She’s five years old now and developed an annoying habit within the past six months.
Until now, she’s eaten her food by herself when hungry, but she’s gotten into the habit of wanting her food to be ‘prepared’.
Basically, I’ll be working at my computer and she’ll come into my computer room, jump up on my desk, sit and meow at me, reach up and touch my leg with her paw, or just sit at the door and stare at me to get my attention.
Then, she’ll lead me to her food and ask me to do prepare it. If I pick up the plate and shake it, or simply move her dry kibbles around with my hand, then dinner’s ready!
So, evidently, the issue isn’t with the food itself. I suspect it’s a social habit, but it’s driving me a bit nutty.
I’ve moved the food bowl into my computer room so she can eat and be social with me, but it isn’t enough, she still wants me to prep her food.
Sometimes she doesn’t even want me to prep her food, simply gesturing to leave the chair will prompt her to begin eating (though sometimes not).
If I ignore her she’ll eventually start eating after a few minutes, but it’s annoying.
If anyone knows a way to break this habit and encourage my daughter to regain her independence and self-autonomy, I’ll be eternally grateful.
It’s what I’m doing now. Although it’s really hard sometimes. I’m frequently busy at my computer, and ignoring her means she’ll walk all over my desk and stare at me for a few minutes which is very frustrating.
Obviously I’m trying not to encourage her annoying behaviors, but sometimes I don’t have the time to be patient.
If you reinforce the behaviour with attention she will continue it, that’s how it works. Ignore and she will stop, but do give her some acceptable method to get normal attention (not just asking you to prep her dinner) and encourage that. You can pick her up off the desk and set her on the ground nicely if she is physically in the way.
Sounds though! Good luck! :)