so I actually do have an automated feeder. unfortunately, I think he remembers the time before we had the feeder when humans would put food in his bowl. he waits patiently in the morning for the most part (maybe he realizes it's futile while I'm sleeping), but he usually starts meowing for food a few hours before the feeder is scheduled to dispense it in the afternoon. BTW, the portions are exactly what the vet recommended; he's not starving.

with the kitchen, I do let him in if I'm going to be in there for a while. I think he really just wants to be where the people are. I don't use spray bottles or anything like that. I've read that sometimes the animal forms a negative association with the human rather than the proscribed behavior. I just put him out the first time he jumps on the counter or chews on a plant.

anyways, it's not really a big deal. I don't find the meowing terribly annoying. I just want, if possible, to be sure I'm making the distinction between ignoring his requests and acknowledging them but "saying no".