Animal Profile

Tutu is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Tutu due to advanced age and multiple chronic medical concerns are difficult to fully evaluate and manage in the shelter setting. She is underconditioned with muscle wasting, suspected arthritis, severe dental/periodontal disease requiring a dental procedure with placement, and recently developed a suspected UTI. Further urinary tract/abdominal imaging has been recommended. Behaviorally, Tutu has shown limited tolerance for medical handling and would require sedation for further advance diagnostics. She is currently quiet with a fair appetite and would benefit from placement for continued monitoring, further diagnostic evaluation, and management of her needs.

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. Tutu is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Tutu due to advanced age and multiple chronic medical concerns are difficult to fully evaluate and manage in the shelter setting. She is underconditioned with muscle wasting, suspected arthritis, severe dental/periodontal disease requiring a dental procedure with placement, and recently developed a suspected UTI. Further urinary tract/abdominal imaging has been recommended. Behaviorally, Tutu has shown limited tolerance for medical handling and would require sedation for further advance diagnostics. She is currently quiet with a fair appetite and would benefit from placement for continued monitoring, further diagnostic evaluation, and management of her needs. Tutu is an older and highly independent cat that is somewhat tolerant of some attention and limited petting but may be fearful or stressed in the shelter, and is noted to prefer interactions and touch on her terms. Tutu appears to have the potential for overstimulation and prefers to have her boundaries respected, including not being picked up. She may prefer being admired from afar as she spends her golden years sitting loafed and observing, and may need time to warm up to her new home and family. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, adult only home comfortable with an independent older cat that is set in her ways and knows her boundaries. What my friends at ACC say about me: I have medical needs that staff will address with you when you meet me. I have potential behavior challenges that staff will address with you when you meet me. I'm an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing. I am looking for a home with a patient person. I will flourish in a calm environment and a low-traffic home. I would do best in a home with only adult humans. I prefer to call the shots and enjoy coming to you when I'm ready for pets. My favorite pastime is being visually admired! Pet me with your eyes!

My medical notes are...

Weight: 6.58 lbs

Medical Notes

7/30/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: dentition and conformation consistent with o reported age of 15 years Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: os, noted to have red tinged water bowl, hx of V and urinating outside LB Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - vocalizing, hissing, tried swatting, needed towel, allowed for limited handling Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? N Objective: T = np P = wnl R = wnl BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: limited view d/t behavior, moderate wear and staining to visible dentition noted when hissing PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: F suspected intact MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, underconditioned, muscle wasting over epaxials CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Geriatric- suspected chronic conditioned Dental dz approx 2-3/4 Prognosis: guarded pending BW results Plan: intake exam and tasks CBC/CHEM/T4 to lab- check for results tomorrow pending BW results, consider sedated oral exam, cannot sedate aTT due to multiple emergencies coming in. litterbox log monitoring log awaiting sort SURGERY: Okay for surgery: N Permanent waiver due to age

7/31/2026

S: Needs oral exam, BW interpretation. Ate small amount of food overnight, readily ate TikiCat when offered. As soon as we attempted to handle medically, patient hissed and swatted. Toweled patient and performed oral exam. O: EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Severe dental and periodontal disease along upper maxillary teeth and lower mandibular molars. No signs of oral masses or other abnormalities. PLN: No enlargements noted ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: F suspected intact MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, underconditioned, muscle wasting over epaxials, generalized stilted gait. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities In-house BW findings: CBC: Lymphopenia (0.27 K/uL) Mild monocytosis (0.74 K/uL) Decreased platelet count (74)(r/o artifact) Chem: BUN mildly elevated (49 mg/dL) TT4 wnl A: Geriatric Dental disease 4/4 Suspected arthritis P: Blood work is relatively normal at this time. Currently eating, Given severe dental disease, patient will require dental procedure with placement. Patient was not sedated today (able to get exam done without sedation, however did not see that patient also needed UA). Placed no-sorb litter and scheduled recheck with medical rounds specialist for 8/1 to collect urine if able. Vet Recheck scheduled for 8/3 to re-examine QOL. Consider New Hope placement with understanding that patient will require geriatric care and a dental procedure.

7/31/2026

See exam below.

