How to cat (and robot) proof your electronics.

Cats are curious, and they like to chew on things that remind them of string. Unfortunately this means they like to chew wires, and stick paws into various vents and find other ways to damage your $100+ entertainment systems. So I've decided to give a few of you cat servants/techies some advice on how to protect you babies of the electronic and fur variety.

1. Cords. Unless you want a toasted cat and a fried computer, cover your cords! The best thing I've found so far is actually the clear tubing they sell for aquarium bubblers. Just take a pocket knife or a pair of scissors and cut open a side, then insert the wire through the slit. This works best for phone/handheld/PDA chargers and other smaller cords like headphones or speaker cables, and individual cords. These are the ones most likely to be destroyed by those of the feline persuasion, and unfortunatly attract them too. While the cover is not a gaurentee, it will give you about 5 minutes extra time to catch the buggar before a teething kitten hits electrical current. Buy some command hooks to secure wires to the back of furniture or a wall. If it is stationary, cats won't pull at it as much and robots won't get caught on it. Cord management systems are never a bad idea. If you have a robot, try to keep the cords 2 inches off the floor. With cats, alternate hooks facing up and down. That way if a wire does get pulled, your monitor won't come flying down with it. Also, kitty is less likly to develop a neck injury if they can't get enough cord away from the wall to get tangled in.

2. Power buttons. Does fluffy keep turning on your flat screen? Put a peice of scotch tape over the power button. This way when they brush by they won't turn on your computer and send the energy bill sky rocketing.

3. Keep your laptops closed when you're not right next to them. I cannot tell you how many cat rleated laptop problems I have seen. 1 minute of cat sleeping on the keyboard can easily become a $200 problem. Between pressed keys and fur getting sucked into the system, it can get messy. Also, as far as your cat is concerned, those keys make a fantastic heating pad.

Remember, it isn't just about keeping your electronics safe, but your kitties too. It's always good to brush up on Kitty CPR and have a 24 hour vets number on hand.