Anti-meow spray collars

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

Before anyone jumps down my throat, please read what I’ve written below and keep an open mind. I’m just looking for some feedback from people who have been through this.

I have two cats, and one of them, Dagon, meows at night the second I make even the slightest movement. They sleep in the garage, but Dagon picks up every noise I make—even when I’m just tossing and turning under my duvet; he clearly has very sharp hearing. He is incredibly clingy both day and night, so he’s meowing for my attention, not because he’s hungry, thirsty, wants to play, or has a dirty litter tray, etc.

This has been a total nightmare for seven years now. I can’t even sleep in my own bedroom anymore because it’s too close to the garage (I’ve been sleeping on the sofa in the living room), and I’m constantly on edge dreading the next meow, which stops me from sleeping.

I’m at my wits' end not being able to sleep where or when I want in my own house, or even having a private life because of the stress these meows cause me!

I should also mention they are very well looked after. They have specific dry food suited to their needs (Dagon is a big lad at 7.5kg, which is about 1 stone 2 lbs), mixed with some cooked courgettes. They have a garden to play in, and I give them plenty of cuddles when I can. They don’t sleep with me, and they never will, as I believe a person has the right to their peace and quiet and their own space at times.

So, my question is:

Have any of you tried anti-meow collars? Or perhaps anti-bark collars for small dogs used on cats? If so, which ones, and can you give me some details? I am strictly talking about spray collars; I have no intention of using electric or static shock collars. The goal is simply to put it on him at night so I can finally move back into my bedroom, where I haven’t slept for nearly two years now. I’ll try every possible solution before even thinking about rehoming him!

Thanks for your kindness and for sharing your stories :) If you’re just here to criticise (like calling me a bad owner or telling me to use earplugs, that sort of nonsense), please don't waste your time.

Robrom

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I’ll happily throw your own words right back at you: "take a long, hard look at yourself". Read back through all the posts with a bit of perspective and you’ll understand. Well, I hope you will, but I doubt it. Have a good evening.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Your best bet is to get some advice from your vet, who might be able to prescribe some medication (like anti-anxiety meds or antidepressants). But for the treatment to have a positive effect, the owner’s behaviour needs to be consistent too.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Your cat has some serious behavioural issues. You shouldn’t just try to fix the symptom (the meowing), but the root cause: over-attachment. I’ve copy-pasted this from the internet for you, but do take the time to look for some more in-depth articles: How to tackle over-attachment in cats? The first rule is not to coddle your cat too much and to make sure you encourage its independence. It’s about teaching the cat to manage its emotions on its own and being firm about setting boundaries. Over-attachment can also be tackled through play. Playing with your cat rather than just stroking it is a great way to help.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Well... I’m absolutely stunned to read so many aggressive and stupid comments directed at you, @Robrom. All these people going on about animal cruelty, your cat’s weight, "it is what it is", telling you to wear earplugs... and judging you so harshly while claiming they aren’t doing any such thing! I stumbled across this post by chance because I’m also looking for a solution to my cat’s constant meowing, and all I see is hostility! I completely understand you, @Robrom. I have a seven-year-old cat who has cried incessantly since he was a kitten, including non-stop every single night. I adore him, but I’ve barely slept for seven years. I’ve tried absolutely EVERY conventional method and the more "DIY" hacks found on this forum, or suggested by my vet and friends... I thought I’d find some help by coming here, but looking at these vitriolic comments, you must really be kicking yourself for daring to ask for a helping hand. I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution, as I am, and finally getting more than two or three hours of sleep. Don't forget that you and I are monsters—we actually want to sleep at night... How shameful...
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Why don't you just put it round your baby's neck when they cry? It's animal cruelty.

    +1

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Evening. I’m in pretty much the same boat as you. My husband can’t stand our Persian anymore; all he does is meow, even though he’s been neutered and everything, just like yours. So, for the people who don’t understand that we’re asking for help and not judgement, please just stay away. If an electric collar exists and it works, I won't hesitate to use one. It’s becoming impossible to live with, both for him and for us, especially since nothing calms him down and we don’t understand why, but it’s just unbearable.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for the useless lectures. Thanks anyway to Usibelle who gave me some actual advice; unfortunately, I know that method and it doesn't work. Angeline56, my cats don't panic like that :)

    Anti-meow collars don't exist, but I’d have thought there would be some kind of variation of anti-bark collars—non-electric, of course, as the aim isn't to hurt him.

    I have a perfectly normal cat that I’ve adapted to (Naru), but Dagon completely stops me from leading a normal life. I’m constantly sacrificing everything for him, even if it means not looking for a partner, as he’s pathologically jealous as well.

    So judge and laugh if you like, but I thought that for once a forum would be productive. It’s just more proof that there are only people lecturing you instead of offering solutions. It’s not for lack of warning.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    As for the courgettes, he can definitely keep giving them to her—they’re full of fibre and water.

    This fibre isn’t necessary; it has no nutritional value and can reduce the absorption of certain nutrients.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I’ve read through everything. Some of the posts, in my opinion, are a bit out of line. Obviously, that’s not aimed at everyone. But anyway, moving on. I wonder if it’s related to the fact that the partner/flatmate or whoever it was moved out and left their cats behind. That might be why this cat doesn’t feel settled. It could also be that their routine has been turned upside down since the split from that person. I’m only guessing, but maybe I’m onto something? Maybe a vet, or a cat behaviourist?
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    Solenneb
    Solenneb Icon representing the flag French
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    I’m with you there Sevv, but in the photos on their profile, one of the two cats isn’t exactly skinny!! Anyway, point being, just because a cat is "fat", it doesn't mean it’s necessarily being well looked after!
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