I've trained my cat well. Her only behavioral issue that remains is begging....but its bad?

Question

She is five. I've tried distracting her with her favorite catnip toys in the hallway outside of my kitchen while also trying to prepare food, and eat it....it doesn't really work. She gets under my feet sometimes which really bugs me. I tell her to go lay down in the hallway and 50% percent of the time she will comply after repeat verbal cues. Anyone have any better ideas on trying to get a cat to stop her begging habit (its like a dog's, honestly).

I forgot to mention that she has plenty of food in her bowl while she does this. She tries to be cute too, really shows off LOL.

Answer 1

yes... know what you mean. My cat used to do that too when he was younger. The mistake all of us make is that we give in to our cute kitty's constant begging. So, they actually learn that if they persist, we will cave in. You need to get tough... for about a week :). When your kitty is underfoot in the kitchen begging, just walk around her and DO NOT talk to her or otherwise acknowledge her begging. She'll frantically meow and carry on but you need to show her that her tricks don't work anymore. Sooner or later, becuase she is not getting the desired reponse from you, she'll quit and find something more interesting to do... like play in the hallway or nibble at her food bowl. I did this with my cat and he now patiently sits by the sliding doors while I am in the kitchen. Of course... he watches me.

Answer 2

A command like a loud NO can be used, or you can spray her with a water sprayer/watergun. You can also make a loud noise by shaking a vitamin bottle or an empty soda can with pennies in it. The startling sound along with a loud and firm "go away" or "no" should do the trick. Don't forget to praise her when she gets the idea, though. And after you eat you should treat her to an extra play session to show her you're not angry at her. In addition to verbal cues, use a hand pointing. If you combine verbal cues with clear hand motions, pointing where you want her to go, she may understand more quickly.

Answer 3

I feel your pain. My cats are both so well behaved. They don't jump on the counter, after weeks of training on that one. They generally come to me when I call them. But when I start preparing food, there they are. I think it's because the smell something fresh rather than the old dry stuff they get fed.

Please let me know if you figure out anything that will help with this problem.

Answer 4

feed her and stop being such a twit about it, cats all have different personalities. hers is getting attention while you are cooking, my daughter did the same thing to me.