Animal Profile
Sabby
Hello, my name is Sabby. My animal id is #261295. I am a desexed female brown tabby cat at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 5 years 1 months old.
I came into the shelter as a stray on 7/31/2026.
Sabby is on the at-risk list for medical concerns. Sabby is a cat with a history of attacking her tail. She has now had two tail amputations and continues to self mutilate. Her most recent surgery is not healing properly because she was able to open it back up. She is on multiple pain medications, but will likely need a long-term anxiolytic medication and additional follow up veterinary care to manage the current tail amputation site. Behaviorally, Sabby is sweet and has allowed medical handling. Sabby is also At Risk for behavioral reasons. While Sabby is a sweet cat that allows all petting and handling, her self-mutilation behaviors are persistent and not manageable in a shelter setting. Her self-mutilating behaviors were pre-existing before she came into the shelter and have continued through her initial tail amputation that occurred while still with her previous owner, as well as the revision while in shelter care. Her behavior concern points to a likely neurological pathology that will require a neurological workup, consultation with a behavior certified vet, as well as a multimodal approach (anxiolytic/psychotropic & pain meds, behavior mod., and environmental alteration) to manage her likely compulsive self-mutilation. Should no pathologies be identified, further behavioral workups should also be sought out. She will require an experienced adopter/rescue group capable of managing daily care and diagnostics to ensure that Sabby's condition and self-mutilation be controlled to manage further trauma.
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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Sabby is on the at-risk list for medical concerns. Sabby is a cat with a history of attacking her tail. She has now had two tail amputations and continues to self mutilate. Her most recent surgery is not healing properly because she was able to open it back up. She is on multiple pain medications, but will likely need a long-term anxiolytic medication and additional follow up veterinary care to manage the current tail amputation site. Behaviorally, Sabby is sweet and has allowed medical handling. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! I have medical needs that staff will address with you when you meet me. I have lived with cats in my previous home. Sabby is laying in her den, eyes wide and pupils dilated as the assessor approaches. When the kennel door is opened and the den cover is lifted, Sabby leans forward to sniff the assessor's hand before exiting the den. She allows all petting, leaning into petting on the head and cheeks. She is able to be easily picked up, remaining calm when she is held. When she is placed back into her kennel, she continues to allow extended petting, raising her back as she is pet. When attempting to end the interaction, Sabby attempts to escape the kennel, appearing interested in exploring. She does this a few times but is able to be easily picked up, held, and placed back into the kennel where she continues to allow all further handling. While Sabby is a sweet cat that allows all petting and handling, her medical/compulsive self-directed maladaptive behavior is persistent and not manageable in a shelter setting. Her behaviors were pre-existing before she came into the shelter and have continued through her initial tail amputation that occurred while still with her previous owner, as well as the revision while in shelter care. Her behavior concern points to a likely neurological pathology that will require a neurological workup, consultation with a behavior certified vet, as well as a multimodal approach (anxiety/psychotropic & pain meds, behavior modification, and environmental alteration) to manage her likely compulsive self-directed maladaptive behaviors. Should no pathologies be identified, further behavioral workups should also be sought out. She will require an experienced adopter/rescue group capable of managing daily care and diagnostics to ensure that Sabby's condition and self-directed behavior be controlled to manage/prevent further potential trauma.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 9.26 lbs
8/1/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4-6 years based on dentition, consistent with owner reports Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: Owner passed away. Reported to have a history of attacking tail which led to tail amputation. Cat has reportedly been attacking tail again. Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - tense + frozen for tasks and exam Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = P = WNL R = WNL BCS: 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, very mild tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL, spayed female, green tattoo noted MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no ectoparasites noted, no masses noted, healthy hair coat. Wound with fleshy pink granulation tissue at tail tip. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally WNL Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment: Wound to tail tip (photos in vet docs) Spayed female Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks + exam Radiographs: soft tissue lesion at tip of tail vertebrae CBC/CHM in house Flushed tail wound with LRS Applied soft bandage with tefla pad to tail wound to keep clean Zorbium for appropriate weight Gabapentin 100mg capsule PO BID x14d Recommend leaving shelter for quiet environment May need second tail amputation vs. starting on SSRI for self trauma SURGERY: Already spayed
