Here’s the audiophile’s guide to pet-proofing and fixing chewed headphone wires.
A couple of posts on Reddit’s r/headphones highlight a growing concern for audiophiles – pets destroying expensive headphones. These incidents highlight the common and costly issue of pets chewing wires and the challenges in repairing the damage.
Tales of Destruction
A Reddit user posted about their pet rabbit chewing through the cable of their brand-new AKG K92 headphones, rendering them useless despite attempts at splicing the wires. The user suspected the unfamiliar scent of the headphones might have triggered the behavior, causing the rabbit to target them over more expensive cables lying nearby.
Another user experienced a similar problem when their cats decided to gnaw away at an exposed wire on their Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X headphones.
There isn’t one definitive reason why pets chew on wires; instead, it’s usually due to a mix of factors.
Their curiosity or instinctual attraction to objects that resemble prey can make dangling wires tempting.
For young pets, chewing can be a way to ease teething pain. Additionally, boredom, anxiety, and a general lack of mental and physical stimulation might drive pets to chew on wires as a form of exploration and entertainment.
Reddit to the Rescue
Reddit’s r/headphones community came together to offer various solutions for repairing headphone wires.
A popular suggestion was to solder the wires, which is simple given that numerous YouTube tutorials and inexpensive soldering kits are available online. One user noted the importance of removing any enamel coating on the wires using a lighter flame to allow for proper splicing.
Another user explained that those unfamiliar with soldering can try stripping the wire ends, twisting them together, and securing them with electrical tape and heat shrink tubing.
Several commenters also said that if DIY is not an option, a local tech repair shop can perform the task for a modest fee.
As a precaution, pet-owning audiophiles should store their audio gear properly to keep wires out of pets’ reach and prevent future accidents. Otherwise, using non-toxic bitterant sprays or cord covers to deter chewing is another solution for safeguarding headphone wires.
Providing your pets with enough toys, exercise, and proper supervision can also help discourage them from targeting electronics.
One Redditor, however, offered a quirky ‘’solution’’: