How to Prevent Your Cat from Stealing Your Food
Have you ever come home from a relaxing meal only to find that your cat has been sneaking bites from your plate? Cats can fall into the habit of stealing food for a variety of reasons, but as responsible pet owners, it's important to take steps to ensure your furry friend follows good table manners. Here are some strategies and tips to help you keep your cat from getting into your food.
The Root Causes of Cat Food Theft
Cats often steal food because it mimics their natural hunting instincts or simply because they are hungry and find human food appealing. To address this issue, we'll explore some ways to satisfy your cat's nutritional needs and provide alternative activities to increase their overall well-being.
Diversifying Your Cat's Diet
Is your cat content with just dry food? Many cats prefer moist food, which is closer to their natural diet. By offering different types of food, you can reduce the temptation for them to steal your meal. Consider trying various moist food options to see if you can find something your cat enjoys.
Storing Food Securely
If your cat is primarily accessing stored food, storing it in containers that are cat-proof is essential. If your cat is clever enough to open cupboards and drawers, make sure the original packaging isn't enough to deter them. Keep food in secure containers that your cat can't easily open.
Proactive Measures While Eating
When you're eating, make sure your cat doesn't have the opportunity to steal from your plate. Always eat at the table and never give your cat human food as treats. Keep their meals separate from yours and put them in another room if necessary.
Building Positive Behaviors
Cats can sometimes steal food to get attention or because they enjoy interacting with you while you eat. Ensure your cat receives plenty of attention and playtime that doesn't involve eating, helping them feel fulfilled in other ways.
Medical Considerations
If the issue seems new, especially if your cat is older, consider consulting your vet. An increase in appetite can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, a common and manageable condition in cats. Your vet can help you determine the underlying reason for your cat's behavior.
Effective Strategies to Deter Your Cat
For a very stubborn cat, here are some effective ways to prevent them from stealing your food:
1. Water Distraction Always carry a water bottle and use it to distract your cat. When they jump onto the table, smell the food, and try to eat, walk over, and spray them with a high-pressure stream of water without hitting the food or your hands. Never let the water bottle go dry.
2. Nose Blocking Cats always smell their food before eating. When they do this, push their noses away and make them walk away, using your hand over their nose to deter them. Keep firm but kind.
3. Nose Flicking Cats dislike being flicked in the nose. Use this to your advantage by flicking their nose multiple times, making them feel upset.
4. Mimic Playtime Use the sound you make during playtime to your advantage. Hiss and growl at them. If they ignore you, grab the fur of their neck and turn them around to show them you're not happy.
5. Food Luring Before mealtime, lure your cat away with treats. Show them you have treats, then sit them down far from the door. Pet them with praise and then leave the room calmly. Ignore scratching if they do it because they are just wanting food. You can set a bowl of food in the same room too.
6. Plate Blocking Technique Lift the plate or bowl to your chest and use your forearm to push them off. Snap your fingers and say 'no' firmly.
7. Distraction with Alternatives If you need help, ask someone nearby to distract the cat with treats or cat food.
8. Elevate Your Plate Avoid eating on the floor as cats associate the floor level with their face. Keep the plate above floor level when eating.
9. Name Calling Technique Say your cat's name strongly if they are persistent. Ignore others' requests to hush because if you don't address the behavior, they will continue stealing from the table.
10. No Humane Scraps Stop giving your cat scraps as treats. Only offer them when they are being good and respectful. This will reinforce the behavior you want to see.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your cat stealing from your food. Remember, consistency and patience are key in managing your cat's behavior effectively.