I found most of these routines to be actual pattern recognition for food conditioning. They are masters of pattern recognition and highly food-motivated, so they remember even more elaborate ones if it involves food. "If it's noon-ish and the fat man is fidgeting in the kitchen and has opened the knife drawer and I stand on x chair I receive snack"

[–] Jhex@lemmy.world 14 points 1 week ago

Absolutely! 2 of mine would rush to check me out as I hone my chef's knife. If I happen to only be chopping vegetables, I have to show them so they can sneer at me and walk away, otherwise they will plan themselves there waiting for the inevitable morsel of raw meat

[–] RebekahWSD@lemmy.world 13 points 1 week ago

Oh yes. "Around middle of the day human lady will eat. Sometimes she eats foods she'll give me tastes of. Sometimes she says "Sorry, poison for cats". I must try every day." So she sits very pretty next to the couch and waits for either a nibble or to be told sorry, poison for cats! She does huff at that though lol

[–] Funkt4st1c@lemmy.world 9 points 1 week ago

My cat is very non-food motivated (doesnt care that ive filled his bowl and rarely eats the occasional snack/treat i offer) but will absolutely smack my face if i try to sleep in past 6:57am.