Long story short - Rexie is 2 1/2 yrs, got him at 3 1/2 - 4wks, unweaned, of course; and I am Mommie. When Rex was a baby he wouldn’t eat unless we (or mainly, I) stood next to him and petted. Vet says it was because he’d been separated from natural mom so early (my cousin found the kitties outdoors and talked me into taking one) Since kittens are used to being ON mommy when eating, being petted while eating is a substitute. She told me it could become a habit, but if I wanted to break him of the habit, I had to make sure he ate.

As a result, this behavior (his and ours) did become habitual. He’d run into the bedroom to his bowl whenever we approached, for scratching, grooming and petting. When we’d come into the bedroom, he’d automatically jump from the bed to his bowl.

So now he’s a good 2 1/2 pounds overweight. (from inactivity, not overfeeding - he’s an indoor cat and never really scarfed down his food in the first place.) Vet has put him on a good reducing food, measured amounts.

His bowl used to be at the foot of our bed, by his tree house. My hubby came up with the idea this weekend, that if we move his bowl from the bedroom to the kitchen, at least he’d have to walk further to his bowl, thus getting a little exercise.

Monday a.m. I checked his bowl - looked like he’d not taken two bites - he knew the bowl was there, but the kitchen is cold and he’s used to eating on the rug. Last night I left a small light on in the kitchen and put his bowl on a placemat like he’d had in the bedroom.

This morning when I checked, he’d eaten most of his food.

I’m hoping this will work, and we can get those pounds off.—Shirley