Angel
Hello, my name is Angel. My animal id is #256308. I am a male tabby cat at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 5 years 1 months 1 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 6/4/2026, with the surrender reason stated as animal health - will need ongoing vet care.
Angel is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in the Adoptions room and no longer tolerates petting or handling, escalating very quickly when approached for socialization and during kennel cleaning. 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 and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.
You may know me from such films as...
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. Angel is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in the Adoptions room and no longer tolerates petting or handling, escalating very quickly when approached for socialization and during kennel cleaning. 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 and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. What my friends at ACC say about me: I lived with children in my previous home. I have medical needs that staff will address with you when you meet me. I'm an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing. Angel tolerates attention and petting but appears fearful or stressed in the shelter. He may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to his new home. We recommend this cat go to a home with experienced cat parents. Due to the behavior shown, he may not be a great fit for young children. A volunteer writes: Collecting his information the best way he knows how, Angel tucks himself into a soft little loaf and tries to piece it all together. I commend him for his efforts and recognize their value, even if, maybe especially if, they fall on the quieter side of the spectrum. In Angel's life before the shelter, he took his time warming up to new people but would lay gently once he did. He looks like a big teddy bear, but please don't let those fluffy cheeks fool you as getting used to shelter life hasn't been easy with all the new sights and sounds. Angel is FIV+ and has some medical needs that will require follow up, but he hopes someone will notice him and share a little chance his way. T
My medical notes are...
Weight: 9.9 lbs
6/4/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~4-7 years based on dentition / condition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: OS, hx indoor/outdoor Subjective: QAR, pink mm, moderate ptyalism, NATA CRT dt behavior Observed Behavior - Nervous but tolerant, leans into pets, ears turned laterally but tolerated all tasks / froze Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = 104.2F rectal P = WNL R = WNL BCS 4/9 EENT: Mild mucoid discharge OS at medial canthus with clear cornea, severe dark crumbling debris AU, no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: Missing multiple incisors, Multifocal severe gingivitis and some frank blood from gingiva - difficult to pinpoint which teeth due to behavior, appears resorptive, moderate ptyalism PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2s, Lungs clear, eupneic, negative ITC ABD: Soft, nonpainful, no masses palpated U/G: Male - intact, two symmetrical scrotal testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, full orthopedic exam not performed INT: Unkempt hair coat, no masses noted, no ectoparasites seen, ~2mm wound with frank blood oozing near medial canthus OS CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Wood's Lamp Exam: Not performed Assessment: Multifocal FORL Nausea r/o 2ary to FORL vs motion sickness (recent arrival) vs 1ary GI Wound near medial canthus OS Pyrexia Otodectes AU FIV+ MI mature adult DSH Prognosis: Fair Plan: OK for appropriate intake tasks OK for vaccines despite pyrexia given shelter environment - high risk Move into med ICU GAVE AT TIME OF EXAM: Cerenia 0.45mL SQ ONCE Convenia 0.45mL SQ ONCE LRS 100mL SQ ONCE Onsior 0.45mL SQ ONCE Ivermectin 0.14mL SQ - repeat in 2 weeks Zorbium green tube applied topically Cleaned AU DVM recheck comfort / pyrexia 6/5 Attempted to use silver nitrate on wound but P would not tolerate, ran backwards FIV SNAP POSITIVE If wound not healing, consider bloodwork +/- wound explore at time of neuter Recc dental with placement ASAP once P is appropriate candidate for anesthesia SURGERY: Temporary waiver for pyrexia
6/4/2026
Discussion: Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is one of the most common and consequential infectious diseases of cats around the world. In infected cats, FIV attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. Although cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, they eventually suffer from immune deficiency, which allows normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment to potentially cause severe illnesses. Though there is no cure for FIV, recent studies suggest that cats with FIV commonly live average life spans, as long as they are not also infected with feline leukemia virus. Risk and Transmission: The primary mode of transmission for FIV is through bite wounds from an infected cat. Casual, non-aggressive contact, such as sharing water bowls or mutual grooming, does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading the virus. As a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk of acquiring FIV infections. Only on rare occasions, an infected mother cat may transmit the infection to her kittens. However, if the mother becomes infected with FIV during her pregnancy, the transmission risk to the kittens is increased. Sexual contact is not a significant means of spreading FIV among cats.
