Question About Eating Habits

Hey guys sorry that i am asking alot of questions, im a new cat owner. Is it normal that i choose a separate room for myself to eat my food when my cat is in the house because if i dont, he meows and begs and even jumps on the counter where im eating. I feed him twice a day ( at around 8 and 7 ) and i eat after he eats so i can make sure he isnt hungry. He still meows and searches for food and begs. Any tips? Do you guys also eat in separate rooms and do you close your door till you are done eating?

Luckily my cats don’t show much interest in the human food that we eat (though we don’t eat meat, so it might be a factor), so we don’t separate them when we eat. What do you feed your cat and how much of it? I’d recommend high protein low carb wet food, as this could make him full for longer. If you feed him with carbs filled food, he might simply not get enough protein, even if he gets enough calories. Do you think you feed him enough? You could also experiment in feeding him more often but less if you have time for this.
But some cats, especially the ones that suffered from hunger in their kittenhood (eg. some rescues) might take a while to realize that food is there for them and won’t disappear.

Mine came from the shelter with all kind of bad habits, including mooching and stealing "people" food. Unfortunately, I have to lock myself away if I want to eat in peace, and then I have to deal with crying and scratching at the door. Wish I had something I could offer other than sympathy...

Could you try one of the puzzle feeders that you only put out with something special when it is time for you to eat?

Best to break him of the habit. It may take a couple of weeks, but in the long run it will be better for you. If he gets on the table, or your lap when eating, just put say "no!" and put him down. Again and again if needed.

You'll have to watch the leftovers like a hawk though. Some human foods are out-and-out poison to cats, like chocolate. Other foods, spicy sauces, who knows?

I don't even like to give my cats unseasoned chicken leftovers, which are obviously safe, because then they hunger-strike for more. You give a cat an inch, it wants a mile. Always.