Oscar is a real bundle. He's a big and muscular mackerel tabby, massive paws and claws, massive fangs, huge eyes, beautiful coat and a unique personality. He's genuinely sweet natured, loyal, cuddly when he's willing to be, a bit aloof at times, a bit shy at times, doesn't like change, loves routine. He's not the smartest cat, but he's cunning in certain situations. I let him outside half the year (I know) and he never wanders very far. Typically just flops on the deck or on the (no cars part) of the gravel driveway where he loves to roll around.
I've lived in 5 different homes since I adopted him in 2017. A lot of upheaval. 3 of those homes I kept him indoors full time for safety. Our current set up is pretty ideal for him. We are set back from the road, but the road is fairly busy and loud enough to make him not ever even go in front of the house. So he stays in the back. Our back yard abuts a steep, thick brush-covered drop down to a railroad, which keeps him close to the back of the house.
There aren't many natural routes away from our area that are attractive to cats, nor many routes in for predators, who avoid our area. He's always in well before dark, and out well after dawn.
Even if he's outside all day, in the evening he'll pester me to be let out again. A relentless pestering. Or he'll just stare at me from a foot away or pace around the room. He generally has a very hard time settling down and just chilling out. When he does finally settle down, it has to be because I've lied down on the couch or in bed. If I'm at my desk or table, he will not leave me alone. I feel like he kind of pushes me around!
I try not to respond to his whining. But sometimes I can't help but yell "NO!" or "SHUT UP!", and clap my hands or stomp my foot so he goes away. Sometimes that works, but it's not ideal, is it? Not good for either of us.
Not sure how to change this behavior that has been going on for over a year. I feed him, give him fresh water, lavish him with affection and I initiate playtime with him which he ignores 70% of the time.
Any suggestions?
I've lived in 5 different homes since I adopted him in 2017. A lot of upheaval. 3 of those homes I kept him indoors full time for safety. Our current set up is pretty ideal for him. We are set back from the road, but the road is fairly busy and loud enough to make him not ever even go in front of the house. So he stays in the back. Our back yard abuts a steep, thick brush-covered drop down to a railroad, which keeps him close to the back of the house.
There aren't many natural routes away from our area that are attractive to cats, nor many routes in for predators, who avoid our area. He's always in well before dark, and out well after dawn.
Even if he's outside all day, in the evening he'll pester me to be let out again. A relentless pestering. Or he'll just stare at me from a foot away or pace around the room. He generally has a very hard time settling down and just chilling out. When he does finally settle down, it has to be because I've lied down on the couch or in bed. If I'm at my desk or table, he will not leave me alone. I feel like he kind of pushes me around!
I try not to respond to his whining. But sometimes I can't help but yell "NO!" or "SHUT UP!", and clap my hands or stomp my foot so he goes away. Sometimes that works, but it's not ideal, is it? Not good for either of us.
Not sure how to change this behavior that has been going on for over a year. I feed him, give him fresh water, lavish him with affection and I initiate playtime with him which he ignores 70% of the time.
Any suggestions?