6/4/2026
Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with HYPERTHERMIA and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.
6/5/2026
Progress exam P received Zorbium on 6/4 S/O: AS1/3 but reported to possibly have licked tuna. Q-BAR in kennel, sitting in loaf but would back away when approached with very tense body posture and flattened ears. No ptyalism noted. Limited exam to keep FAS low. Wound on left eye medial canthus no longer hemorrhaging, dried crusty discharge present but stable. A: FIV + Severe dental disease with FORL Anorexia - r/o oral discomfort vs high FAS vs other systemic illness Drooling/ptyalism - none observed today hx pyrexia on intake P: Recheck appetite briefly tomorrow - if not eating still, recommend starting supportive care and appetite stimulants Keep P in ICU covered to reduce FAS
6/6/2026
Appetite recheck: P is eating! Observed eating RC adult wet food in the afternoon. No BM noted, LB remains empty. *Recheck tomorrow to assess urination/defecation *If doing well, recommend moving up to adoptions, ideally in a quieter space to reduce FAS as suspect anorexia d/t stress/behavior
6/7/2026
Progress exam P received Zorbium on 6/4 S/O: BARH - pink moist mm at distance. When lifting cage cover slowly P hissing and swatted at kennel door. Limited exam to keep FAS low. Fair appetite for wet and dry food no c/s/v/d reported. Urine in litterbox but no stool yet. Wound on left eye medial canthus no longer hemorrhaging, dried crusty discharge present but stable. A: FIV + Severe dental disease with FORL Wound medial to OS - healing Anorexia - resolved @tt No defecation r/o behavioral vs constipation P: Move to adoptions to help reduce FAS ADD Gabapentin 100mg (~22mg/kg) PO BID TFN ADD psyllium husk 1/2 tsp PO BID x7d DVM recheck appetite / defecation 6/9
6/9/2026
Recheck Exam Appetite score 2 Defecation noted yesterday, no diarrhea reported No c/s/v/d reported recently EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge H/L: Eupneic, normal RR MSI: Wound medial to OS has mild crusting, no hemorrhage or active discharge CNS: Normal mentation A: FIV+ Severe dental disease with FORL Wound medial to OS - healing No defecation - resolved Plan: Continue current treatments CTM appetite, defecations
6/18/2026
Unable able to do due to increased FAS (hissing and swatting). Follow up with placement per 1438. // Completed.
6/26/2026
Progress exam: URI signs noted on rounds Subjective: BAR, no C/V/D. Sneezing present Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -Under the weather sign & monitor log placed on kennel -Start fortiflora PO SID x10 days -CTM, recheck in 3 days
7/12/2026
Progress exam: URI recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. AS:3 empty bowl Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -URI signage removed from kennel. -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
Spay/Neuter status: No
Date of Intake: 6/4/2026
Is this cat having litter box issues?: No
Basic Information:: Angel is an unaltered DSH who has been with their current owner for the past few months and it is unknown when he has last been to the vet
Previously lived with:: 4 adults 2 kids
How is this cat around strangers?: prefers contact on his terms and a slow approach, will hide, actively avoid/retreat, warms up after 2 weeks and will stress meow and hiss
How is this cat around children?: lived with a 12 and 15 y/o and prefers contact on his terms, warms up after 2 weeks and lays gently
How is this cat around other cats?: no experience
How is this cat around dogs?: no experience
Behavior Notes: he will struggle/squirm when nails are trimmed and when being placed in a carrier and isn't bothered when brushed or picked up and held.
