When Snickers wants to be fed he whacks me with his paws, and if I'm too slow he nips my legs. How can I teach him to wait the few minutes it takes to get his food ready and not nip me?
I agree with the OW this works with my boy too he backs off straight away and looks at me like 'oh ok sorry mum'Screech or hiss then ignore him for 10 minutes. If he leaves you alone for 10 minutes then feed him. It just takes time. Personally I'm fond of saying OW! when my bud gets a little friendly with his claws. I taught my boys to sit for wet food/treats just to avoid this. Their idea of begging is sitting quietly. Though lately Dante has been meowing at me as I prepare his food, since I don't mind I talk back to him but I do not reward the meowing with food, ever!
Basically this - but walk away from the food prep area (I assume you set up the cats' food in the same place every time). They will figure it out. But also reward them with lots of praise if they just rub against your legs or sit patiently - the positive reinforcement will go a long way.Screech or hiss then ignore him for 10 minutes. If he leaves you alone for 10 minutes then feed him. It just takes time. Personally I'm fond of saying OW! when my bud gets a little friendly with his claws. I taught my boys to sit for wet food/treats just to avoid this. Their idea of begging is sitting quietly. Though lately Dante has been meowing at me as I prepare his food, since I don't mind I talk back to him but I do not reward the meowing with food, ever!