At a quiet shelter in Oromocto, New Brunswick, one resident refuses to blend into the background.
His name is Max, a senior cat with a larger-than-life personality who has quickly become a favorite topic among staff and visitors.
While most cats wait patiently for someone to notice them, Max has his own unique strategy.
The moment someone gets too close to his kennel, a little paw shoots out between the bars — sometimes soft, sometimes with a quick smack — demanding acknowledgment.
A Cat With A Bold Way Of Saying “Hello”
Far from being mean, this unusual behavior is Max’s way of setting boundaries. Like an older gentleman who knows what he likes, Max appreciates affection but only in the right doses.
He’s happy to soak up pets and kind words, but when he’s had enough, he has no hesitation in letting everyone know.
The staff joke that he’s the “grumpy old man” of the shelter, yet behind those playful swats is a cat simply trying to communicate in the only way he knows how.
For those who take the time to understand him, Max is not just a cat with attitude. He’s a spirited senior who values respect, routine, and companionship.
Every swipe of his paw is part of his language, and it’s this feisty streak that makes him unforgettable to everyone who meets him.
Keeping Track Of Max’s “No-Smack” Streak
Because Max’s paw taps have become such a defining part of his personality, the shelter team decided to lean into it with humor.
They created a small sign that hangs on his cage, proudly counting the number of days he has gone without smacking anyone.
Each time Max makes it through a full day without reaching out, the number on the board goes up. His longest streak so far has been four days, but inevitably, his counter resets when he decides someone crossed the line.
Anyone on the receiving end of a Max smack doesn’t leave empty-handed.
Instead, the staff hand out a playful pin as a badge of honor, a reminder that they had a special — if slightly spicy — interaction with one of the shelter’s most memorable cats.
Far from discouraging interest, this quirky tradition has actually brought more smiles and more people curious to meet Max for themselves.
Still, the staff know how to keep Max content. His favorite currency is food, especially canned meals and crunchy Temptations treats.
The sound of a bag crinkling is enough to turn his sass into excitement, showing that beneath the grumpy exterior, Max is a “treat monster” at heart.
Caregivers also give him breaks during cage cleanings, letting him wander with the other cats so he doesn’t feel trapped. These small adjustments have taught the team that Max’s behavior isn’t bad at all — it’s just the way he copes when he feels overstimulated.
Max’s quirks have turned him into something of a shelter celebrity. His personality draws laughs, sparks conversations, and even helps shine a spotlight on other animals waiting for homes.
People who come to meet “the cat who smacks” often leave with their hearts open to adopting another shelter pet as well, making Max an unexpected ambassador for his friends.
Hoping For The Home He Deserves
As much fun as the staff have had documenting Max’s antics, their ultimate goal is for him to leave the shelter behind.
Senior cats are often overlooked in favor of kittens, but Max is proof that older animals have so much love — and so many stories — to share.
What he needs most is a family who will see past his swats and appreciate him for the affectionate, food-loving companion he truly is.
The shelter manager describes Max as a cat who simply needs someone willing to read his cues. With patience and a sense of humor, his future family will quickly learn how rewarding it is to bond with him.
He may not be the kind of cat who enjoys endless cuddles, but his unique character promises a different kind of companionship — one full of honesty, laughter, and loyalty.
Since his story was shared online, calls have poured in from people asking about Max and his fellow residents.
While he hasn’t yet been chosen, his tale has given other cats a chance to find homes of their own.
In this way, Max has become more than just a resident — he’s a voice for the overlooked animals who wait silently in their cages, hoping to be noticed.
For now, Max continues to live out his days at the shelter, ruling his small corner with sass and style. His counter may never stay high for long, but each smack is a reminder that he’s still full of spirit, even in his senior years.
Until the right person walks through the doors, Max will keep reaching out with his paw, not just asking for attention, but for someone to finally call him their own.