How to stop begging?

Tango has developed a VERY annoying habit, (which is our fault) of crying to be picked up.
When she was young, she would meow a few times, and one of us would pick her up for snuggles, now she yowls for a good 5 minutes around our feet EVERYTIME one of us stands up and continues even if we sit down until she is a) picked up or b) Cola or Baker comes to see what is wrong.

She is physically fine, perfectly healthy, but mentally is a very needy cat.

My vets advice was to ignore her until she stops crying and then play/snuggle with her and Brandon is good at this, but it breaks my heart to see her crying and want to be with me while I ignore her.

Is this something that I just need to do to have some peace in my house?
Does anyone have any suggestions?

If it helps, Tango is 7 months old and spayed~

Is she an only kitty?

Carolina, Ashley has 3 kitties.

Ashley, something you can do is use distraction. Ignore the yowling/meowing for about 30 seconds and then walk to a toy you know she loves and start playing with that. You can also have something with you in a pocket or nearby, that you can throw for her when she meows, such as a straw or ping-pong ball. What you're doing is diverting her attention away from the begging/demanding that she is doing and instead, getting her to focus on a 'normal' kitten activity (not that wanting cuddles isn't!). Pick her up for a snuggle (if she wants one, of course) when she is calm and not meowing, as a reward.

As you said, it is difficult to not give in to the pitiful mewing and front-paws-waving-in-the-air cuteness but this method might be a bit easier on you.

Thanks soooooo much Tania!

I think that is something I could definately handle so we will start today

You're welcome, let us know how it goes.

Well, even though it has only been a couple of days, using distraction is working!! YAY!!
Tango is still begging but as soon as I throw a toy she forgets all about being picked up so hopefully this will continue to work and the begging will ease off more

Thanks again Tania!!

Good news.

Originally Posted by ash_bct

Well, even though it has only been a couple of days, using distraction is working!! YAY!!
Tango is still begging but as soon as I throw a toy she forgets all about being picked up so hopefully this will continue to work and the begging will ease off more

Click to expand...

Hehehe, of course, she could soon start 'begging' to have you throw her a toy now, too:-).

Kathryn