Animal Profile
Ralph
Hello, my name is Ralph. My animal id is #240130. I am a desexed male brown tabby cat at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 11 years 2 months old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 10/25/2025, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance- moving.
Ralph is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Ralph is a shy older male cat who has been gradually losing weight since arriving at the shelter. He would benefit from a quiet environment that would allow his to decompress and to be evaluating by a full service veterinary clinic.
You may know me from such films as...
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. Ralph is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Ralph is a shy older male cat who has been gradually losing weight since arriving at the shelter. He would benefit from a quiet environment that would allow his to decompress and to be evaluating by a full service veterinary clinic. What my friends at ACC say about me: I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I prefer to call the shots and enjoy coming to you when I'm ready for pets. I would do best in a home with only adult humans. A volunteer writes: Ralph had a whole life before coming to us. Loved and celebrated as a less playtime and more naptime kind of guy, Ralph used to enjoy spending his time in the bedroom. Things look quite a bit different now and though we know that fresh starts aren't always so easy to ask for, especially for seniors such as himself, Ralph has been trying his best to ask for his. Admittedly his requests don't come out as clearly as I'm sure he'd like because Ralph isn't entirely sure what to make of shelter life. Snuggled up in his box, it's almost like he's trying to snuggle himself right into the corner, and he very likely is, except that when I extended my hand to Ralph, he immediately welcomed me with a gentle nuzzle and then another one until he was resting his whole head in my hand for some scritches. Closing his eyes as he lovingly asked for more, he's a sweet cat who is asking for just one more thing, however, and that's the chance to meet you.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 11.875 lbs
10/28/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 11 years Microchip noted on Intake? scanned neg History: owner surrender Subjective: bar Observed Behavior -fractious and fearful, sedated for exam Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective BCS 8/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: wear and discoloration consistent with estimated age PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: neutered male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, thinning hair coat hind end, front declawed CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: grossly normal Assessment Obese Thinning hair coat (flea bite hypersensitivity vs atopy vs other) Prognosis: good Plan: DVM intake and tasks awaiting sort Sedation with 0.12 mls each DKT IM, reversed with 0.102 mls Antisedan IM SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to already altered
10/29/2025
Feline behavior team noted possible stranguria; sedated for intake exam yesterday S/O: QAR, no c/s/v/d noted, large clump of urine in LB, no ocular or nasal discharge, eupneic. A/P: Normal volume of urine not consistent with stranguria; CTM while at QACC
11/19/2025
Progress exam: Sneezing reported on rounds board Subjective: QAR, no C/V/D. Sneezing present. Weak appetite Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: very mild clear serous discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -Under the weather sign , & monitor log placed on kennel -Start fortiflora PO q24h x10days & medical feedings q12h x5 days -CTM, recheck in 3 days
11/26/2025
Progress exam: URI day7 recheck Subjective: QBAR, no C/S/V/D present. AS:1/2 per monitor log Objective: EYES: OS squinting LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -Start doxycycline PO q24h x7 days -CTM recheck as scheduled
11/29/2025
Progress exam: URI day 10 recheck Subjective: QBAR, no C/S/V/D noted. AS:3 per log. Untouched wet + dry food & medical feeding Objective: EYES: Clear. OD squinting LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: mild clear serous discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -DVM recheck
12/1/2025
noted by staff to have URI resolved but still not eating. QAR, in the back of the kennel, food appears untouched. A. Hyporexia r/o anorexia, suspect second to FAS P. mirataz topical SID x 3 days recheck in 3 days
12/4/2025
Progress exam: URI recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present. AS:2 ate majority of dry kitten food offered, untouched wet food, medication & medical feeding Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -Move out of iso, signage placed -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC
12/4/2025
Recheck appetite/URI S/O: QAR, sniffs at hand and then retreats, no c/s/v/d noted, small amount of dry food appears eaten, not interested in churu or kitten food offered, appetite scores 2-3 EENT: No active nasal discharge, no ocular discharge LUNGS: Eupneic CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Hyporexia URI - apparently resolved Overweight P: Extend medical feedings *made note that he likes crunchy treats CTM appetite on rounds
12/6/2025
Progress exam S/O: QAR, leaning into pets, no ocular or nasal discharge. All food in kennel untouched. Did not take churu or freeze dried chicken when offered. No c/s/v/d. Euhydrated, eupneic. A: Hyporexia - continued P: Start mirtazapine x 3 days *Monitor on rounds *Seek placement out of shelter to reduce FAS *Put onto ARL in 2 days if still low appetite as P is at risk of developing hepatic lipidosis
12/8/2025
recheck anorexia S/O P QAR, no c/s/v/d appreciated, wet food and medical feed untouched, dry food moderately disturbed. Per staff, p only likes dry food and appears to be eating it well. A/P Anorexia- not appreciated aTT CTM and recheck as needed
12/18/2025
Staff alerted medical for alopecia between shoulder blades. Tested negative for Wood's lamp on 12/18/25. Most likely has reaction to Flea/Tick preventative.
