metals tend to be oxidised not reduced. oxidation happens at the anode (positive charged one, it wants electrons) thus the cathode is protected look into cathodic protection

the long answer:
Metals tend to become positive ions thus they are easily oxidised not reduced. Oxidation happens at the anode, reduction at the cathode. During electrolysis the anode is connected to the positive terminal thus it wants electrons, though alot of the electrons will come from the electrolyte Cl- and H2O some electrons are also stripped from the metal electrode.