8/1/2026
CBC HCT 44% Hgb 13.0 g/dL WBC 11.4 K/uL - mild neutrophilia 10.9 K/uL - lymphopenia 0.25 K/uL CHM Glucose 149 mg/dL SDMA 10 ug/dL Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL BUN 19 mg/dL Lytes WNL Hyperglobulinemia 5.6 g/dL (2.8-5.1) ALT/ALP WNL A: Stress leukogram Elevated globulins- r/o inflammatory vs. other P: CWCT Prioritize leaving shelter
8/3/2026
S: Recheck tail trauma, appetite. Currently on Gabapentin, zorbium. Appetite is still 1/3, poorly. O: Tail wrapped and no attempt to mess with it. A: Appetite is poorly even with stress and pain management. P: Add mirtazapine x 3d and see if that jump starts the appetite.
8/5/2026
S/O: BAR, eating MSI: Removed bandage, tail tip macerated, approx. 4cm long A: Recurrent tail mutilation Osteolysis on radiographs of distal vertebrae Prognosis: Fair P: Tail amputation, schedule with offsite surgeon Simbadol 0.6ml SQ once a day for 2 days +/- ecollar
8/12/2026
Pre-Op Exam S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort ABD: No obvious distention MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no notable lameness CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Appears to be suitable candidate for anesthesia, ASA status I P: Accepted for surgery - spay/neuter today Tail Amputation- V- incision, disarticulated proximal to affected vertebrae, closed SQ with 3-0 Monocryl, closed skin with 3-0 Monocryl in a simple interrupted pattern. No Suture removal. Zorbium post-op Clavamox 62.5 mg PO BID -> 8/21
8/14/2026
[Panleukopenia/Parvovirus exposure - LOW RISK] Exposure date: 8/14/2026 Notes: Vaccinated prior to exposure/shedding date or previously altered/microchipped with suspected previous vaccine history. Considered low risk. No quarantine required.
8/16/2026
[Post Surgical Exam] Attitude/demeanor: BAR Appetite: eating well C/S/V/D: none Incision site: no swelling, bruising, or bleeding; sutures appear intact Pain level: appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no Additional notes: n/a
8/17/2026
Alerted by staff e-collar not on and appears to be chewing at tail amp site Sedated with 0.1mL dex/torb IM - light but adequate sedation Tail amp site dehiscence with scabbing, foreign debris and scant serosanguineous dc, moderate swelling . No boney changes on rads A. Post op complication post tail amp P. Scheduled for sedated repair, concerned that is too much tissue needs to be debrided might need tail amp reduced by additional vertebrae if possible. Simbadol 0.24mg/kg SQ once (0.6mL) e-collar placed recheck comfort tomorrow
8/18/2026
Recheck day 6 post-op tail amputation - noted to have been chewing/biting at tail amp site, e-collar placed last night (not previously in place post-op) S/O: QAR, leans into pets, no c/s/v/d noted; e-collar in place EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge ORAL: mm pink and moist, CRT <2; some missing teeth, moderate to heavy tartar, some gingival recession; stage 3-4 ddz LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Tail amp site has thick crusts and debris/hair, two puncture wounds at ventrodistal tail, no active discharge from sx site or wounds CNS: Appropriate mentation Anesthetized per sx protocol -Soaked tail in warm water with dilute chlorhex, used gauze to gently remove debris and crusts to better evaluate wound, several sutures came off -Wound edges are jagged and skin no longer apposed -White connective tissue appreciated along length of incision with no full thickness dehiscence appreciated -Tissue along sx site is erythematous and swollen -Two, adjacent puncture wounds ~2mm at ventral aspect of distal tail (proximal to sx site) appreciated -After soaking and cleaning, flushed copiously with sterile saline -Dried and placed non-stick pad with soft padded bandage -**Images of sx site and wounds uploaded to vet docs A: Tail amputation (second) - 6 days post op History of tail amputation prior to intake at shelter, reportedly due to self mutilation Self mutilation of tail - ro pain vs feline hyperesthesia vs other Dental disease P: Start onsior 2 mg/kg SQ SID Zorbium applied topically Increase gabapentin to 30 mg/kg PO BID Keep e-collar on at all times, scheduled daily checks Recheck and rebandage in 2-3 days CTM closely while at QACC
8/19/2026
Brief recheck - QAR, good appetite, e-collar in place, tail bandage in place. Continue with current treatment plan and recheck/rebandage tomorrow.
