cat keeps begging for food

by verena
(beijing, china)

Hi,

We have a kitten that is now 3 months old. We took her away from her mom when she was 6 weeks. After a week of having her in my home, she started begging for our food. Whenever we would sit at the dinner table and started eating, she would be at our feet and meow. Now she is at the point to where she climbs onto the chair, sits on our lap, and meows, staring at the food. We had no choice but to lock her in the bathroom(where all her cat food, litterbox, etc. was). She is still doing that today. Is this normal for young kittens? What can I do to stop her? Thank you so much I appreciate the time it breaks my heart to hear her cry in the bathroom.

Answer by Kate
Hi
well 6 weeks was a little too soon for her to be taken away from her mum. Kittens should really stay until at least 8 weeks where they are then weaned for another 4 weeks or so from the mums milk my the mother cat. She also teaches them valuable cat lessons on behavior etc.

It sounds to me like your kitten is very insecure and could be using food as a comforter. You need to be firm with her and every time she begs for food you need to put her back on the floor and ignore her.

Keep her to her regular feed times and reward her with treats when she is good and does not beg for food.

It wont be easy but if you give into her now this will become a life long habit.
I have lots of pages about kitten care which you may find of further interest here

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/kitten-care.html

best wishes Kate

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