Animal Profile
Cotton
Hello, my name is Cotton. My animal id is #239997. I am a desexed female gray cat at the Staten Island Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 5 years 3 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a stray on 10/24/2025.
Cotton 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 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. Cotton 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 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. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! It is unknown if I have ever lived with other animals or children. I am a cat that is in need of a lap! I can't wait to be your new lap cat.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 7.9375 lbs
10/24/2025
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 5 years Microchip noted on Intake? scan negative History: stray Subjective: Observed Behavior - tense but allowed all handling Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, AU- mild waxy debris, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild dental calculus, fractured tips of upper canines PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Female, spay scar seen MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, area of heir loss and scab at left stifle CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment fractured tips of canines area of hair loss and scab- R/O healing abrasion vs other Prognosis: good Plan: monitor skin/haircoat consider dental
11/13/2025
Recheck skin: -Small area alopecia bridge of nose -Left stifle: hair regrowth in area where prior alopecia, no scab -Wood's lamp: negative A: Alopecia r/out self trauma vs other P: Ringworm PCR to lab for completeness
11/16/2025
Microsporum spp. RealPCR POSITIVE Microsporum canis RealPCR POSITIVE Trichophyton spp. RealPCR a NEGATIVE As per Dr. 2373, Itraconazole 1.8ml SIDx21 days
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
KNOWN HISTORY:: Cotton was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on her behavior history in a home environment.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 10/29 Cotton is lying flat in the back of his kennel with flat ears. She is offered slow blinks and reciprocates. A finger is extended, and he leans into sniff. She tolerates petting on her head, lip licking. 11/2 Cotton is lying flat on the back of her kennel. She displays dilated pupils and flat ear. She is offered slow blinks but remains frozen staring at staff. 11/10 Cotton is under her kuranda with his ears flattened against her head. She hisses as a finger is extended towards her and begins to slowly walk through the portal. 11/13 When the kennel is approached, Cotton begins to hiss and runs to the other side of the kennel, avoiding all interaction. He remains tense until the staff member moves away from the kennel
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Calm,Curious,Timid,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: Cotton 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 her 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 3
RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Cotton is lying flat on her side with squinted eyes and a lowered head. Her ears are flat as the door is opened remaining still. A finger is extended to greet her and she gins to sniff at finger and tolerated gentle petting on her head. Cotton squirms and tucks her feet closer to her body when petting her on the cheek. Her skin flinches as she is pet down the back. Cotton slow blinks and lip licks as the door is closed. Cotton tolerates attention and petting but may be fearful or stressed in the shelter, and may be intimidated by small children. She may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to her 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.