When we posted the other day about Ashton’s table manners, several of you said that you don’t allow cats to beg at the table. We thought we’d tell you a little about why Ashton is allowed.
Ashton is afraid of the manpeep. She is four years old now, and to this day, she won’t share a piece of furniture with him. Not the sofa or even the bed.
The only time that Ashton is willing to come within his arm’s reach is when there’s chicken involved.
So we changed our rule about no begging at the table and grill a breast of chicken for her every week so that it’s food that is healthy for her and safe for humans to handle at mealtime.
Ashton started by sitting in the windowsill and looking cute for her treats, but she learned the paw wave works even better than looking cute. The humans think they taught her the paw wave, but she knows that she trained them.
As long as she gets chicken, she isn’t going to argue about who trained who.
She doesn’t realize she’s also having a positive interaction with the manpeep who she wouldn’t otherwise approach. A very positive interaction.
We know that Ashton getting some extra chicken at the dinnertime isn’t going to make her fall in love with the manpeep, but he’s getting closer to being able to touch her when she’s on the cat three where she feels safe, so it’s a start. For a timid cat like Ashton, it takes a lot of little steps… and a little chicken.
I think that’s a great approach! Actually, the dining table is totally our domain when a human is eating there. They don’t like it, but tough – we are there anyway!
*ahem* us, too. Just meowin’…
Aww, that’s a sweet reason to break a rule! And honestly, that paw wave is the cutest thing ever! I’d give her a whole chicken for it!
That is such a good idea. What a great way to get her a little used to the Man person. And chicken certainly is not going to hurt her one bit. Cats are very smart and do learn quickly and their hearing and smelling is extra strong. You all have a great ay.
and heck, it isn’t like she is sitting ON the table 🙂 we like this idea….
Very sweet photos. I hope Ashton someday decides to trust the man peep. My Snowball is like that too. I have had her for 2 years and she will let hubby pet her once on a while, but never me. If I have chicken though, she will at least get near me.
We are delighted that Ashton has taken chicken from the man peep’s fingers – what a great step forward for both of them!
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
I think that’s a fantastic way to approach the situation!
We think it’s great, too. We also think that in time Ashton will learn to like the manpeep.
Ohhhhh Ashton we are so glad to read that you and the manpeep have found common ground. We will never know what happen before you came to live in your loving home…you are very brave sending hugs madi your bfff
We say whatever works to help Ashton socialize with the manpeep is the best plan of action. And she isn’t on the table. She’s on the window sill. These photos are so adorable we could look at them over and over again. Ashton…you go girl! XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth ad Calista Jo
I totally think you’re on the right track. The positive interactions will help Ashton learn to trust the manpeep over time. It sounds like you are making progress, and I’m sure you will continue to do so. 🙂
We didn’t realize that before Ashton is shy with the manpeep; but everything can be solved with chikun. Mom wants to give Ashton a big squeeze.
Ashston, we bet the manpeep isn’t so bad…’specially if he comes bearing chicken. 🙂
my stars ashton; I’ve reached 12 years of age and honest to cod’s truth, only three people
have been allowed within my purrsonal space; maybe 5 have actually seen me…..so I sooooooo know where you’re coming from….. I hope you start trusting your dad …dad’s can be pushovers……chicken today….maybe he will buy you “stock” in the silly burd tomorrow !!! hugs girl from dai$y ♥♥♥
brilliant 🙂
I laugh at people saying the cats aren’t allowed on the table because last night I actually said the words “No Skippy, you may not pee on the litter box in the middle of the kitchen table.. that is why there is a box in it”
No further explanation is really necessary I think..
I’m glad to see that Ashton and the man peep have figured out a way to have positive interactions. 🙂 It doesn’t matter who trains who if everyone ends up being happy and comfortable in the home they live in. It is funny how sometimes a cat will only bond with certain people and not others.
Oh Ashton, I think you are doing great and being very brave. Rosie isn’t technically allowed to beg or jump up on the table, but she does it anyway.
Good bonding ahead!
That’s a great idea to get Ashton to interact with the manpeep. Sometimes progress is slow, but progress is progress! We can relate with Sassy, our kitty who despises any other cat and must be kept separate. It’s been almost two years now, and she is just now getting to be okay with Sophie, though only for very small amounts of time. Baby steps!!! One day Ashton will be cuddled up with the manpeep!
More power to Ashton. I sit on the table and beg. Then if TW has chicken, I eat out of her hand. Bet you didn’t see that coming.
Chicken solves a lot of problems!
Chicken might be a good training goodie for us except we seem to lose our minds when it is around! Our favorite? KFC. Baby steps for Ashton.
Aww…so sweet! Athena is allowed on the table. Unlike most cats she rarely sniffs our plates. She doesn’t really bother us when we are eating.
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Ah, Ashton you are such a sweet, sensitive soul. We are glad that this allows you interaction with the manpeep, that’s a positive thing.