He wants to eat....NOW

by Sue
(York Penna)

Bo is about 5 years old. Fatcat is about the same.(SPCA cats) We've had them for well over a year and they are so awesome. Here's the problem. My husband is up everyday about 5:15 a.m. for work. The second he walked out the door Bo starts with this irritating little meow and if I wouldn't have the squirt bottle he'd wipe out everything that is on my dressers in the bedroom. In the mean time fatcat sits patiently in the hallway or on the bed and just waits. No noise,no knocking things down ...... nothing! Is it best just to give into him,or keep squirting him hoping that he soons get the idea...... YOU'LL EAT WHEN I GET UP!

Answer by Kate
well believe it or not but squirting him with a water bottle is perceived by your cat as a positive reaction from you i.e you are taking notice and responding to his cries and so he will continue.

No unfortunately this crying is a learned behaviour and it will be difficult to change, you will need a will of iron.

When he cries like this, don't look at him, touch him, make a sound or anything. if you can keep walking away from him too. the other option is to put him outside the door with the door closed and ignore his cries until you are really to feed him.

i now it sounds tough and it will take some time but he will eventually realise that his cries do not get him what he wants and should stop.

Also when he is being good give him lots of fuss this will help reinforce that no cries is good etc.

best wishes kate

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