Morning Meows: I think I'm onto something about getting my roommates' cat to stop whining for food i

They feed her as soon as she meows every morning. She's about 5. We also have a 6-month old feral rescue who never learned to cover her waste because she couldn't see our older one through the covered litter box. When they were gone this weekend, instead of feeding her, I just put her in their room and closed the door. The whining ceased.

They're back, they started the same routine again. What routine could we try that would help the cat and us?

My idea is to invite her into my room and close the door in the morning when she whines, since she knows continuously whining won't make me feed her and she seems to think that once a door is closed, that we cannot hear her.

I would wake up at my normal time and feed her and give her water at my own convenience. Maybe I pet her and say hi when I bring her into the room instead of acting pissed? Or would that just teach her that I'll pay attention to her until the roommates get up?

Often, there is still food in the dish. Whether she thinks its too old to be fresh (they have removed the food, and given it to her furtively like it's fresh from a bag and she's eaten it after leaving it like it was too old) or just wants attention, I think this behavior is annoying and unnecessary.

What suggestions could you wise ones give us?

Is my idea sound? I didn't do much research before taking a liking to it. There are probably suggestions that don't require me to take part in what they should have handled long ago, though.

This tends to be a common issue because most people (myself included) feed their cat first and foremost when they get up in the morning. Cats are very scheduled and routine oriented. What time is she fed in the evenings? Maybe make the night feeding as late as possible. This is a tough one because when people work during the week, they are up earlier and feed the cat early. On weekends, when you want to sleep in a bit, the meowing starts begging to be fed. I must have very patient kitties because I don't have this problem!! But if so, I would probably have some treat balls ready to go filled with their kibble or some favorite treats and offer that before the morning meal. Maybe fill a few of them for overnight and this will curb her appetite so she becomes more patient in the morning. It could be that she just wants someone to be near also and not so much the food since she quiets down once put in the room. Is she locked out of the bedrooms overnight? The meowing starts because she might want to see her people? Maybe leave a door ajar so she can come in. See if that quiets her in the mornings. It is possible that she is just a bit lonely? :dk:

Cats do like fresh food! :lol3: Does she get dry only? Maybe add in a little wet food on a plate very late in the evening when you know the next morning everyone wants to sleep in. Cats are like kids though..... they are up and ready early for the day to start and just want their breakfast and some activity for the day to begin if they are used to this routine.