8/20/2026
recheck tail amp site, performed 8/12 offsite -noted to be self mutilating 8/17 -sedated cleaning done on 8/18 and bandaged S/O T: 100.9 QAR, noted to appear lethargic and allowed for full tail cleaning and removal of non-stable sutures and bandage with minimal reaction. Staff unsure if eating, not taking HVTs aTT EENT: no ocular or nasal dc HL: eupneic MSI: fibrous tissue and mucopurulent dc noted under the bandaged area, suture dehiscence, Left side appears to have healthier looking granulation tissue than the left, fibrin and mucopurulent dc on the L side of center, neither edge opposed CNS: mentation appropriate but quiet In house BW: very mild anemia (29.3)- r/o preregen, non-regen sl L creat (0.7) H globulins (6.1) r/o inflam A. Tail amp post op complications Lethargy weight loss (9.26 pounds today) P. Unclear if p is eating aTT- given convenia 8mg/kg SQ once (0.43mL) removed bandage and sutures that weren't intact, soaked with dilute chlorohex and thoroughly flushed with saline. e-collar on, left site open to see if allows for better healing, p given paper litter Monitor log for appetite priority recheck tomorrow seek placement asap- strongly suspect p will need high tail amp and closer monitoring than can be provided in shelter post op to ensure no self mutilation CTM closely at QACC
8/21/2026
Recheck - noted to be very lethargic yesterday, allowed handling of tail wound and bandage removal without sedation or protest S/O: QAR, frozen/hunched but allows all handling, reported to have eaten well overnight, large amount of urine in LB this AM; no c/s/v/d noted. *Early afternoon recheck - at front of kennel eating (both dry and wet trays nearly empty), but quickly retreats to the back of the kennel when I approach EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Amb x 4, healthy haircoat; tail amp dehiscence appears appears mostly dry and stable with minimal cloudy/pink exudate at left side of sx site (photos uploaded to vet docs) CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Tail amputation dehiscence secondary to self mutilation - appears stable today Quiet mentation vs lethargy - ro secondary to increased dose of gabapentin + opiod vs other Weight loss in care Dental disease History of two tail amputations (one prior to admission to shelter, one on 8/12 in shelter) P: Continue gabapentin and e-collar to prevent pain/access to tail CTM closely while at QACC **Tail should eventually heal by second intention. This would be ideal if Sabby is comfortable and not attempting to go after her tail. Removal of her e-collar should only happen once the wound is completely healed and with supervision to ensure she does not self mutilate. If the tail is not healing, another tail amputation may be warranted, but this will be close to the tail base and comes with a higher risk. If there is an underlying cause for Sabby to continuously attack her tail, other medications (ie. anxiolytics) and/or behavior modification plans should be pursued.
