Oliver is currently being trained with harness and lead. He wears his harness calmly enough, he can move about without much fuss, and he doesn´t freak out when he feels the pull of the lead. So let´s say we are fortunately 2 points ahead of the most common problems.

However... he has one major issue.

When I put on the lead, all his attention goes to turning around and trying to chew on the lead. I tried to dangle his favourite toys to distract him, but no use, suddenly he finds the lead the most attractive thing in the world to chew on...

So, I would like to try applying something unpleasant yet harmless and non-toxic on the lead, but I am not sure what is the most suited material. Also I wouldn´t want to apply anything that would grow mold or something either. Do you have any recommendation what I can use for this purpose?

I read in a cat magazine that Tabasco sauce (undiluted) applied to electrical wires will discourage a cat from chewing. It might work with a leash as well. You wouldn´t have to apply it to the whole leash, only the area that Oliver can reach. However, it could be a problem depending on the colour and material; for example, it would probably stain a yellow nylon leash. Also, somewhere in the forum lemon juice was suggested. I don´t think lemon juice would create the same aversion but it wouldn´t harm the leash.

Thanx Marsha, yes, hot pepper sauce maybe quite effective, but Oliver chews with such an enthusiasm I would feel a bit sorry for him if he really takes a full bite of it, yikes... oh I am such a softie...lol!! Perhaps lemon juice is a bit less shocking!! My lead is black so the staining is not a problem, I shall give it a try... grazie mille

I used bitter apple for my dog and I believe it can be used for cats as well... It is made to stop dogs and I think cats from chewing things.... tastes really nasty lol You could look it up and see if it works for cats as well.....

I was about to suggest bitter apple - it´s widely available in pet stores to deter bad behaviour. I was thinking of adding a few drops of peppermint or spearmint oil to a cup of water and soaking the lead in it then letting it dry. The scent alone of the oil might be a deterent and he´s not likely to ingest enough to harm him.

bitter apple? wow that is new.... never heard of it but I shall have a look when we go to the petshop this weekend! Unfortunately I don´t think mint flavour will work for him, he can lick toothpaste (which I try to keep away from him) no problem, so I don´t think it will deter him!! (what a weirdo lol!!) thanks folks for more input!!

I´m sure bitter apple will work... I just looked it up and people do use it for cats as well. I know it worked great for our puppy we had years ago.... I don´t think it cost a whole lot either from what I recall and it doesn´t stain and can be used on anything even plants....

I have heard of cats that like mint - Sophie (naturally) being an exception I assumed it would work for others. Whenever I chew mint gum Sophie makes that "you smell bad" squinty eyed face and moves away from me. Perhaps Catnip (catmint) is related so there could be a link. You could also try carrying a small can of pennies with you and giving it a vigourous shake whenever Oliver tries to chew at the lead. Chewing the lead = loud scary noise. I´ve found it can deter other kinds of unwanted behaviour.