A Cat With Big Personality
Every shelter has that one animal who instantly becomes a legend among staff and visitors. At the Oromocto and Area SPCA in New Brunswick, Canada, that title belongs to Max, a sassy senior cat who has quickly earned a reputation for his one-of-a-kind way of setting boundaries.
When Max doesn’t like something — or when he feels someone isn’t listening to his cues — he doesn’t hesitate to make himself heard. Or rather, felt.
“He’ll reach his arm right out through the cage and smack if he needs to,” said Tracy Marcotullio, shelter manager at the SPCA.
It’s not done out of malice. Max isn’t mean-spirited — he’s just a cat who knows what he wants, and he’s not afraid to enforce the rules of his personal space.
The Infamous “Smack Tracker”
Max has only been at the shelter for a few weeks, but he’s already inspired one of the funniest traditions among the staff: his very own “smack tracker.”
Each time Max goes a whole day without giving someone a playful swat, staff proudly update the sign on his cage to show how many “smack-free days” he has achieved.
So far, his record stands at four days — though he recently reset his streak back to zero.
“He’s sort of a cranky old man,” Marcotullio explained with a laugh. “If you don’t read his cues properly, then you’re getting smacked.”
For the staff, Max’s antics are both amusing and endearing. In fact, they’ve leaned into the humor of it all, even creating commemorative pins for anyone who has the honor of being “smacked by Max.”
Behind the Sass: A Sweet, Sensitive Cat
While Max’s smacks have made him internet-famous, his caretakers know that deep down, he’s not a bad cat at all.
Like many felines, Max can get overstimulated. Too much handling or too much commotion overwhelms him, and when he’s reached his limit, he lets people know the only way he knows how — with a firm paw tap.
To keep him comfortable, the shelter has developed a routine tailored to his quirks. During cage cleanings, Max gets a break to roam around with other cats, which helps ease his stress. And of course, the staff always keep his favorite snacks nearby.
“He’s a treat monster,” Marcotullio said. “The way to his heart is with canned food or Temptations treats.”
Even so, nobody — not staff, volunteers, or visitors — is truly safe from a Max smack. And that’s part of his charm.
What Kind of Home Does Max Need?
Because of his strong personality, Max will do best in a home where his new family understands feline body language. He thrives when people respect his boundaries and give him the independence he craves. A quieter household, ideally without small children, would allow him to feel secure and avoid overstimulation.
What Max really needs is someone who will appreciate his quirks rather than try to change them. He is affectionate on his own terms, and when he chooses to bond, it’s genuine and lasting. The staff believe that once Max finds the right match, he will blossom into a loving and loyal companion.
Looking For His Forever Home
Though Max has become a star at the shelter, staff members are eager for him to find a permanent home. As fun as his quirks are, they know he deserves a family who will appreciate his strong personality and give him the love and patience he needs.
“As much as we’re having fun with it, we really want him to go to a forever home,” Marcotullio said. “He deserves to get out of here and find his people.”
The attention Max has brought on social media has actually helped highlight other adoptable cats at the SPCA as well. Potential adopters who called about Max ended up learning about his feline friends, too — giving several other cats a chance at adoption.
In that sense, Max isn’t just smacking people — he’s also helping his shelter buddies find homes.
The Cat Who Smacks, But Loves Even More
For now, Max remains at the shelter, dishing out smacks and soaking up treats while he waits for his perfect match. He may have a spicy streak, but to those who know him, that sass is paired with charm, intelligence, and a lot of love to give — once you learn his boundaries.
Every pet has their quirks, and for Max, it just happens to be his signature move: the playful smack. And for the lucky family who adopts him, life is sure to be full of laughs, snacks, and just enough swats to keep everyone in line.
