keeps your equipment cool and far less inviting to cats. Be sure that all CD and DVD-ROM drawers are closed.

Save Your Sanity

One other suggestion worth mentioning is to frequently save your work. A kitty suddenly jumping onto your keyboard is certain to wreak havoc with any important documents that you are writing.

What suggestions can you add to help keep computers safe around cats (and vice versa)? Leave a comment and share what works well for you.