Third World Problems: My cat Luther eats too much

So this asshole cat has become obsessed with his heretofore rationed canned food. He is free-fed kibble, and I've always tried really hard to buy his current favorite flavor. Plus he gets 1/2 can morning and evening of his favorite canned food (Friskies Pate).

Lately he's a Hobbit. Wants second breakfast, elevenses etc. Although his voice works just fine, he lets me know this by hooking a claw into my leg. Whereby he is scooped up and unceremoniously ejected out the front door. 

 

He's not obese, he's what my mom used to call me: wholesome. I can feel his ribs. Surprisingly heavy for his size. He's bulkier than a Russian Blue is supposed to be though.

 

During the winter, he's wanting to stay inside most nights, thinks it's too cold. This is Mexico, coldest it gets is mid-40s. Otherwise he's out all night, leaves me a mouse-butt on the doormat daily. Sleeps most of the day. 

 

So today I googled psychological vs. biological factors influencing cats' appetites. Felt really stupid doing it, but learned a lot.

Worms? No, he's wormed regularly here because of his mouse habit.

Depression? Maybe. WE all are due to Covid. Vets actually prescribe Prozac. Luther would be difficult to assess for this since he's always BEEN behaviorally anti-social, rude, mean, unapproachable, unappreciative, and a vicious bully to the dog.

Thyroid? Diabetes? Doubt it, he's not fat, not thirsty. Always reluctant to take pets to the local vet here: he's money-obsessed, tries to load you up on supplements, and has never once correctly diagnosed our problem. Also, I had to insert the needle to euthanize our last dog, he couldn't get it.

Luther's also not stupid. He DOES learn. The squirt pistol was hugely successful when I wanted him to use his voice (instead of his claws on the leather recliners) to say "Out, please!" I don't even have to squirt it any more, just pick it up. He now waits patiently until my coffee is brewing before he gets fed mornings, else he gets tossed outside. When I quarantined in the guesthouse next door last spring, there was a mouse-butt on THAT doormat the very first morning.

The canned food obsession is killing me. Can't buy it here, gotta bring it down from Tucson. He does frequently decide he doesn't like that kind any more, but has been hooked on this pate now for 3 months. The only non-kibble cat food they sell here are the pouches, but he only licks the gravy. If I run out of the pate, I buy the pouches but I have to puree it first and feel really resentful/angry doing it. His teeth look fine. 

 

Tempting to chalk it up to his general assholiness, but he's also changed his demeanor a tad. Wants to be near/next to/touching me. A lot. NOT cuddled, though. Just close. At first I thought that must signal the end of days for him, but it's been several months, so apparently not. And nobody else, just me. He still goes out of his way to rake Ron and Sofia when they walk by.

He IS older, 10 is probably old for an outdoor cat in Mexico. Neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, even gets that paste for hairballs.

Neither Luther or Sofia get people food. Ever. I once contributed to a dog's early demise through people food once, Jazzy our Rottencocker. Full-blown uncontrollable diabetes.

Maybe he needs a kitten? Nah, he'd probably eat it.