If your cat constantly begs for food when you enter the kitchen, mealtimes can become stressful and unpleasant. But there are steps you can take to stop this annoying behavior.
One of the simplest solutions you can take to help break your cat’s association with his food bowl is changing its location. By moving it away from its usual spot, you’ll break their association with that area with food.
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1. Distract Your Cat
It can be an upsetting experience to hear your cat meow and whimper for food, whether at mealtimes or any other time of the day. If your feline friend is overweight, this behavior may be especially distressing.
If your cat is always asking for food, there are a few ways to stop the behavior. One is distracting your feline with playtime.
You can also try feeding your cat small meals at regular intervals to help them feel satiated and less likely to ask for food.
You could even move your cat’s food bowl to a less-noisy area of the house, like a laundry room or guest bathroom. By having their dish in another location, they won’t feel tempted to ask for more snacks.
2. Reward Your Cat
If you want to stop your cat from pestering you during mealtimes, rewarding her with attention and praise when she is quiet can be a great way to distract her attention away from food cravings and encourage other activities instead.
You can also use a clicker to reward your cat for completing desired behaviors. For instance, if they’re having trouble sitting, try praising them and using the clicker when they do so.
It may take several sessions for your cat to repeat the behavior, but in the end they will be rewarded for their effort and it helps them learn that they can count on you for a reward.
3. Change the Location of the Food Bowl
If your cat has become accustomed to a certain spot for food, moving their bowl there may help break their association and stop them from pestering at that spot.
Establishing a regular feeding schedule for your cat is another effective way to reduce begging behavior. This will teach them when to expect food and decrease the likelihood of other times when they may feel the urge to ask for something.
A high-fiber diet can also help your cat feel more satiated and reduce their hunger. However, if your feline companion is showing signs of malnutrition, it’s essential to get them checked out by a veterinarian.
4. Change the Routine
Scheduling a schedule and routine for cats helps them feel like part of the family, making life simpler for us pet parents. Cats enjoy consistent feedings and exercises as well as regular noise levels in the home as well as regular play sessions with their owner.
Making changes to your cat’s schedule can be a challenge, but it will pay off in the long run. Start by offering timed meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – three times each day.
5. Take Your Cat to the Vet
It’s always beneficial to have your cat examined by a vet, whether for a routine physical exam or an illness. They can help detect any underlying problems and administer treatment accordingly.
Cats who appear to be constantly hungry, begging for food between meals or whining to be fed may have an underlying health condition such as feline diabetes, hypothyroidism or intestinal parasites that “steal” nutrients from their food supply and leave them feeling ravenously peckish.
If your cat is particularly anxious about going to the vet, try taking them in a smaller carrier that they’re used to using at home and that has a familiar scent. This will make the experience less stressful for both of you.