8/3/2026

UA Free Catch USG: 1.021 pH >9 UP 2+ Glucose Trace Ketones Neg Blood 3+ Bili Neg Urobili Normal WBC 2-5 RBC 50-75 Bacteria Marked Rods Crystals: 3+ ammonium Mg Phosphate ________________________ A: Concerns for RBC and protein level given free-catch sample. Presence of rods could be related to free-catch sample, however strong concerns for UTI given evidence of inflammation and blood. P: Schedule 2681 for ultrasound of urinary bladder to evaluate for abnormalities. Pending US, give Convenia injection (unsure if patient will eat oral antibiotics) for UTI treatment. Consider placing on ARL list due to comorbidities

8/4/2026

Re UTI tx given inability to orally medicate P - schedule convenia injection for 8/5 (Convenia 0.3mL SQ ONCE on 8/5) AUS w 2681 tentatively scheduled for 8/6 (unable to complete 8/4 due to timing) - updated plan pending imaging results

8/6/2026

Attempted AFAST to assess bladder but behavior did not permit (gave churu and P tolerated a few head pets but when applying alcohol slowly to lateral abdomen P hiss/growled/gave warning swat that did not make contact -- after a few minutes re attempted with the same response). Recc recheck UA (free catch only dt behavior) in 2 weeks if still in care Recc abdominal imaging with sedation with placement.

8/11/2026

DVM Progress Exam, Cageside -P has an OK appetite (Appetite score 2, dry and wet), is quiet (Activity score 2), and has no C/S/V/D. -P is reported to be drinking and urinating with no further comment. -Officially placed on ARL on 8/11. -Recheck 1 week and update on pathway.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake TuTu was tolerant with staff but handling minimally due to behavior that was reported by previous owner.

Basic Information:: TuTu is a 15-year-old female cat that lived with her previous owner for 15 years.

Previously lived with:: adults

How is this cat around strangers?: TuTu is shy around new people and prefers contact on her own terms.

How is this cat around children?: TuTu does not get along with children.

How is this cat around other cats?: TuTu does not have experience with other cats.

How is this cat around dogs?: No experience with dogs.

Behavior Notes: TuTu does not like to be touched and prefers to be left alone. She will hiss and swat when handled or contacted outside of her own terms.

Bite history:: The previous owner was lying down on her bed when Tutu entered the room and then jumped and pounced on her. Tutu scratched her on her left hand, resulting in a little bleeding.

