Animal Profile

Mario is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Medically, he is apparently healthy.

Let's get to know each other a bit more...

This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Mario is on the At-Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Medically, he is apparently healthy. Due to the detailed behavior issues, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out the pre-screener form. This animal is not directly available for adoption through ACC and is only available by completing the pre-screener form.Adoption inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form What my friends at ACC say about me: I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I am playful and cute! I prefer to call the shots and enjoy coming to you when I'm ready for pets.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 6.5 lbs

Medical Notes

1/22/2025

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 7 months Microchip noted on Intake? scan negative History: owner surrender Subjective: Observed Behavior - tense but allowed handling Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective BCS 4/9 EENT: OU- watery discharge, ears clean, moderate nasal congestion and discharge noted Oral Exam: clean adult teeth PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, 2 descended testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment nasal and ocular discharge, congestion- R/O URI vs other Prognosis: good Plan: start doxycycline 50 mg/ml 0.6 mls PO SID x 10 days SURGERY: Temporary waiver due to URI

1/28/2025

Recheck URI: BARH, no nasal/ocular D/C, no sneezing reported A: URI signs resolved, appears healthy P: Neuter

1/28/2025

[Surgery Template - Cat Neuter] Was this cat a Cryptorchid? N If so, describe surgical process: Routine Feline Neuter Self tie of spermatic cord Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2373 Additional Note:

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Spay/Neuter status: No

Date of Intake: 1/22/2025

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

If yes, Please elaborate:: Access to a litterbox in the home: Yes Litter boxes in the home: 8 Litter box location(s): Basement, Living room, Other Other location: Dining room, Bedroom Type of litter box: Uncovered Type of litter: Scented, Clumping, Clay Spraying: No Able to see outdoor cats: Yes

Basic Information:: Name: Mario Age: 0-1 year old Color: Brown Tabby & White Sex: Male Altered: No Declawed: No Surrender Reason: Too many cats Length of time owned: Since birth Where the previous owner got this cat: Born to resident cat

Previously lived with:: Adults, Other Cats

How is this cat around strangers?: Shy & Timid, Hides initially

How is this cat around children?: No experience

How is this cat around other cats?: (lived with 22 other cats) Friendly & Outgoing, Plays gently, Plays rough (can break skin), Curious, Tolerant

How is this cat around dogs?: No experience

Behavior Notes: If they hiss, growl, swat, or bite - these behaviors are usually: Defensive How this cat reacts when someone... - Trims their nails: Never done - Brushes their coat: Never done - Picks up/holds: Unbothered, Struggles or squirms - Places them in a carrier: Never done

Bite history:: Previous bite/scratch to a person: No Previous bite/scratch to another animal: Yes Did either animal need vet care: No Additional info: The kittens play rough with each other at times

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium - High

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Description of this cat most of the time: Prefers contact on their terms, Very active & Playful Areas the cat had access to: Indoors Where the cat spent most time: Living room, Basement How the cat likes to play: Chases and pounces on toys, Chases bugs or moths How often the cat got interactive playtime: Rarely (once a month or less) This cat likes to scratch on: Rough rope, Cardboard, Vertical surface, Horizontal surface Behavior issues noted: Nips/swats when pet for too long Type of food the cat eats: Wet Food Brands of food: Fancy Feast

KNOWN HISTORY:: Previously lived with: Adults, Other Cats Behavior toward strangers: Shy & Timid, Hides initially Behavior toward children: No experience Behavior toward cats: (lived with 22 other cats) Friendly & Outgoing, Plays gently, Plays rough (can break skin), Curious, Tolerant Behavior toward dogs: No experience Bite or Scratch history: It was reported that Mario and one of there house mates ca play rough at times. This resulted in a bit/scratch. Litter box training: Mario had access to 8 uncovered litter boxes and used clumping and clay litter. Energy level/descriptors: Medium - High Other notes: Mario will struggle and squirm when being picked up or held. He has never has his nails trimmed, or placed in a carrier, making his behavior unknown. Mario is an energetic and playful male cat who enjoys interaction, but only on his own terms. He is typically active indoors, spending most of his time in the living room or basement, where he chases and pounces on toys or enjoys hunting bugs and moths. Mario's playtime is infrequent, happening around once a month or less, but when it does occur, he’s highly engaged in his favorite activities. He has a particular fondness for scratching rough rope, cardboard, and both vertical and horizontal surfaces. While he is generally affectionate, Mario does have a tendency to nip or swat when petted for too long. He is fed wet food, primarily Fancy Feast, which seems to suit his tastes.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 1/26/25: Mario is laying in the front of his kennel as staff arrives. He has tense body language and dilated eyes. He watches staff very closely, frozen, not moving or reacting to disruptions in his kennel. Treats and toys are offered, but Mario does not show any immediate interest in them. Staff does not attempt to pet him at this time. The interaction is ended to allow him time to decompress, as he is showing signs of FAS. 1-31-2025 upon approach Mario is displaying clear signs of fear and stress. His body language—crouching, panting, stiffness, and ear positioning—suggests that he feels threatened or highly uncomfortable. The fact that he backs away, spits or hisses, and refuses treats indicates that he is not currently receptive to positive reinforcement and may need a more gradual, patient approach to feel safe. 2/7/25: Mario is hiding in his den as staff arrives. He has tense posture and wide eyes. He peers out and watches staff's movements closely. When staff gets close to his den, he hisses and lunges out through the portal, then backs up when staff moves away. After, Mario lets out low growling sounds as staff quickly finishes tending to his kennel. Treats are offered, but Mario does not show interest in them. Toys are also offered, but Mario does not move from his den. The interaction is ended to allow him time to relax and not cause further FAS. 2/14/25: Mario is sitting on top of his den as staff arrives. His body language is tense and his eyes are dilated as he hisses upon seeing staff. When cleaning procedures are started and movements are made around his kennel, Mario lunges towards staff several times, then backs away. He makes low growling sounds as he watches staff closely. The interaction is ended to allow him time to relax. Treats are left to end on a positive note.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Shy ,Calm,Timid,Skittish,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period,Adult cat socialization

Potential challenges comments:: Mario has displayed fearful behavior during their stay in the care center and has displayed distance-increasing behavior with extended handling. Fear aggression can occur when a cat perceives a threat and may escalate if they cannot escape. A fearful cat will feel more relaxed when given options, so provide him with the chance to move closer, investigate, or interact with you. Be sure to offer incentive such as treats or play time whenever the cat makes a small positive step. Please speak to an adoption counselor for additional information on methods to desensitize your cat to their fear stimulus.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 4

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to fearful behavior shown in care, Mario would do best in a Adult only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Mario is seen hissing, spitting and swatting during adoption interactions. He displays dilated pupils and flat ears and can be visibly shaking in kennel. When kennel door is opened he moves away hissing, swatting and spitting. Mario is in the back of his kennel pancaked against the floor of the kennel. He displays dilated pupils and flat ears as a finger is extended to greet. He leaned in to sniff finger and tolerated brief petting on his head. After a few passes he begins to hiss, and stares at assessor not blinking. Mario is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. He has tried to swat, scratch is extremely fearful in the shelter environment and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time.