KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 1 Adult, 1 Child Behavior toward strangers: he is tolerant, curious, shy and timid and friendly and outgoing Behavior toward children: Lived with a 5-year-old and has a history of focused bites and scratches directed specifically at the child Behavior toward cats: he warms up before 2 weeks, curious and can play rough Behavior toward dogs: he spent time around a MMB and is tolerant, curious and friendly and outgoing Bite or Scratch history: Previous bite/scratch history- See “Potential Challenges” section for details Litter box training: Yes, had access to an uncovered litterbox with unscented, pine pellet litter in the living room Energy level/descriptors: Low Energy Level (reported by owner) Other notes: He is affectionate and a lap cat and likes to be at the window. He can play rough, chases and pounces on toys, stalks and pounces on feet, likes to play with water and likes things that crinkle. He has a rough rope, carpet/fabric, cardboard and a horizontal surface scratching post. He eats various brands of wet and dry food. He isn't bothered when his nails are trimmed, brushed, picked up and held or when being placed in a carrier. Upon Intake: Loki arrived in a shopping bag and allowed staff to scan for ID and to pick him up and place on the admissions table. When staff attempted to collar he began flicking his tail, lip licking and a low growl. He was transferred to the den and wasn't handled further

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Lively

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Social,Playful,Curious

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Pet-induced aggression,Rough play,Very high energy level,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: ***there is a bite/scratch incident*** Owner stated Loki has bitten and scratched her daughter multiple times, she stated that it started a couple of months ago when Loki bit the child while she was sleeping. She stated that her daughter can just be in the room and Loki will run up to her, bite/scratch and run away into another room. This incident happen more than 2 weeks ago before surrender. Owner also stated that he is easily overstimulated and when pet too long will bite and scratch. He can play rough, chases and pounces on toys, stalks and pounces on feet. In shelter during his assessment, Loki displayed behaviors associated with Petting Induced Aggression and would immediately turn to bite the assessor's hand (bite gloves were worn) and would escalate to holding onto their hand/arm. He is a young cat that may have been under stimulated in the home and appears to have a high prey drive as well, as he will follow and stalk staff as they walk past his cage and swat at the cage door. While social, the immediate escalation to biting is concerning and it should be noted that he was tested positive for Bartonella (transferred through scratches and bites from cats to humans), adding a higher risk/concern to potential bites and scratches. Petting-induced aggression is a specific reaction to discomfort from petting, and the aggression stems from a physical sensation of pain or dislike for the area being touched. A cat may be sensitive to the physical sensation of being touched in a particular area, such as the back or belly. This can be due to a physical discomfort or a negative association with that area. Reactions may be swift and strong, in order quickly communicate that the touch needs to be stopped. In order to manage this behavior; Learn your cat's preferred areas for petting (like the head and chin) and avoid sensitive spots, such as the tail, belly, and middle of the back.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to the behavior seen in shelter, the behavior team feels Loki would do best in an adult-only home where they would be able to acclimate in a calm environment.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: On approach, Loki is standing at the front with an alert face, slightly tense body, pupils dilated and tail flicking. When the cage door is opened and the assessor offers their hand (with bite gloves on), he leans forward to sniff and accepts pets along his head and cheeks and leans into the touch. When the assessor moves to pet his side and makes contact, he immediately turns and bites at their hand. When the assessor tries a second time, he again turns quickly and bites with his tail flicking quickly and grabs onto the assessor's arm as well. When the interaction is ended to prevent further escalation, he remains laying at the front with a tense face and body, and tail flicking. He continues to watch the assessor for a moment. He has been noted to follow staff as they walk past his cage and/or swat at the cage door, occasionally hissing if his cage is passed by closely. Pick up was not attempted. Loki 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, bite, and displays behaviors aligning with petting-induced aggression. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time. He may have a known history of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.