Animal Profile

Leo is on the at-risk list due to behavior and medical concerns. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in the Adoptions room. Although hissing and tolerant initially, Leo no longer allows petting or handling. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust. Medically, Leo has chronic skin issues that will require management. In kennel he is very stressed and does not allow much treatment, however on intake he was social, soliciting attention and allowing medical handling. It is possible that he will allow medical management in a different low-stress environment.

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. Leo is on the at-risk list due to behavior and medical concerns. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in the Adoptions room. Although hissing and tolerant initially, Leo no longer allows petting or handling. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust. Medically, Leo has chronic skin issues that will require management. In kennel he is very stressed and does not allow much treatment, however on intake he was social, soliciting attention and allowing medical handling. It is possible that he will allow medical management in a different low-stress environment. What my friends at ACC say about me: Leo is not open to interaction at this time and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. Because his previous owner reports he is eventually friendly, affectionate, and allows handling (pick up and being held), as well as being brushed in a home environment, we believe the behavior seen in the care center is shelter-specific and this cat would make a great pet, but is really struggling in the shelter environment. This cat is suitable for adopters with previous cat experience who are willing to work with a cat who needs time and patience to help him/her adjust to their new home. Leo is a heartbreakingly handsome tabby boy with warm amber eyes and the most charming feature - one perfectly crinkled ear that gives him an irresistibly unique look. He arrived at the shelter eager for affection, greeting everyone with gentle head‑butts and sweet curiosity. Now, Leo is finding the shelter environment too stressful at this point in time and prefers to hide in his cubby. He is the kind of cat who needs time, patience and a peaceful home to feel safe again. With space to decompress, his true nature can shine the way it did on day one. Whoever gives this handsome, crinkle‑eared cutie a chance will be rewarded with a very special and uniquely-eared companion.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 7.5 lbs

Medical Notes

1/27/2026

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4yrs based on dentition/conformation Microchip noted on intake? scans negative History: owner surrender Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - leaning in for pets, rubbing up against staff, tolerated all tasks and handling Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective P = 200 R = 24 BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears thick black debris filling canals AU, AS pinna scarred, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, diffuse staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI; 2 testicles descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, patches of alopecia and excoriations on top of head and ventral neck CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally normal Wood's Lamp Exam: negative Assessment Approx. 4yr MI DSH Otitis with ear mites Previous aural hematoma AS now scarred Alopecia and excoriations on ventral neck and top of head (r/o self-trauma secondary to otitis/pruritis vs other infectious/inflammatory) Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks ear cleaning Tresaderm AU BID x 7 days Selamectin topically Clean wounds with dilute chlorhex Trim nails to prevent further self-trauma Gabapentin 15mg/kg PO BID x 7 days to reduce pain/pruritis Recheck ears/wounds in 3 days SURGERY: Okay for surgery

1/28/2026

Pre-surgical exam, anesthesia, and surgery performed by offsite vet. Medical record uploaded to Vet Documents. Green linear tattoo placed lateral to incision. Healthy, Spay/Neuter - ACCEPTED Notes: irritated wound on the right side of neck clip and cleaned flea dirt

1/29/2026

[Post Surgical Exam] Attitude/demeanor: BAR Appetite: eating well C/S/V/D:none Incision site: no swelling, bruising, or bleeding; sutures appear intact Pain level: appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no

1/30/2026

recheck lesions to neck and ears S/O QAR, no c/s/v/d appreciated, food trays appear disturbed EENT: no ocular or nasal dc, mild erythema AU HL: eupneic MSI: scabbing and mild erythema to the ventral neck region A. Otitis with ear mites- treated on intake Wound to ventral neck region - r/o self trauma P. Start amoxi-clav 13.75mg/kg PO BID x 7 days recheck in 3-4 days CTM while at QACC

2/2/2026

recheck lesions to neck and ears S/O QAR, hiding in the back of the cubby, no c/s/v/d appreciated EENT: no ocular or nasal dc- wouldn't allow for aural exam today, recoiled and hissed HL: eupneic MSI: lesions to ventral neck region scabbing, no erythema appreciated, alopecic over the region, AS pinna scarred A. Wounds to ventral neck - appear to be resolving, hair still needs to grow in P. Con't with abx as written CTM while at QACC, if noted to be scratching or have lesions, attempt aural exam, may need e-collar. Not done aTT bc p has high FAS and appears comfortable

2/4/2026

Staff noted hissing, unable to give meds orally. Great appetite, appears to have eaten meds from HV tray. Okay to continue putting into food - made note in meds. Start gabapentin 100 mg PO BID for FAS in shelter

