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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    OOPS! You're your cat's slave, he looooves you, it's wonderful, except that after all these years, you just can't cope with the situation anymore. Well, fair play to you for sticking by your feline friend. You're probably well aware that you're likely responsible for how clingy he's become.

    So, for those who are going to ask, "Why do you even have cats?", let me tell you straight: they were forced on me, and when the person moved out, they just dumped them on me.

    Please guys, have a bit of heart; you spend all your time scaring away people who are just looking for some advice.

    This person had these cats thrust upon them, they've had the patience to keep them and are trying to find a way to make it work. Being critical and, at times, downright insulting isn't going to help them live in harmony with cats they didn't even want in the first place.

    It would be much better to be constructive and offer some tips, rather than just being toxic for the sake of it.

    Unfortunately, I’m no cat expert, but the suggestion about the item of clothing and checking their diet (you’ve already got them on special food, haven't you?) seem like the easiest things to look into for now.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Solenneb, I'm sending you a PM.
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    Solenneb
    Solenneb Icon representing the flag French
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    For you, I’m not getting wound up, I just realise that people are becoming more and more reckless and increasingly selfish...
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    No worries, that’s what freedom of speech is all about (I was Sandrine laurent back then, so I’m one of the old-timers).
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hey Solenneb, you’re really on a roll at the moment (cf. Lausan 14), but it’s true, it’s worth highlighting that obesity in an animal can have dangerous consequences. If your cat isn’t a Maine Coon, you should probably put him on a bit of a diet.
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    Solenneb
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    At the end of the day, I don't think a cat or dog being overweight necessarily means they’re loved!! In fact, when you know the health issues obesity causes for animals, it’s really best to avoid it... plus, obesity is often just a sign of a poor diet....
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Oops! You’ve become your cat's slave. He looooves you, which is lovely, except that after all these years, you just can't face the situation any longer. First off, well done for sticking by your feline friend. You’re almost certainly aware that you’re probably responsible for just how clingy he is! I’m inclined to agree with @Lilou Striga—if the only thing putting you off is the fur, then go for it, because right now neither of you is happy. 16 and a half pounds! It’s crazy how "unloved" the poor little puss must be. Come on, make an effort; there’s nothing degrading about sharing a bed with a furball—it’s just a different shape of companion.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Try leaving a piece of your clothing that smells like you; it might help settle your cat.

    You could also try leaving some toys out for him to keep him occupied.

    As for food, stop with the courgettes.

    Change his diet.

    Buy some high-quality dry food.

    If the meowing persists, try letting your cat sleep in your room with you.

    He probably just needs to be near you and might be feeling a bit lonely or in need of affection.

    If he sleeps with you, I reckon he’ll stop meowing.

    Hope these tips help!

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    Tsukino
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    I completely agree with Anima. My cat is exactly the same; if she isn't in my bedroom, she meows all night long, but to be honest, I don't mind sleeping with her. I don't think you'll be able to change your cat's ways—if he's meowing, it's just as you said, he wants to be with you. As mentioned already, that kind of collar doesn't exist for cats. Unfortunately, I think you'll just have to get used to it, especially if it's been going on for years. Buying some earplugs seems like the best idea, or perhaps get them a bed so they can sleep at the foot of your bed? It won't invade your space and he'll probably stop meowing. As for the dry food, if possible, look into grain-free dry food (bear in mind you'll need at least a month for the transition). My cat eats much less since switching to Purizon; her old dry food just wasn't filling enough. Also, stop with the courgettes—cats are obligate carnivores and they get nothing out of them.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Keep us updated! Maybe try the piece of clothing first? He might not meow as much then! Failing that, there’s always Feliway spray to help calm him down (it’s a stress-reliever). I’ve been through this with one of my cats... she used to cry for me to let her in...
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