KNOWN HISTORY:: Previously lived with: Adults Behavior toward strangers: Prefers contact on their terms, Stress meows Behavior toward children: Stress meows, Actively avoids or retreats Behavior toward cats: Actively avoids or retreats Behavior toward dogs: Actively avoids or retreats Bite or Scratch history: Yes, client was trying to put her into a carrier. She tried to flee and scratched clients hand in the process leaving one scratch mark that broke skin. Litter box training: Lucy had access to 1 uncovered litterbox and used clumping litter. Energy level/descriptors: Low Other notes: Lucy will struggle, squirm, growl, hiss and stress meow when being placed into a carrier. She has never had her nails trimmed, coat brushed or been picked up/ held making her behavior unknown. Lucy is an adult female cat who lived exclusively indoors and spent most of her time in the bedroom. She is described as independent and solitary, with a fearful demeanor, and was not interested in interactive play or toys. She did not receive interactive playtime and preferred minimal engagement. Lucy primarily scratched on carpet and fabric surfaces. Behavior concerns included hiding due to fear and scratching furniture. She was fed a combination of wet and dry food, including Fancy Feast wet food and Friskies dry food, and her preferred treats were Temptations. Her previous owner particularly appreciated her coloring.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 1/16/26: Lucy was hiding in her den as staff arrives. She has tense body language and wide eyes. Lucy watches staff, frozen as her kennel is tended to. She does not move or react to the disruptions in her area. Treats are offered, but Lucy does not show interest in them at the moment. The interaction is ended to allow her time to decompress, and not cause further FAS. 1/23/26 FB20 Lucy was inside of her den on approach. The scratcher tool is extended to the entrance of the portal and Lucy begins growling. She spits and strikes the tool hard several times. Once Lucy pauses in growling, the tool is slowly removed and the kennel door is shut. A few moments later, handler slowly lifts the cover and Lucy's head is out of the den. She continues growling, once she pauses growling, the cover is placed back again.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Mellow

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period,Adult cat socialization

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Lucy 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: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Lucy can be heard hissing from inside her den upon approach. As the door is opened she begins to growl and swats at den portal. The scratch tool is held in front of and held still, Lucy growls, hisses and swats at the tool. Assessment is ended. Lucy is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. She has tried to swat and scratch and is extremely fearful in the shelter environment and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time.