KNOWN HISTORY:: Previously lived with: 2 adults Behavior toward strangers: Nervous, scared, takes time to warm up Behavior toward children: Unknown Behavior toward cats: Unknown Behavior toward dogs: Unknown Bite or Scratch history: No bite or scratch history Litter box training: Yes, no issues reported. Energy level/descriptors: Playful Other notes: Gigi is described to be reclusive and timid. She wants her space, but loves to cuddle if you are "her person". Recommends new people go slow and allow Gigi to interact on her terms. Though reclusive and likes her space, Gigi is described to be playful and likes to "sneak attack" people walking by. "Sneak attack" is described as pouncing with soft paws and then running away. Upon intake, Gigi presented in her carrier with wide eyes and airplane ears. Once inside, her ears returned upright. Staff scanned cat through carrier for MC and she nose-booped the scanner. Gigi was placed in her kennel with a den.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 10/6/25: Gigi is hiding in her den upon arrival. She remains in her den as cleaning procedures are completed, but consistently growls and hisses any time she is able to see staff and their movements. Treats are offered, but Gigi does not move or come out of the den, continuing to growl. When the kennel is covered and the interaction is ended, she relaxes and becomes quiet. 10.06 Staff is cleaning the kennel directly beneath Gigi's when they look up to see her at the front of the litter box side of her kennel. Her eyes are wide with constricted pupils and she hisses when staff makes eye contact. She stays at the front of her kennel as staff backs away to give her space. She pants, watching staff before crouching and crawling into the covered side of her kennel. 10.14 Gigi is hiding in her den as staff arrives. She remains in her den, but hisses at staff, with wide eyes and tense posture. As staff is tending to the kennels around hers, Gigi continues to hiss periodically. She settles when staff is out of sight. 10.20 Gigi is at the front of her kennel, peering out around the kennel cover. Staff places several treats in her kennel without looking directly at her, and she eats them, hissing at staff as she takes the last one. Staff gets a ribbon wand toy and slowly inserts it through the door, waving it slightly. Gigi approaches and begins to bat at the ribbons with one paw. Staff drags the ribbons along the floor of the kennel and Gigi grabs at them with both front paws, pouncing and biting the thick fleece ribbon. She plays for several minutes before losing interest. Staff slowly removes the wand and leaves her with several treats. 10.24 Gigi is sitting at the back of her kennel. Staff lifts the kennel cover and she lets out a hiss. Staff offers out an extendable scratcher. She sniffs it and when staff moves it, she hops back. The staff member puts some squeeze up on the scratcher. Gigi again sniffs it but does not take the treat. When the staff member moves the scratcher again, she moves back. She sits in the back of the kennel with her tail flicking back and forth. A wand toy is introduced and Gigi moves forward. She follows the toy with her eyes before smacking at it. Gigi continues to play with the wand toy. She then gets her nail stuck on the toy, she hisses as she pulls away and moves to the opposite side of the kennel. The interaction is ended there. 10.25 Gigi is laying at the front of her kennel. When staff lifts up the cover, she growls. A wand toy is introduced and she gets up, watching the toy. Gigi taps the toy with her paw. She backs up and jumps forward at the toy. Gigi grabs the toy in her mouth and rolls over onto her back. While she bites the toy, she growls. Her nail gets stuck on the toy and she lets out a loud hiss. Gigi gets up and runs through the portal. She sticks her head back through and runs at the toy again, swatting at it. She retreats back through the portal and remains there. (contd in GAN)

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

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

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Gigi 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:: Gigi's in her litterbox with dilated pupils and her back hunched. When the door is open, she freezes with flat ears and hisses. Gigi scurries into her den hissing again continuing to growl. Scratch tool is slowly extended to greet her. She hisses ad s her growling becomes more intense. When petting is attempted, she hisses again and swats at scratch tool. Gigi 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 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.