How can I get my cat to stop meowing about going outside?

Question

Rasta used to be an indoor/outdoor cat, but now that we moved to an apartment near a busy road he isn't allowed out anymore. But he always meows at the door and at the windows. We don't let him out, and he should know by now that his incessant meowing isn't doing any good, but he won't shut up.

I'm thinking about getting a squirt gun and shooting him with that everytime he starts whining...

Other than that, he also meows when he wants food or drink or something like that, and I will feed him if that is the case, which usually silences him until he wants to go out again.

Answer 1

Well the answer is simple really, let your cat go outside.  This is how.  I live in an apartment by a street too.  There are two things that I do.  One is to get a harness and retractable leash and take him out for a walk or just put him on the grass and stand there and let him do his thing.  The other thing I do is I got one of those corkscrew dog things that go in the ground.  Then I hook up my cat's harness to the lead and then sit outside and read a book while he runs around in circles.  Try it and it will help him to sleep better at night.

Answer 2

if teh cat has seen the outside world it will do its best to try and go out, would you like being trapped inside? no. right now your cat feels trapped. a cat will always come back if it goes out and if you are still worried get him a leash.

if u still want your cat to not go out then yes  a squirt gun is not a bad idea as well as bring the outside in. you should keep a pot of grass for the cat to chew, which helps its digestive system. a scratching post is also necessary.

Answer 3

You are correct everytime he meows to go out you squirt him with a squirt gun or use a spray bottle...this is what my vet told me and it worked!!  I always left a dish of water and dry cat food out, this way they could eat when they wanted and if I was late coming home I didnt have to worry about a starving cat!!

Answer 4

Your cat is training you.  It already works for getting food!

A squirt bottle may work, but ignoring may be better, since he is really not doing something wrong, just something annoying.