KNOWN HISTORY:: Previously lived with: 1 adult Behavior toward strangers: No reported experience with strangers and hides initially around visitors. Bite or Scratch history: None reported Litter box training: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Medium energy level Other note: Squirrel's prior owner describes him as quiet, friendly, affectionate, active and playful. He likes to be where people are so would hang out in the living room, bedroom and kitchen and would also sit in a window. He is described as playing gently and likes to chase and pounce on toys and to stalk and pounce on feet. Squirrel received interactive play approximately 20 times a month and likes to scratch on horizontal surfaces such as rough rope or carpet/fabric. In his prior home he was on a wet food only diet and preferred Sheba non pate type food -- his favorite flavors are trout or salmon. His prior owner says that Squirrel has no behavior issues and is just purrfect! Squirrel was hissing, growling and started to strike through the carrier while the intake was being processed. Once in the admissions office, he was offered food and treats and continued lunging and striking. Feline Behavior was asked to assist in transferring Squirrel from carrier to den.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 4/24/26 FB09 Upon opening the kennel door, Squirrel was peeking his head out of the den, eyes dilated, with a low growl. When the handler offered treats, he escalated in FAS and started hissing and moving back, ears back and eyes still dilated. 4/25/26 Vol. On den looking pit to me, wide eyes, low growl. Gave slow blinks no reaction when approached, spoken to and door opened. Offered dry treats on scratcher tool. Swatted. Growling and hissed. Offered lickable treat on scratcher tool. Swatted, growled. 4/26/26 FB73 When attempting to slowly lift the den cover to get a photo of him, Squirrel hisses and lunges towards the assessor with both paws before scrambling to the back of the den and continuing to low growl. High FAS. 4/29/26 FB09 Squirrel hissed and lunged upon lifting the den cover, eyes dilated and body arched. After closing the den cover, he continued to low growl. 4/30/26 Displayed defensive behavior—growling and swatting while staying on high alert and watching from a distance with dilated pupils. He cautiously ate a squeeze-up treat when it was placed near him with the scratcher tool, remaining focused on the handler throughout. 5/1/26 FB20 Squirrel is heard low growling in his kennel. The cover is slowly lifted and Squirrel is hunched over with flattened ears and dilated eyed. He hisses harshly twice. Handler waits until he pauses his hissing, marks with a soft “Yes” and replaces the cover, leaving. 05/02/26 FB47 1- Squirrel was on top of the den facing out in the loaf position and hissed repeatedly and growled once. When he stopped I marked and left. 2- On 2nd approach he only hissed once and then stopped and stared at me and I marked and left. 5/6/26 FB20 Squirrel is crouched in his litterbox. He hisses immediately when cover is lifted. When he stops, handler marks and leaves. 5/7/26 Continues to be defensive hissing and growling. Eyes wide with pupils fully dilated. Ignored offered treats and ended to reduce stress. 5/11/26 FB73 1st Interaction: Squirrel is laying next to his den, low growling as the shoreline cover is lifted. Handler waits until he stops. When he stops low growling, the handler marks with "yes", slowly places the cover back, and ends the interaction. 2nd Interaction: Squirrel is laying next to his den, low growling once again as the shoreline cover is lifted. Handler waits and after a few moments he stops low growling. Handler marks the behavior with "yes" and ends the interaction. 5/12/26 FB73 Similar to yesterday, did 2 interactions and the behavior was the same both times. Squirrel was laying towards the back of his kennel, low growling as the shoreline cover was lifted. The handler waits for him to settle and once he stops growling, they mark the behavior with 'yes' before ending the interaction. CONTINUED IN GAN

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Squirrel 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 behavior observed in the care center, adult only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 4/26/26 Squirrel is laying in his den, body tense, pupils dilated, low growling, and poking his head out of the portal exit to stare intensely at the assessor as they approach. When the assessor attempts to open the kennel door, he turns his head to look at their hands and begins hissing. Treats and chicken breast are offered but he does not respond to them. When petting is attempted with the scratcher tool, Squirrel swats and hisses to avoid contact. The assessor gives him a few moments to settle and softly speaks to him. When petting is attempted once more, Squirrel again swats the tool, this time with much more intensity, growling louder. The interaction is ended to reduce stress. 5/26/26 Squirrel is laying inside of his den, poking his head out of the portal exit and hissing as the assessor approaches. When they go to open the kennel door, Squirrel lunges directly to the front of the kennel towards their hands. The assessor quickly closes the kennel door and gives him a moment to settle before attempting further interaction. When petting is attempted with the scratcher tool, Squirrel swats at it softly before retreating back into his den and beginning to hiss. The interaction is ended to reduce stress. Squirrel is not open to interaction at this time and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. Because his previous owner reports he is quiet, friendly, and affectionate in a home environment, we believe the behavior seen in the care center is shelter-specific and this cat would make a great pet but is really struggling in the shelter environment. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, home with adopters who are willing to work with a cat who needs time and patience to help him adjust to their new home.