Feline Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett is the author of a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed books, including Think Like a Cat and Psycho Kitty. The innovative methods described in all her books are based on Pam's unique way of training by actually understanding the way a cat thinks. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN, Fox News Channel, and National Geographic specials, as well as being a popular guest on many nationally syndicated radio programs. She is now considered to be one of the leading experts on feline behavior.

Q: I have a female kitten who is almost five months of age. Recently, we have discovered that three of our phones were not working. We found by close examination that our cat has been chewing on all of our cords, but more specifically the phone cords are her favorite. My husband and I both work, so catching her in the act is nearly impossible. She has plenty of toys to play with so I don't think that she is lacking in the fun department. I have thought maybe it is a vitamin deficiency, but we feed her a balanced and healthy diet. I hope you can help us. I am concerned that she will next move onto our new computer... not to mention the hazard that it creates for her and us.

A: Ahh, you're experiencing one of the rites of passage of owning a young cat. This is normal, though very dangerous, behavior. Even though you're providing lots of entertainment when you're home, your cat is seeking out some form of playtime when she's home alone.

Cat-proof your home to protect your kitty from the dangers of chewing on electrical cords. The first step is to use a bitter anti-chew cream available at pet supply stores. Using a pair of rubber gloves, thoroughly coat all cords. You may need to reapply the stuff a second time the following week.

Next, minimize temptation. For phones, use cordless or retractable cords. For electrical cords, you can connect them to table legs so they don't dangle so much. You can also buy plastic covers that conceal the cords along the baseboard. In a pinch, you can buy some PVC pipe, cut a lengthwise slit and stuff the cords in there to keep your cat from having access.

There are also cord containment arrangements available for computer equipment. Check your local office supply store. If you're handy, make a ventilated cord cover to conceal the mass of wires and cords that most of us have behind our computer desks.

Finally, create diversions for your kitty so she'll be less interested in going after electrical cords. Set up a cat tree by the window, buy or construct a cat tunnel with surprise toys inside, and leave kitty-safe toys hidden in various places for her to find during the day.