What should I do if my Devon Rex wants attention during meals?

Feeding time turned into a constant negotiation at my place until I started giving my Devon Rex a puzzle feeder or a small treat on a separate mat while I ate. That way, he’s occupied with his own “meal” and doesn’t feel left out. I also make a point to give him a good play session right before I sit down to eat, so he’s already tired and less likely to demand my attention.

Closed the kitchen door for a week and ignored the meowing completely. The cat figured out that my meal time is not negotiation time and now just waits on the couch until I’m done. If you give in once, you’ll never eat in peace again.

Place a small, elevated perch or cat tree right next to the dining table so your Devon Rex can be close to you without being underfoot. Then, before you even sit down, toss a few high-value treats onto that perch to establish it as his designated spot. I’ve found that if I also give him a lick mat smeared with wet food or tuna water on that perch during my meal, he’s completely focused on his own gourmet experience and leaves my plate alone. This way, he gets the attention and proximity he craves, but on your terms, and you both enjoy the meal.

I taught my Devon Rex that my mealtime is his mealtime by giving him a small portion of his wet food in a slow feeder bowl on the counter next to me. He gets so focused on licking every last bit that he forgets I exist. Works like a charm and stops the pawing at my plate.