Energy level/descriptors:: medium

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: TuTu is very independent and will likely spend time in quiet rooms by herself. She will sometimes lounge on the couch and observe from a distance. She eats both dry and wet food and her favorite flavor is chicken and fish. She is used to a covered litterbox with scented litter.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: Adults Behavior toward strangers: Shy around new people and prefers contact on her own terms. Behavior toward children: Does not get along with children Behavior toward cats: Unknown Behavior toward dogs: Unknown Bite or Scratch history: Recent scratch with owner – see potential challenges section for more info. Litter box training: Noted to have a history of inappropriate elimination, and is provided with a covered litter box with scented litter - see potential challenges section for more info. Energy level/descriptors: Medium Energy Level Other notes: Tutu is very independent and will likely spend time in quiet rooms by herself. She will sometimes lounge on the couch and observe from a distance. She eats both dry and wet food and her favorite flavor is chicken and fish. Tutu does not like to be touched and prefers to be left alone. She will hiss and swat when handled or contacted outside of her own terms. Upon intake Tutu was tolerant with staff but handling minimally due to behavior that was reported by previous owner.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 7/31/26 FB58 I stopped by today towards the end of the day to check on Tutu, and she is sitting on the top of her den with a mostly neutral face and body, and looks at me with ears forward and eyes almond. I open the cage door and offer out the antenna of my walkie talkie to see how she will react and she allows me to pet her head and cheeks, as well as under her chin and seems to appreciate it! I don't push her too much and stick to her head and end the interaction while she is still enjoying the touch. She could potentially be more comfortable due to me having placed a cage cover on her cage after her assessment yesterday. 8/03/26 FB61 In cat den upon approach, body and face tense with her head lowered onto the ground. She is tolerant of petting with the scratcher tool from within her den while remaining still and offering minimal response. After I close the kennel door I see that she pokes her head out of the den to eat the treats I left near her den opening. Will continue to build positive associations! 8/06/26 FB61 In cat den, head peering out through the den opening. I reach right in there today and pet her along her head and shoulders. She leans in gently for cheek and chin rubs, however I cannot coax her out of her den at this time. She shows no interest in the squeeze-ups offered, but she does eat some dry treats after I've closed the kennel door. 8/09/26 FB25 Tutu is inside of her den when I approach. I open the kennel door, talk softly and slowly place a scratcher tool at the entrance. When there is no reaction, I slide in a dish of treats near the opening. Tutu slowly comes out, eating the treats in front of me! She stops to look at me a few times cautiously, but returns to eating each time. When she finishes and retreats to the then, I lift the den cover, and it is only then that she low-growls and hisses. I place the cover back in for her. We will continue building positive associations.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Curious,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Inappropriate elimination,Overstimulation,Uncomfortable with pick up,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Tutu has a history of vomiting multiple times a week, with periods of not vomiting. She is then also reported to urinate on "everything". She was provided with a covered litter box with scented litter. No further details other than the fact that Tutu "urinates on everything" were provided and it does not seem that Tutu was seen by a vet to rule out general medical issues or those related to urination. Often times, inappropriate elimination can be tracked to a change in a cat's health and is a way of a cat communicating to their owner that they are not feeling well. Additionally, due to Tutu's age, there may be a possibility that she is not as physically able to climb in and out of her covered litter box, and may do better with an uncovered litter box with lower sides. Tutu is also noted to have a previous scratch incident on 7/16/26 at 11 am: The previous owner was lying down on her bed when Tutu entered the room and then jumped and pounced on her. Tutu scratched her on her left hand, resulting in a little bleeding. The client did not seek medical attention. Tutu was not injured and did not require vet care. Tutu is noted by her previous owner to not like to be touched/prefers to be left alone. She will hiss and swat when handled or touched outside of her own terms. She is also noted to not like to be picked up and will scratch/bite. During her initial assessment, Tutu initially appeared to be tolerant of touch with the tool from inside her den, but did pull her head back and turned to watch to tool as her side was pet. After the initial pets, her tail began to swish/thump. When the den door was lifted and she was touched again, her tail moved more rapidly and she began to low growl. After the initial assessment was completed and she was standing outside of her den, and touch was attempted again, she began to growl loudly. Although she did not escalate during any of these times, Tutu does appear to certainly not enjoy contact/pets that are not on her terms and looks to have the potential for overstimulation. While pick up was not attempted during her assessment, based off of the note from her previous owner of escalation to scratching and biting, it is highly likely that she is not comfortable with pick up either. 7/31/26 After further medical examination in the shelter, Tutu has sever dental disease and is suspected to have arthritis - both of which could contribute to her behavior as well as inappropriate elimination. Tutu is a very independent cat that appears to prefer to be visually admired from afar without any contact made.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Based off of the behaviors seen in shelter, as well as the behaviors reported in her previous home, and being noted to not do well with children - the behavior team recommends that Tutu go to an adult only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: On approach, Tutu is in her den and laying with a tense face and body, visible due to the den cover having been removed. The food and water at the front of her cage appear to not have been touched and the assessor places some squeeze up on top of her wet food and offers it near the opening of the den. She doesn't show any interest and remains in place. The assessor then introduces the scratcher tool into the den slowly, and while she initially appears as if she may be tolerant of touch on her head, she pulls back and turns quickly to watch as she is pet along her side with the tool as well. After this inital touch, her tail tip is swishing somewhat, and the assessor lifts the den door to assess her tolerance with one more attempt. When contact along her side is made again, she begins to low growl and her tail begins to thump more quickly. The den door is lowered and the interaction is ended to prevent further escalation. Pick up is not attempted, due both to the behavior observed in shelter and the behavior noted in her previous home. When the assessor checks back, she had her head poking out of her den to sniff at her wet food and a few moments later is fully out of the den at the front and eating. When pet through the cage door along her back, she growls loudly and huffs and petting is stopped. Tutu is an older and highly independent cat that is somewhat tolerant of some attention and limited petting but may be fearful or stressed in the shelter, and is noted to prefer interactions and touch on her terms. Tutu appears to have the potential for overstimulation and prefers to have her boundaries respected, including not being picked up. She may prefer being admired from afar as she spends her golden years sitting loafed and observing, and may need time to warm up to her new home and family. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, adult only home comfortable with an independent older cat that is set in her ways and knows her boundaries.