Bite history:: no known bite history
Energy level/descriptors:: low
Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: Yes
Medical Notes: face injury
For a New Family to Know: He is quiet, lazy/couch potato, independent, prefers contact on his terms and withdrawn. He likes to be in the bedroom and the living room and isn't interested in play. He has a carpet/fabric scratching post and eats various brands of wet food. He has access to 2 covered litter boxes with newspaper as litter located in the living room and hallway
KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived with: 4 adults 2 kids Behavior toward strangers: prefers contact on his terms and a slow approach, will hide, actively avoid/retreat, warms up after 2 weeks and will stress meow and hiss Behavior toward children: lived with a 12 and 15 y/o and prefers contact on his terms, warms up after 2 weeks and lays gently Behavior toward cats: no experience Behavior toward dogs: no experience Bite or Scratch history: no known bite history Litter box training: He has access to 2 covered litter boxes with newspaper as litter located in the living room and hallway Energy level/descriptors: low Other notes: He is quiet, lazy/couch potato, independent, prefers contact on his terms and withdrawn. He likes to be in the bedroom and the living room and isn't interested in play. He has a carpet/fabric scratching post and eats various brands of wet food.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 6/10/26 FB20 Angel is sleeping inside of his box. He raises his head and has slightly tilted ears as he looks at the handler. He sniffs squeeze up tube intently. Angel creeps forward from his box for squeeze up and eventually comes halfway out and eats squeeze up off the handler's gloved finger. He flinches back if movements are too fast and eventually settles back in his box. 6/12/26 FB61 Hunched on top of vertical space, head resting on the floor of his cat bed. He raises his head, hisses and flattens his ears as I open the cubby door. I do not attempt petting today, however he sniffs the treats offered immediately while shifting his ears forward. He begins to play with the catnip toy offered as soon as I close the portal door - he picks it up, rubs his head all over it and rolls around! Will continue to build positive associations. 6/14/26 FB25 Angel is at the top of the vertical space resting in his box bed. He has his limbs tucked beneath him and his eyelids are low. He returns a few slow blinks, and I'm surprised when I just begin to unlock the padlock and he lunges toward me. When I look up, he has his mouth open with his teeth exposed, still at the front of the kennel on upper space, hissing. I leave the door shut and sit, waiting to see if he will calm. I talk softly to him and try slow blinks again. He rests back into a loaf position in his bed and does return slow blinks. I attempt to offer some squeeze up through the kennel crack, and he watches it without blinking, then swats harshly at it. The floor is a little busy with adopters this morning so I give him a kennel cover, in case that is giving him high FAS today. 6/16/26 FB61 Angel was hunched on his perch upon approach, body and face tense with his ears tilted and his tail curled tightly around his feet. He watches me approach with squinted eyes and he hisses with flattened ears as I stop in front of him. He leans forward to eat squeeze-ups through the slit in the wall and I speak to him softly while he finishes the tube. He does not hiss when I open his food portal completely and I spend the remainder of the session clicking and rewarding each time he leans towards me while remaining calm with forward ears and no hissing. Really food motivated - will continue to build positive associations. 6/30/26 FB61 Lying on cat den today, body and face neutral with his head lowered on his front paws. He is lethargic today - he must be feeling weak from his URI. I leave him some treats and a catnip toy, however he does not respond. I do not push petting today. He does not hiss when I open his portal door and he does not try to swat, he remains where he is. Poor guy. -GAN
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Pet-induced aggression,Fearful,Other,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: Petting-induced aggression is where repeated physical contact results in discomfort for the cat, or it may be a sign of overstimulation. As a result of this observed behavior we recommend adopters who are familiar with signs of behavioral arousal and agitation in cats, so that interactions can be ended before Angel becomes reactive. Treats should be used to reward appropriate responses to physical attention. As of 6/23, the behavior team cannot confirm if Angel's low tolerance for interaction is based solely on fear and stress or if he is showing signs of petting induced aggression.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 4
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Standing at the front of the kennel, Angel quickly turned and faced the back of the kennel when the assessor entered and greeted him; as the assessor continued to speak and tossed in treats he jumped to the top of the den where he sat with his tail wrapped and his eyes neutral with forward ears. Angel remained still when the tool was brought in and tolerated pets on his head with no reaction but when he was pet on his cheeks he started to lean in while closing his eyes. Angel continued to tolerate all pets on his head and body with no reaction however when pet on his his cheeks once again he quickly reached out and attempted to swat with a hiss and low growl. When the assessor pulled away he settled down and perched with his paws tucked and his tail wrapped. When pick up was attempted he tensed up and pulled back hunching his shoulders in and his ears tilting. 6/23/26 Angel was lying on his perch as the assessor approached, body and face tense. The assessor opened his food portal to give him some treats, and Angel reached out to attempt swatting at the assessor's hand continuously. Angel appears to be deteriorating in the care center at this time. Angel did not manage to break the glove or the assessor's skin, however he potentially could have had he not been partially restrained behind the portal door. Angel 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 is extremely fearful in the shelter environment. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time.