2/28/2026

Progress exam S/O: Rubbing during exam and allowed all handling. Found to have a large number of splatters/sprays of hemorrhagic fluid throughout kennel. BAR, pink mm. Mild ocular serous discharge. No nasal discharge. No visible coughing/sneezing seen. Marked periorbital erythema and hair loss, also on top of head, marked erythema and alopecia under chin and neck. Ear canals have mild erythema and discharge, chronic pinnae changes remain the same. A: Open wounds on head, face, neck - suspect significant self excoriation r/o hypersensitivity reaction P: Administered: -Convenia 8mg/kg SQ once -Depomedrol 0.2ml IM once *Recheck appetite, demeanor and lesions in 2 days

3/2/2026

Visual exam only Patient is hissing, resting in LB, BAR, wet food bowl in kennel is empty Not noted to be pruritic during visit, excoriations on top of head and ears appear to be quiet. P. CTM at this time

3/8/2026

Recheck lesions, pruritic? S/O: mostly visual exam NOTE: Using stick, was able to pet p, p leaned into pets from the stick and let me scratch his head, ears and back. He started to roll over in the litter box. When I removed the stick to see if he would let me perform a hands on exam, he started to curl up and growl. Tried same an hour later and same results EENT: no ocular or nasal dc HL: eupneic MSI: missing patches of hair to top of head, mild erythema and some scabbing, chronic pinna changes, could not perform aural exam A. Lesions - r/o allergy, hypersensitivity rxn P. Start on steroid taper: 5mg PO SID x 3 days 2.5mg PO SID x 3 days 2.5mg PO SID EOD then stop recheck in 3 days consider moving back to adopts if doing well. CTM and seek placement

3/11/2026

Kennel side recheck S/O: BAR, comes forward, meowing initially, then growling; good appetite, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge, AS pinna crinkled/scarred down LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4, alopecia and scabs at dorsal head, ventral neck is also alopecic with no active lesions, mild scabbing at chin and temporal regions CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Dermatitis, alopecia - ro allergy (fleas at intake) vs other P: Continue pred taper and gabapentin Recommend monthly flea/tick preventative CTM for appropriate resolution of lesions

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 1. Green

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

upon intake: he let staff scan for ID, he leaned into pets and would head butt when staff stopped petting him. He wasn't collared due to neck irritation

Spay/Neuter status: No

Date of Intake: 1/27/2026

Is this cat having litter box issues?: Yes

If yes, Please elaborate:: he is defecating outside the litterbox at least 1x daily and is spraying

Basic Information:: Leo is a 4y/o unaltered DSH who has been with his current owner for the past 3 years and it is unknown when he has last been to the vet

Previously lived with:: 2 adults 1 DSH

How is this cat around strangers?: owner states he prefers contact on his terms, shy and timid and is affectionate

How is this cat around children?: he has spent time around kids and will growl, hiss and hides initially

How is this cat around other cats?: he lived with an altered female DSH and will growl, hiss and hides initially

How is this cat around dogs?: he hasn't spent time around dogs so behavior is unknown

Behavior Notes: he's never had his nails trimmed, isn't bothered when he is picked up and held or being brushed, he will struggle/squirm and stress meow when being placed in a carrier

Bite history:: no known bite history

Energy level/descriptors:: low

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: Yes

Medical Notes: ear mites, irritation on neck

For a New Family to Know: He is friendly, quiet, watches from afar and prefers contact on his terms. He likes to be in the living room and likes to play hide and seek. He has a carpet/fabric scratching post and eats wet and dry Meow Mix and Friskies and he loves to eat. He had access to 1 uncovered litterbox with scented and clumping litter located in the bathroom

