Ask Michelle: How Much Should My Cat Eat? (By Weight & Age)

This is one of the most common questions I receive at Michelle's Pet Shop, and it's a great one. Understanding your pet's behavior and needs is the foundation of a happy, healthy relationship. Let me break down everything you need to know about why does my dog sit on my feet in a clear, practical way.

The Complete Answer to: Why Does My Dog Sit on My Feet?

When pet owners ask me about this topic, I always start with the basics. Every pet is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. That said, there are well-established principles based on veterinary science and animal behavior research that apply to most pets in most situations. Let's go through the key points you need to know.

The most important thing to understand is that most pet behaviors — even the ones that seem strange or problematic — have a logical explanation rooted in your pet's biology, instincts, or emotional state. When you understand the "why" behind a behavior, the "how to address it" becomes much clearer.

What the Research Says

Veterinary behaviorists and animal scientists have studied this topic extensively. The consensus from the research is that this behavior is influenced by a combination of instinct, environment, health status, and the pet's individual personality. Understanding these factors helps you respond appropriately — whether that means accepting the behavior as normal, modifying it through training, or seeking veterinary attention.

It's also worth noting that sudden changes in behavior are almost always significant. If your pet has always behaved one way and suddenly changes, that's worth paying attention to — it often indicates a health change, environmental stressor, or emotional need that deserves attention.

Practical Steps You Can Take

Step	Action	Expected Outcome
1	Observe and document the behavior	Identify patterns and triggers
2	Rule out medical causes	Ensure health issues aren't driving the behavior
3	Assess the environment	Identify stressors or unmet needs
4	Implement appropriate response	Training, enrichment, or management
5	Monitor progress	Track improvement over 2–4 weeks
6	Consult a professional if needed	Vet or certified behaviorist for complex cases

Products That Can Help

• Top Recommended Product — One of the most effective tools for addressing this situation. Look for products with good reviews from verified pet owners and, ideally, endorsement from veterinary professionals.
• Training Treats — Positive reinforcement is the most effective approach for most behavioral issues. High-value treats make training faster and more effective.
• Enrichment Toy — Many behavioral issues stem from boredom or unmet instinctual needs. Enrichment toys address the root cause rather than just the symptom.
• Calming Supplement — For anxiety-related behaviors, natural calming supplements can provide support while you work on the underlying issue through training and environmental modification.

When to See a Veterinarian

While most behavioral issues can be addressed through training and environmental management, some require veterinary attention. See your vet if: the behavior started suddenly without obvious cause, the behavior is accompanied by other symptoms (changes in eating, drinking, elimination, or activity level), the behavior is causing harm to your pet or others, or the behavior doesn't improve after 4–6 weeks of consistent intervention. Your vet can rule out medical causes and may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for complex cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet's health. This article is for informational purposes only.

More Expert Tips from Michelle

After years of helping pet owners navigate the challenges of pet care, I've found that the most successful pet owners share a few key traits: they observe their pets closely, they ask questions when something seems off, and they build a relationship with a veterinarian they trust. These habits make a bigger difference than any single product or technique.

One thing I always tell new pet owners is to trust your instincts. You know your pet better than anyone. If something seems wrong — even if you can't articulate exactly what — that feeling is worth paying attention to. Pets can't tell us when they're unwell, so our observations are their voice.

I also encourage pet owners to connect with their local pet community. Whether it's a local dog training class, a cat owner's group, or an online forum for your specific breed, connecting with other experienced pet owners provides invaluable practical knowledge that you can't always find in books or articles.

Building a Relationship with Your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian is your most important partner in your pet's health. Building a strong relationship with a vet you trust — before a crisis occurs — is one of the best investments you can make in your pet's wellbeing. Annual wellness exams aren't just about vaccines; they're an opportunity to discuss concerns, establish baselines, and catch problems early.

When choosing a veterinarian, look for someone who takes time to answer your questions, explains their reasoning, and treats you as a partner in your pet's care rather than just a client. Fear-free certified veterinarians are specially trained to minimize stress for pets during visits, which makes the experience better for everyone.

Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if you're uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan. Good veterinarians welcome this — they understand that pet owners need to feel confident in the care their pets receive. For complex conditions, a referral to a board-certified veterinary specialist may provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment options.