Begging for Food HOMEWARD TRAILS RESOURCE LIBRARY: CATS!

Becky, all images on the site should have a caption AND an alt Tag!
Becky, all images on the site should have a caption AND an alt Tag!
Unfortunately, many people encourage begging for food by hand feeding their cats, or allowing them to sit on the dinner table while they eat. Once this behavior is started, it can be hard to stop.
Becky, all images on the site should have a caption AND an alt Tag!
Becky, all images on the site should have a caption AND an alt Tag!
Unfortunately, many people encourage begging for food by hand feeding their cats, or allowing them to sit on the dinner table while they eat. Once this behavior is started, it can be hard to stop. Unfortunately, many people encourage begging for food by hand feeding their cats, or allowing them to sit on the dinner table while they eat. Once this behavior is started, it can be hard to stop. Unfortunately, many people encourage begging for food by hand feeding their cats, or allowing them to sit on the dinner table while they eat. Once this behavior is started, it can be hard to stop.
Awesome Bob!
First, prevent this behavior by always feeding your cat from his food dish. Feeding your cat on a strict schedule will help him get used to a routine of eating when his food is available, not when any food is available. Do not feed him table scraps, on the dinner table or while you are eating.
Step 2
Second, as in the case of other attention seeking behaviors, punishment is not effective for this behavior, and may just reinforce it.
Step 3
Third, use the methods described in the “jumping on furniture” document to keep cats off counters and tables.
Finally…
If you feed your cat on a schedule, they will perceive their meals as a reward, and the behavior will be “self-reinforcing” – they get their food and treats in the appropriate location. And like dogs, cats can be taught tricks. Doing so keeps your cat mentally stimulated and rewards only positive behavior with food or treats!

More News from the Trail!

  • Clear the Shelters Adoption Weekend – August 31 and September 1

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  • Helping Happy Hounds – Fee Waived Hound Adoptions

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  • Our Current Supply Needs – Can You Help?

    Each year Homeward Trail spends thousands and thousands of dollars on supplies to care for our animals and support the general operations of our organization. We always strive to keep our costs as low as possible so that we can spend every extra dollar saving more lives.  One simple way you can help is by donating these supplies – everything from postage stamps, to cleaning supplies, to ink cartridges and paper, to dog and cat food and litter. Our wish lists are updated regularly so you can always find our most current needs. Please consider donating supplies to help us cover the cost of these items. The more we are able to get donated, the more animals we can help. Thank you! Adoption Center Wishlist Meow Palace Wishlist Dog Enrichment Wishlist Trails Home Farm Wishlist Farmhouse Wishlist Trails UP Wishlist  Puerto Rico Wishlist

More News from the Trail!

  • Clear the Shelters Adoption Weekend – August 31 and September 1

    Reduced and Waived Adoption Fees! Join Homeward Trails as we participate in NBCUniversal’s annual Clear The Shelters nationwide pet adoption event.  Help us clear the Adoption Center and our foster homes August 30th and 31st – many of our adoptable cats and dogs will have reduced fee and fee waived adoptions.  Homeward Trails Manny Law Adoption Center 11116 Fairfax Station Rd. Fairfax Station, VA 22039 Saturday, August 30 10 AM – 4 PM  Sunday, August 31 10 AM – 4 PM Our nation’s animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now to get pets from shelter kennels into the couches of loving homes! Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has led to more than one million pet adoptions and raised more than $4.5 million.