My cat wont eat unless i am there

Hi,.....my 12 yr. old cat grew up w/our Golden Retriever (they were BEST pals)....our dog has passed away(it still hurts after 3 yr.)...our cat Gissy was very angry for at least 6mo., then we moved...had to stay in tiny apartment w/all our belongings(furniture,etc.). While there Gissy started to eat only when I was next to her. She would come to me and want me to follow her to her dishes...which I did. This continued for the whole year we were there....now we have moved into a new house and she still wants me next to her while she eats. Is there some way to ease her back into going to her eating area by herself and munching on the goodies? It's not a good habit...especially if something happened to me!!! She's not too chummy w/my husband. HELP.................Reilly


Answer from Kate
Hi
yes a little bit of tough love may be required here.

your right it is not a good habit for her to continue.

Sadly there is no easy option apart from putting some food down for her and walking away. Close the door behind you so that she can't follow. Make sure the food is her favorite and fresh and keep doing the same thing over and over again. She will eventually eat when she is hungry enough.

It won't be easy and you will find it tough, but it is simply a habit she has gotten into. She is not ill and when she is hungry she will eat.

You know the saying cruel to be kind, well thats what this will feel like. hang in their, you are doing the best thing for her.

best wishes Kate

Click here to post comments

Return to Cat Questions.


I'd love to hear what you think of this page or my site. Let me know if you like what you have read or if it has helped you with a problem.

It's easy to do just leave a comment in the box below and click the like / share or +1 to let others know about my site. Thank You It really is most appreciated.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.