Animal Profile

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

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

My medical notes are...

Weight: 9.375 lbs

Medical Notes

11/30/2024

DVM Intake Exam History : Owner surrender Estimated age: Reported 2 years Microchip noted on Intake? Negative Subjective: BAR, hissing and growling, sedated for intake Evidence of Cruelty seen - none Evidence of Neglect seen - none Evidence of Trauma seen - none Objective: P = wnl R = wnl BCS = 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, no ocular discharge; ears clean; no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: mm pink and moist, CRT <2; mild tartar build up on pms, stage I/IV PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NMA, SSP; Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Female spayed MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Assessment: Mild dental disease Prognosis: God Plan: Sedated for intake - dexmedetomidine 0.1 ml IM + butorphanol 0.1 ml IM. Full antisedan reversal, smooth recovery. CTM while at QACC

12/3/2024

.45 mls PO

12/6/2024

On 12/6/24 at approximately 8:30 am, I examined Margo 215622. She has appropriate mentation at this time with no neurologic signs present, and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at ACC.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

During intake cat was very fearful retreated further in the carrier. minimum handling was done.

Basic Information:: Margo is a 2 yr old altered female black and white DSH cat that was surrendered by owner due to behavior concerns in the home.

Previously lived with:: 1 adult, 1 cat

How is this cat around strangers?: Is skittish, timid around strangers and may avoid unwanted contact

How is this cat around children?: has been around children around 10yrs and 15yrs old and is known to be curious and playful but will avoid if contact is not wanted

How is this cat around other cats?: will hiss and stress meow

How is this cat around dogs?: stress meow hiss at dogs seen outside from the window

Behavior Notes: Does not like to be picked or held or have nails trimmed Is unbothered if coat is brushed Is unbothered when placed in carrier.

Bite history:: Margo has a bite history with another resident cat in the home after being spayed in September 2024. Please see detail in GAN

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Vet care group records uploaded in VET Doc

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 1 adult, 1 cat Behavior toward strangers: Is skittish, timid around strangers and may avoid unwanted contact Behavior toward children: has been around children around 10yrs and 15yrs old and is known to be curious and playful but will avoid if contact is not wanted Behavior toward cats: will hiss and stress meow Behavior toward dogs: stress meow hiss at dogs seen outside from the window Bite or Scratch history: Yes -Margo has a bite history with another resident cat in the home after being spayed in September 2024. Please see detail in GAN Litter box training: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Medium Other notes: During intake cat was very fearful retreated further in the carrier. minimum handling was done.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 12/12/24 FB79 On the top part of her kennel, Margo has a neutral face and body with slightly wide eyes and a loose tail. She slow blinks when I speak to her softly and shows no interest in treats. When the scratcher is slowly inserted, she tenses up and begins to back up slowly lifting her paw, but never escalating. She watches the tool closely for any movements. Margo briefly tolerates pets on her head before she jumps down and retreats into her den 12/16/24 FB79 Margo is on the top part of her shelf with wide dilated eyes as I open the candle door and speak to her softly; she does not react to me speaking softly as she scans the room behind me. She continues to have no reaction when I toss and treats and flinches/back away, tense up when I try to the pet. 12/19/24 FB79 On the top part of her kennel, Margo has her tail wrapped around her legs as she sits with forward ears and wide dilated eyes. She seems sensitive to noise that she hears going on outside of the room, but can be easily distracted by my voice as her eyes dilate smaller. She leans into sniff the treats placed down - She does allow pets on her head and under her cheeks, but quickly snaps back when being pet up her back. 12/22/24 FB61 At front of kennel, rubbing against the door and standing on her hind legs to scratch at her kennel. She is very sweet today and leans in for all petting using the scratcher tool. Her pupils remain dilated throughout our session and her tail waves around, however she continues to lean in for the pets. I reward with treats and she spends a lot of time playing with her pipe cleaner toy. 12/28/24 FB79 On the top part of her shelf, looking up at me, Margo takes a big step down when I open her kennel door and begins to enjoy the treats I placed down for her. She allows pets on her head and up her back with no reaction. 1/03/25 FB61 At front of kennel, standing on hind legs and pawing at the kennel door. She allows all petting today with the scratcher tool while leaning in enthusiastically, tail raised and eyes squinted. She does not show any signs of escalation today. Will try petting her with the assess-a-hand next interaction. Did great! 1/07/25 FB61 Displayed similar behaviors as previous session. Really warming up! Loved the bubble show.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Single-pet home,Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Margo was hunched on top of her perch as the assessor approached, body and face tense, ears flat and pupils dilated. Margo made eye contact when spoken to, pupils dilated and she hissed loudly as the kennel door opened. Margo hyper-focused on the assessor's hand as it was reaching towards her and she gave it one hard swat before it could touch her head. Pick up was not attempted at this time to reduce stress. 1/5/25 Upon re-evaluation, on the top part of her kennel Margo takes a big step down when the assessor approaches and speaks to her softly. She has a high tail ears and almond eyes as she leans in allowing pets on her head/cheeks, as well as up her body and tail. She shows no interest in treats but when the assessor attempts to pick her up, she slightly tenses up and uses her back legs to push away from the assessor. She continues to allow petting on her head, cheeks and around her body as she goes into her cubby and circles back around head bunting the assessor for attention - she continues to allow all petting but pick up was not attempted again. Margo is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. She has tried to swat / scratch / bite / 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. She may have a known history of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.