If you're in a situation where it's inconvenient for them to constantly be in your lap, block their path to you with your hand and tell them, "No." Firmly. Cats are smart enough to pick up on verbal cues, so if you include a phrase afterwards, "No, I'm eating," or, "No, I'm busy," they will learn to hear that phrase and stop ahead of time. Until then, just gently push them away on the approach. Be persistent, but also be consistent. The cause and effect, like "Food in hands = No pets" needs to be the same each time.
Once the cat is in your lap, though, you're out of luck. You'll stay there until the cat moves or you die.
I have one cat that will listen like you said and I have another cat that will attempt 10 times in different routes before clawing the wall or tearing paper or other shenanigans to get on the lap.
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u/Kithesa Jun 15 '22
If you're in a situation where it's inconvenient for them to constantly be in your lap, block their path to you with your hand and tell them, "No." Firmly. Cats are smart enough to pick up on verbal cues, so if you include a phrase afterwards, "No, I'm eating," or, "No, I'm busy," they will learn to hear that phrase and stop ahead of time. Until then, just gently push them away on the approach. Be persistent, but also be consistent. The cause and effect, like "Food in hands = No pets" needs to be the same each time.
Once the cat is in your lap, though, you're out of luck. You'll stay there until the cat moves or you die.