KNOWN HISTORY:: Previously lived with: Adults, Other Cats, Dogs Behavior toward strangers: Friendly & Outgoing Behavior toward children: No experience Behavior toward cats: Friendly & Outgoing (lived with multiple cats) Behavior toward dogs: Friendly & Outgoing (lived with SMB) Bite or Scratch history: None reported Litter box training: Rex had access to 4 uncovered litter boxes with clumping litter. The litter boxes were located in the living room, basement, bathroom, and hallway. He was able to see outdoor cats and did not spray. Energy level/descriptors: Medium Other notes: Rex has never had his nails trimmed or his coat brushed. He is unbothered when being picked up/held and when being placed into a carrier. Rex can be described as friendly, affectionate, and very active and playful indoor cat. He spent most of his time where the people are. He engaged in interactive playtime multiple times per week and likes to chase and pounce on toys. He likes to scratch on rough rope. Behaviorally, he has been reported to scratch on furniture. He ate dry food.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 8/6 (late entry) Rex is crouched in his bed cubby as staff approaches. When they look in to check on him, he has airplane ears, and he backs up when he sees them. They put treats in his kennel and leave him be so as not to increase his FAS. 9/4 (late entry) Rex is in his den as staff approaches. They open his kennel door and slowly reach in to remove his wet food tray. He stays in the den and begins to growl softly. He continues to growl as they drop treats and toys on the linens for him and close the door. He stops growling and staff leaves him to enjoy his treats and toys. 9/13 Rex is laying in his den as staff arrives. He allows staff to work around his den to complete cleaning procedures, but does not allow handling. He does not show interest in offered treats or toys. He maintains neutral posture, remaining in his den throughout the entire interaction. 9/29 Rex is in his den when staff approaches. A squeeze up treat is offered by the den portal. Rex lets out some low growl warnings then stops for a second to slowly come forward and sniff the squeeze up. Rex then brings his head back in and continues to let out low growls. Staff ends interaction as to not increase FAS. 10.06 Rex is inside of his den as the handler approaches. He hears them approaching and begins to growl. A scratcher tool with some squeeze up is placed at a distance but in a visible position to Rex. His head becomes visible near the portal, revealing his tilted outward ears and dilated pupils. He stops growling and the tool is moved closer to the portal. Rex lets out a hiss and smacks the scratcher tool hard. He resumes growling and backs up into the den. 10.13 Rex is inside of his den, pushed towards the front so he is not visible. As the handler nears the kennel, a loud growl is heard from inside the den. The handler reaches to grab a bowl near his den and he lets out a loud hiss, smacking the front of the den several times. He then pokes his head out of the portal to reveal his dilated pupils and airplane ears. Ad the handler pulls the bowl out, he swats out of his den and hisses again. He retreats, making himself not visible and resumes growling.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Shy ,Timid

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Rex 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 him 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 4

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 9/26: Rex is inside of his den with dilated pupils and airplane ears. He begins to growl loudly as the assessor greets him. They slow blink at him and he continues to growl. A scratcher tool with squeeze up is rested near the den portal. Rex lunges forward and spits as he smacks the tool hard several times. The assessor leaves the tool rested near the portal and when Rex stops growling, they lift the tool slightly. He spits and bites the tool. As the tool is being removed, he lunges forward again and smack the front of the den with force. He resumes growling. 8/26: Rex is laying in the top cubby of the kennel. His head hangs low, has airplane ears, and pupils are dilated. As the handler approaches, he begins to growl. They slow blink at him and he stares back at them, continuing to growl. When the growling stops, a scratcher tool is rested in front of him. He hisses and sits up. When the tool is lifted, he smacks it hard several times as he hisses again. The tool is rested near him again. When it is lifted once more, he swats at it again. Rex growls as the scratcher tool is removed. Rex is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. He has been lunging, growling, spitting, swatting 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.