KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: Adults only Behavior toward strangers: Gato is described to be shy for days. Behavior toward children: Gato is described to be fearful of children. Behavior toward cats: Unknown. Behavior toward dogs: Gato is very tolerant of dogs. Bite or Scratch history: None. Litter box training: Gato is litter box trained and uses a hooded litter box Energy level/descriptors: Medium energy level Other notes: Gato is described to be affectionate, playful, mellow and shy. Gato has a low to medium energy level and enjoys playing with toy balls, strings and catnip toys. Gato is an indoor cat and sleeps in the living room or bedroom. Gato enjoys scratching on rough rope, carpet and cardboard. Gato will struggle and hiss when given a bath. Gato will struggle with having his nails trimmed. Gato enjoys having his coat brushed or being picked up/held.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 11/18/21 Gato was in the back corner of the kennel, body crouched and tense. Ears were forward and eyes dilated, focusing on me. I offered treats on scratcher tool, but Gato showed no interest. He allowed petting along head and body but his body remained tense and tail wrapped around feet during the entire interaction maintaining eye contact with me. Gato slow blinked when I returned to petting his head, but is still wary of environment. 11/23/21 Hiding in his den. He made eye contact with wide pupils through the vent holes and starts to low growl. He wasn't interested in the treats offered today or in the red laser dot. He seemed very stressed out, body low and tail wrapped around. Left some treats and toys; also a shor-line with feliway. 11/24/21 Hiding in cat den upon approach, body and face hidden from view. I drop a tray of puree into his den but he does not respond. I pet him a little through the den and he tolerates touch while shifting away and remaining tense and quite. Nervous guy, needs time to adjust. 11/28/21 Inside den and peers out from the holes when softly spoken to. His eyes are dilated and his body appears tense, but he doesn't hiss or growl as I extend the scratcher and remains immobile as I place treats into the den. He doesn't seem interested in treats so I just spent time with him, coaxing and blinking. 11/29/21 Hiding in cat den upon approach, completely hidden from view. He does not come out when offered treats or when spoken to softly. I spend the session giving him compliments and leaving some treats through the peep holes. Will offer scent enrichment later. 11/30/21 Hiding in his den. He wouldn't come out when coaxed with treats or toys. He poked his head to make eye contact at the end of the interaction but didn't come out. Gave him a kuranda bed with treats and toys to see if he feels more comfortable coming out. 12/01/21 Hiding in cat den upon approach, completely hidden from view. He does not come out when I place tuna next to his den. I speak to him softly before ending the session. Hopefully he eats it later. 12/4/21 Continues to hide in his den. He makes eye contact through the vent holes with wide pupils and hisses. Couldn't be coaxed out today either. Left a variety of treats for him. Very stressed out here. Not thriving. 12/5/21 Stayed in his hiding spot during the entire attempted interaction. Placed treats outside the box he was hiding in, but he did not come out to investigate. Waved a feather toy near the opening of the box, and he hissed at it. Could not really see him because he was deep within the hiding spot. Not ready to be petted today.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Timid,Skittish,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,Adult cat socialization

Potential challenges comments:: Please see behavior flyer for more information.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Gato is a nervous tabby boy who is still adjusting to our care center and who may need some time to warm up to his new home. Gato was hunched in the front of his kennel as the assessor approached, body low, face tense and eyes wide. Pupils are dilated. Gato made eye contact when spoken to, body frozen, then retreated quickly to the other side of his kennel as the cage door opens. Gato is a will flee cat and the assessor could not touch him with unless it was through the kennel door with the scratcher tool - Gato retreat quickly to avoid touch and climbs up the kennel door. Gato does not escalate to aggression however when the assessor does manage to touch him with the scratcher tool. Gato tolerates attention and petting but may be fearful or stressed in the shelter, and may be intimidated by small children. He may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to his new home. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, adult only home.