8/26/2026
Recheck post-op tail amp with complications (dehiscence due to licking/chewing) S/O: QAR, timid but allows handling, good appetite, no c/s/v/d noted; e-collar in place EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Tail amp site stable with scab/crust covering, some debris/fur caught up in scab, no discharge or significant swelling appreciated CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Tail amputation x 2 due to self trauma - ro secondary to pain vs neurologic vs other Dental disease Weight loss in care P: Continue gabapentin at 30 mg/kg PO BID Recheck tail in one week, CTM on rounds
9/2/2026
Recheck tail amp site- surgery 3 weeks ago (8/12), noted to have licked/chewed at surgery site 5 days later (8/17) S/O: QAR, timid and hides at back of kennel, at front of kennel during one check and she quickly retreats to the back when the door is opened; e-collar in place, allows all handling, did not eat overnight and not eating today; no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Amb x 4; tail amp site has thick dry crust obscuring distal area, no significant swelling or erythema appreciated CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Tail amputation complication (self trauma) - scab vs eschar covering Hx of multiple tail amputations due to self trauma - ro neuro vs other Dental disease Weight loss in care P: Monitor appetite closely - previously eating well Continue gabapentin and e-collar CTM closely on rounds If scab/eschar does not fall off in the next week or so, consider soaking and examining more thoroughly
9/3/2026
DVM Progress Notes for Inappetence -Inappetence persistent. -No change on PE to yesterday's note. -Gave 0.04 ml of Midazolam (0.05 mg/kg of 5 mg/ml) IV once at ~5 pm. -P then readily ate all wet food available. -Recheck tomorrow for appetite. -Recheck as scheduled on 9/8 for tail amputation + E-collar. -Maintain on ARL pending tail amputation recheck; consider Medical Deadline if not consistently eating.
9/4/2026
Brief recheck Resting comfortably in kennel no c/s/v/d reported fair appetite for wet and dry food reported OK to recheck tail amp site as scheduled, notify DVM if anorexia recurs
9/6/2026
Brief recheck QARH - Resting comfortably in kennel pink moist mm no c/s/v/d reported 1/7 stool reported this AM -- firm but depressible stool in descending colon, no straining to defecate noted, comfortable on abdominal palp fair appetite for wet and dry food reported Tail amp site appears healing well r/o early constipation ADD Lactulose 2mL PO BID x7d Recheck on 9/8 as scheduled
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
KNOWN HISTORY:: Sabby was brought in with limited information on her behavior history in a home environment. The client came to MACC for a stray intake of 2 cats. She stated that her elderly neighbor passed away on 7/20. The neighbor left behind 2 DSHs, Onyx and Saby. She had access to the neighbor's apartment because she frequently visited and helped take care of the cats or anything the neighbor needed. While processing intake, staff noticed that Saby was bleeding from underneath their stomach. When staff picked up Saby they noticed that Saby had an open wound on the tip of their tail. Staff asked the client about the tail and stated that Saby always bit the end of her tail. The owner had taken Saby to the vet, where they amputated the tail, but Saby will still bite it. The client could not provide vet information. Sabby lived with another cat in her previous home.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Social,Calm,Sweet,Affectionate,Curious,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Other,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: Sabby was brought in with limited information due to a neighbor bringing her in after her owner passed, but the client was able to explain that Sabby had always bitten at the tip of her tail. Her owner had taken her for a tail amputation, but the behaviors continued. Sabby received a tail revision surgery on 8/12/26, and was noted to be self-mutilating her surgery site (tail tip) on 8/17. She has since had an e-collar placed 24/7. Compulsive behaviors can be caused by many factors such as conflict, frustration, or behavioral needs not being met - a geographical alteration, sudden change in companionship, access to outdoors, various medical conditions and psychological states. Self-Mutilation can be caused by a combination of psychogenic conditions and/or neuropathic conditions. Psychogenic conditions are obsessive-compulsive behaviors which can present in maladaptive ways. Neuropathic conditions relating to compulsive/maladaptive behaviors relate to a combination of physical pain or potential misfiring of nerves which create phantom pains and psychological distress. