While smartphones have turned pets like cats or dogs into Internet sensations, people’s four-legged companions are also known for turning gadgets into their personal chew toys and playthings. — Image by prostooleh on Freepik
In June, Muhd Saiful Azwar Talib began what seemed like a routine repair on a laptop reportedly exposed to liquid at his Kedah-based Fix Your Laptop shop.
“It was not unusual,” he remarked, noting that many customers seek help after spilling drinks such as coffee or air sirap.
However, the customer’s revelation that his pet cat had peed on the laptop took Muhd Saiful Azwar by surprise, prompting him to explain the need for extra time to address potential damage, especially to the crucial motherboard.
Muhd Saiful Azwar shared the incident on Facebook, advising customers to be mindful of their pets’ behaviour around electronic devices.
In Kuala Lumpur, YP Mac computer specialist Kevin S. says it’s not uncommon for customers to mention that they had to change the way they handled their devices when they became pet owners.
Kevin recommends using cable protectors if users want their cables to last longer around pets. — KEVIN STypically, most would place their devices out of reach of their pets, like in high places, or hide cables to prevent them from being chewed.
“Smart dogs like golden retrievers can open drawers, so users will make sure that they are properly locked. Pets might try to destroy your devices as they assume the gadgets are taking their owners’ attention away from them,” he says.
Pet playthings
While smartphones have turned pets like cats or dogs into Internet sensations, people’s four-legged companions are also known for turning gadgets into their personal chew toys and playthings.
In 2014, a pet accident survey conducted by the US-based warranty service provider SquareTrade revealed that 28 million pet owners reported that their electronic devices – power cords recording the highest at 41% – had been damaged by pets. This was followed by smartphones (30%), laptops (12%), and gamepads (12%).
The company found that male dogs are 86% more likely to damage devices than female dogs. Nineteen percent of owners believed their pets caused damage out of anger, while one in four felt it was due to jealousy, as the incidents occurred while they were using the devices.
In 2022, British insurance company Aviva revealed in a study that claims from dog-related incidents amounted to £1,100 (RM6,180), with items like carpets, TVs and laptops being the most commonly targeted items.
The company highlighted two incidents. The first involved a dog accidentally tugging on a charging cable while running, causing the attached laptop to topple into a bucket of water.
In the second incident, a dog stubbornly refused to get into a car. While the owner was trying to coax the dog into the vehicle, he placed his laptop on the roof of the car. Unfortunately, he drove off with the laptop still sitting there. (Though the dog may not be entirely to blame for this one.)
When pets damage gadgets, Keeper Security cybersecurity expert Anne Cutler says users risk more than physical damage as they could also potentially lose access to their personal data.
“Losing data can happen in the most unexpected ways – like when your pet decides the laptop is the perfect spot to nap or worse. Unfortunately, many users do not fully understand the importance of securing their personal data against all of the external threats out there – even the unexpected ones,” Cutler adds.
In a June report, digital forensics service Secure Data Recovery revealed that pets like cats are responsible for damaging devices and causing data loss. One amusing story involved a cat that not only knocked a laptop off a table but then promptly settled down on it for a nap.
Not ‘fur’ fun
Muhd Saiful Azwar says pet fur can accumulate inside devices, clogging cooling vents or fans. — MUHD SAIFUL AZWAR TALIBMuhd Saiful Azwar says most users don’t realise the importance of gadget care until it’s too late.
He has encountered customers who ignored the warning signs, only to get upset when presented with a bill requiring them to cough up a considerable amount for repairs.
“Device repairs could cost as much as a new laptop,” he adds.
A common pet-related problem is letting pets sleep near or on laptops, which he says is detrimental in the long run.
He explains that pet fur can accumulate inside devices, clogging cooling vents or fans. This can lead to overheating and potential long-term damage to the device’s internal components.
“If you start hearing unusual sounds from the device while it’s running, that’s a sign the fan is struggling to cool the system due to blockages. I would advise getting the device cleaned to prevent overheating.
“Also, keep your device in a room away from the pet or place it in a bag, preferably waterproof, when you’re not using it,” he says.
According to Muhd Saiful Azwar, when laptops are serviced, dust and other particles will be removed from fans and vents to ensure proper airflow. Technicians will also reapply thermal paste to maintain optimal heat transfer between the processor and the cooling system.
Meanwhile, Kevin recommends using cable protectors if users want their cables to last longer around pets.
“Pets love to chew on exposed cables and charging cables. Invest in cable protectors or wrap your cords with spiral cable wraps to stop your pets from gnawing on them. These are easy to find in local hardware stores,” he adds.
He also emphasises the need to keep devices away from potential spills, as pets can easily knock over drinks and cause water damage.
Wherever possible, Kevin believes going wireless may be best: “To avoid pets getting tangled with wires, think about switching to wireless keyboards, mice or chargers.”
So what to do when a pet pees on your laptop? Kevin recommends turning off the device and disconnecting it from the power source.
“Do not attempt to charge it or turn it back on. Unless you can open the casing and inspect the interior, there is no way to determine the extent of the internal damage,” he says.
Kevin says technicians would need to use ultrasonic cleaning methods for water-related damage, while Muhd Saiful Azwar says the process could take up to three days as it involves cleaning and then drying the device in an oven.
“Some people might think that if the device can still power on, it’s fine, but that’s not the case. Corrosion can set in later, potentially leading to short circuits in the hardware components.
“Therefore, we strongly advise having the device checked and cleaned by experienced and knowledgeable technicians,” Kevin says.
Though it may seem like a hassle, Cutler feels that most pet owners need to learn to secure their data on the devices. 
Cutler says that pet owners risk more than physical damage to their devices because they could also potentially lose access to their personal data. — Keeper Security
“For everyone, even those who aren’t the most tech-savvy, my advice is to prioritise regular backups of your important files.
“Whether it’s through automatic cloud backups or scheduled external hard drive backups, having multiple copies in safe locations ensures that your data is recoverable, even if something goes awry with your primary device,” she says.
It’s also crucial to be aware that keeping gadgets away from pets helps to protect them from potential injury or harm.
KL-based veterinarian Dr Evelyn Nah emphasised the importance of educating pet owners about the potential risks that tech devices pose to their pets.
She says some pets have a tendency to chew or ingest inanimate objects like charging cables or external parts of a device and may need medical intervention.
“This behaviour could result in foreign body obstruction (in parts of the digestive tract), gastrointestinal upset, or even ulceration in the oral cavity,” Dr Nah says, adding that an X-ray may be needed to diagnose the case further.
Despite devices occasionally falling victim to pet antics, the affection for the pet remains unchanged.
Kevin says: “Our customers with pets who have damaged their devices often sigh and express distress, but they still choose to keep their pets. For them, giving up their pets is simply not an option,” he adds.
Ultimately, our furry friends are beloved members of our families, and they require us to be extra vigilant in protecting our gadgets.
By taking proactive steps, pet owners can protect their devices while keeping their pets happy, as households become increasingly populated by gadgets.
