I am owned by a 7 year old female cat. Her name is GeeGee - originally I called her a…

Ah yes, the “do it now, not later” c’attitude! This often happens more and more as cats age. You’ve also discovered that cats do like to be brushed or stroked while they eat. And yes, I believe it hearkens back to their mother’s touch during nursing. My own cat Seren does the same thing, asking for an audience and some petting before she’ll start eating. I indulge her because—well—I’m a softie, and it hasn’t become a problem in our case. Seren also dislikes being picked up, always has.

Some cats are simply more touchy-feely than others. As they age, some of these kitties become more willing to sit on laps or accept being held. But it’s truly just part of a particular cat’s personality.

For the petting and picking up, you can try to encourage her acceptance of these attentions. Try setting up a couple more food stations outside of the bathroom. If she’s used to eating on the vanity, set the bowl on a table top or similar surface. That could help her associate the petting with the food—she already has that association in the bathroom. I don’t mean to fill these bowls, just have them there with a kibble or two or even a fantastic smelly (but different) treat.

Then when she investigates these food sources, pet her two or three strokes she likes, and let her eat a morsel or two. Do this for a week, after which pet for four or five strokes. Add one extra petting stroke each week choose a particular time of day (maybe two or three times) and stroke her or pick her up for ten seconds, and stop. You may eventually get her used to accepting more and longer petting interactions.

As far as dealing with the impatience—about the best way to handle this is set up a schedule and refuse to deviate. Figure out the times that are reasonable to you (and her) for eating/petting/brushing. If she asks you in those timeframes, accommodate her requests. If she asks other times and you really want to quash the pestering, you’ll need to practice tough kitty love and simply ignore her. Be warned, though, that before the behavior extinguishes, it WILL get worse for a time.