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), is the main condition linked to tail-chasing, severe biting, and persistent self-mutilation of the tail in cats. Though historically labeled as a pure obsessive-compulsive disorder, vets now see FHS as a neuropathic pain disorder, seizure-like condition, or a mix of physical pain and psychological stress. Triggers often include environmental anxiety, spinal or nerve pain, old tail injuries, or skin allergies. However, it should be noted that it is very difficult to observe and diagnose for this condition in shelter settings, and Sabby does not, from her observed behaviors in the shelter, present with many of the symptoms/behaviors associated with FHS aside from: "Tail Mutilation" - "intense licking, chewing, or aggressive attacking and tearing of the tail skin or tail base.". FHS also commonly presents with other signs such as; Skin Rippling: Visible twitching or rolling of the skin along the lower back, Frenzied Episodes: Sudden bursts of running or jumping ("zoomies"), dilated pupils, and vocal outbursts like howling, Touch Sensitivity: Extreme irritation or aggression when the lower back or tail base is petted. When interacting with Sabby, she is entirely tolerant and appreciative of all petting and handling - eventually purring and drooling as she lays on her side. She does not display any skin rippling or touch sensitivity, and there have been no observed frenzied episodes. The Feline Behavior Team recommends a follow up with Behavior Certified Vet, a possible neurological work up, a medication plan (psychotropic & pain) to manage potential phantom nerve pain and compulsive behaviors. Potential neuropathies or psychogenic conditions require a multidisciplinary/modal approach - using medical and behavioral work (behavioral assessment and modification, environmental assessment, habit reversal training, and CBT.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 2
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 08/24/26 Sabby is laying in her den, eyes wide and pupils dilated as the assessor approaches. When the kennel door is opened and the den cover is lifted, Sabby leans forward to sniff the assessor's hand before exiting the den. She allows all petting, leaning into petting on the head and cheeks. She is able to be easily picked up, remaining calm when she is held. When she is placed back into her kennel, she continues to allow extended petting, raising her back as she is pet. When attempting to end the interaction, Sabby attempts to escape the kennel, appearing interested in exploring. She does this a few times but is able to be easily picked up, held, and placed back into the kennel where she continues to allow all further handling. 08/04/26 On approach, Sabby is sitting curled up at the back of the cage with a mostly neutral face and body, ears forward. The assessor offers her some squeeze up making sure to not get her e-collar dirty. She shows no interest and the assessor then offers their hand instead, which she does sniff and allows pets on her head and cheeks with her ears tilted, and face slightly tense. When pet along her back and side at first, she remains slightly tense and her back/side does roll/twitch slightly but stops after a few pets as she gets accustomed to it. At this point, she begins to soften and the assessor notices that she is beginning to drool. Pets along her back and side now produce more drool and some purrs, and she allows the assessor to pick her up and hold her in their arms. When placed back down, she remains standing and accepts all pets along her back with her healing tail raising at times as she arches up into pets. She remains at the front and solicits attention now that she is comfortable. She does not appear to show signs of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome and is appreciative of touch and pets, showing no signs of pain or discomfort. While Sabby is a sweet cat that allows all petting and handling, her medical/compulsive self-directed maladaptive behavior is persistent and not manageable in a shelter setting. Her behaviors were pre-existing before she came into the shelter and have continued through her initial tail amputation that occurred while still with her previous owner, as well as the revision while in shelter care. Her behavior concern points to a likely neurological pathology that will require a neurological workup, consultation with a behavior certified vet, as well as a multimodal approach (anxiety/psychotropic & pain meds, behavior modification, and environmental alteration) to manage her likely compulsive self-directed maladaptive behaviors. Should no pathologies be identified, further behavioral workups should also be sought out. She will require an experienced adopter/rescue group capable of managing daily care and diagnostics to ensure that Sabby's condition and self-directed behavior be controlled to manage/prevent further potential trauma.