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 2 adults 1 DSH Behavior toward strangers: owner states he prefers contact on his terms, shy and timid and is affectionate Behavior toward children: he has spent time around kids and will growl, hiss and hides initially Behavior toward cats: he lived with an altered female DSH and will growl, hiss and hides initially Behavior toward dogs: No experience. Bite or Scratch history: no known bite history Litter box training: He is defecating outside the litterbox at least 1x daily and is spraying. He had access to 1 uncovered litterbox with scented and clumping litter located in the bathroom Energy level/descriptors: Low Other notes: He is friendly, quiet, watches from afar and prefers contact on his terms. He likes to be in the living room and likes to play hide and seek. He has a carpet/fabric scratching post and eats wet and dry Meow Mix and Friskies and he loves to eat. He's never had his nails trimmed, isn't bothered when he is picked up and held or being brushed, he will struggle/squirm and stress meow when being placed in a carrier. Upon intake: He let staff scan for ID, he leaned into pets and would head butt when staff stopped petting him. He wasn't collared due to neck irritation.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 2/4/26 Vol. Curled up in his litter box. His ears were forward his eyes were not dilated. As soon as I open his kennel his ears went forward, he started to hiss and raise his body. He won’t let me get near him. I put dried treats in his kennel but he did not want them. 2/06/26 FB61 In back of cubby, body and face tense. He lowers his body and hisses as I open the cubby door and he continues to hiss and slow-blink hard when offered treats and a catnip toy. He raises his paw when I attempt petting so I don't push it further at this time. I give him a hiding spot, speak to him softly and end the session. 2/12/26 FB79 Inside of his litterbox, Leo has his ear completely fat to his head and harshly hissed when i opened the cubby door. He had a very low body with his eyes dilated and airplanes the duration of this interaction. When the tool was brought in he reached out and swatted with force. I held the tool in place and he watched in close for movements. He continues to hiss and strike the tool. 2/14/26 FB79 Leo is inside of the cubby and is once again laying low with his eyes wide, airplane ears and his tail out of sight; he had no reaction when i lifted the cubby cover however when i open the cubby he harshly hisses. This time he tolerated all petting on his head and around his body still hissing and looking at the tool as it moved but very tolerant today. 3/6/26 FB58 In his den with a tense face and body, he hisses and growls as the cage door opens and hisses when he sees me. When I slowly offer the scratcher tool, he backs away and has no interest in interacting. I leave a cat nip toy and some dry treats. Later on he can be heard vocalizing as he scratches at his ears from inside the den. His yowls trigger the other cats in the room to escalate. 3/9/26 FB79 Laying in his litterbox, Leo has his paws tucked under with a neutral face and body; he has no reaction when i open the kennel door or when i toss some treats in for him. He allowed me to pet the side of his cheeks with the tool as he slowly leaned in for more and when i ran the tool down his back and body he remained still. Left him some extra yummy treats. 3/10/25 FB58 Laying curled up at the front of his cage, face and body neutral with soft eyes. He meows when spoken to and he head-bunts the scratcher tool and leans into all petting, rolling over onto his side with his head upside down. Did great today!

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Shy ,Timid,Skittish,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Inappropriate elimination,Fearful,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Please see behavior flyers due to fearfulness. Leo's previous owner reports that he was eliminating (defecating and spraying) outside the litter box, but we are unaware of what, if any, modification steps were taken to try and address this behavior. We cannot be sure whether this behavior will continue in a different home environment, but we recommend that potential adopters be comfortable with management and modification techniques for elimination outside the litter box should this behavior continue in a home environment. We also recommend that Leo be provided with numerous litter boxes throughout the house as he adjusts to his new living space. The extra boxes can be removed as he learns the space and successfully defecates in his main litter box(es). 2/11/26 FB20 Leo's litterbox usage was monitored for a 2 week period in shelter. During that two weeks, Leo had only one reported accident on his linens, but otherwise reliably used the litter box. 2/18/26 Upon meeting with Leo again, he appears to not be acclimating well to the shelter environment. He has escalated to lunging from the back of the cubby when approached or when the cubby door is attempted to be opened.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 4

RECOMMENDATIONS:: No other cats OR multi-cat home with adopters experienced with introducing new cats,Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to the behavior seen in shelter and needing a longer time to warm up, the behavior team feels Leo would do best in an adult-only home where they would be able to acclimate in a calm environment.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 1/31/26 Laying with a neutral face and body, Leo hissing when the kennel door was opened as well as when he is spoken to. When the scratcher was offered, he leaned in to sniff and tolerated pets on his head followed by his ears flattening to his head and his eyes closing tightly. 2/18/26 On approach, Leo is sitting at the back of his cubby in his litter box with a tense face and body, eyes wide and dilated, and ears tilted as he hisses and low growls. When the assessor moves slightly, he quickly lunges at the front of the cubby door as he hisses more. He sits hunched and lunges two more times as the assessor reaches slowly for the door, they wait until he remains in place before cracking the door open slightly. They offer some squeeze up out on the scratcher tool and he seems slightly curious but only sniffs before backing away and raises a paw, swatting hard. He then runs with a low body into the main cage area and continues to hiss and low growl. Pick up or interactions with the cage door open more than 2 inches are not possible. Leo is not open to interaction at this time and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. Because his previous owner reports he is eventually friendly, affectionate, and allows handling (pick up and being held), as well as being brushed in a home environment, we believe the behavior seen in the care center is shelter-specific and this cat would make a great pet, but is really struggling in the shelter environment. This cat is suitable for adopters with previous cat experience who are willing to work with a cat who needs time and patience to help him/her adjust to their new home.