What should I do if my Devon Rex begs for attention while I cook?

Let me clarify - is the begging happening every time you cook, or just occasionally when you're chopping or preparing something at the counter? The solution depends on whether it's a routine habit or triggered by specific sounds or smells. In general, give him a high-value distraction before you start, like a puzzle feeder with treats or a toy he only gets during cooking time. Keep a designated spot nearby, like a stool or cat tree, where he can watch you without getting underfoot, and reward him for staying there calmly.

A dedicated perch or cat tree positioned safely away from the stove but within your line of sight can work wonders. Train him to go to that spot when you start cooking by rewarding him with a treat or a short play session beforehand. The key is consistency - if you give in to begging even once, he'll learn that pestering you works, and that's a hard habit to break. Every cat has a different threshold for frustration, so start with just a minute or two of independence and slowly increase it.