12/24/2025
Two recent reports of vomiting, hx poor appetite. Monitoring log from yesterday and today shows poor appetite (AS 2-3), no further v+. Plan: Send out CBC/chem Reweigh
12/29/2025
recheck exam with blood work results CBC: nsf CHEM: wnl TT4: wnl S/O Q-BAR, comes to the front of the kennel with encouragement, no c/s/v/d appreciated or noted, fair-poor AS noted (2,3s), noted to have lost 3 pounds since last reweight, dry food appears mostly disturbed EENT: no ocular or nasal dc HL: eupneic MSI: amb x 4, good skin tent A. Weight loss has been progressive since intake (started at 16 pounds, now 11.8) r/o second to FAS and URI vs open P. Seek placement asap - p has has poor appetite in care and has gradually been losing weight. P would benefit from work up with full service vet clinic to ensure no underlying reasons for weight loss Recheck in 4-5 days
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Upon intake the cat was fearful, but allowed staff to pet and scan for m/c. Due to FAS, staff did not place ACC collar.
Date of Intake: 10/25/2025
Is this cat having litter box issues?: No
Basic Information:: Ralph is at least 11-year-old, male, neutered, declawed, cat. He came to ACC via owner surrender.
Previously lived with:: 1 adult
How is this cat around strangers?: He is shy, stress meows, and hisses at strangers. He prefers contact on his own terms.
How is this cat around children?: No experience.
How is this cat around other cats?: No experience.
How is this cat around dogs?: No experience.
Behavior Notes: He has never had his nails trimmed or coat brushed. He stress meows, hisses, and swats when picked up or placed in a carrier.
Bite history:: No bite history.
Energy level/descriptors:: Low
Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know: He is a quite, lazy, cat. He spends most of his time in the bedroom. He did not receive interactive play in his previous home. He eats Meow Mix dry food. He is reported to hide frequently, and swat when pet for too long. He had access to one, uncovered, litterbox located in the bathroom. He used clumping litter.
KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 1 adult Behavior toward strangers: He is shy, stress meows, and hisses at strangers. He prefers contact on his own terms. Behavior toward children: No experience. Behavior toward cats: No experience. Behavior toward dogs: No experience. Bite or Scratch history: No bite history. Litter box training: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Low Other notes: Upon intake the cat was fearful, but allowed staff to pet and scan for m/c. Due to FAS, staff did not place ACC collar. He has never had his nails trimmed or coat brushed. He stress meows, hisses, and swats when picked up or placed in a carrier. He is a quiet, lazy, cat. He spends most of his time in the bedroom. He did not receive interactive play in his previous home. He eats Meow Mix dry food. He is reported to hide frequently, and swat when pet for too long. He had access to one, uncovered, litterbox located in the bathroom. He used clumping litter.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 11/03/25 Vol Ralph was lying in bed at the rear of the kennel. I put treats in the bed but he did not eat them. I petted him with my hand and he flinched. I used the scratcher, which he tolerated with little reaction. He remained in his bed, licking his lips. I ended the interaction after only a few minutes because he did not seem to be willing to engage. 11/12/25 FB06 Upon approach Ralph was laying in his bed with a neutral face, forward ears cleaning his front leg. As I slowly approached him with the scratcher he had no reaction. He tolerated petting on his head and body but was lip licking during the petting. I left him with squeeze up on a tray. 11/15/25 FB58 Laying in his box at the back of the cage and seems under the weather. HE is slightly tense and pulls away but allows some pets on his head and cheeks with my hand for a moment. He shows no interest in treats and is tolerant of some pets along his back with the scratcher tool but is tense. 11/17/25 Vol Ralph was lying in his bed, making snoring sounds. I approached him and saw that his eyes were part-way open, so the sound may have been from congestion. (The white board has a note saying he is congested. I offered him Temptations and Squeeze Up, but he did not eat. He accepted all petting with a scratcher tool, not really responding. I think he is not feeling well, so he was very subdued. 11/25/25 FB06 Ralph was sleeping comfortably in his bed when I approached. I touch him gently with my hand and he wakes up. He slowly stretches his way out of bed and curiously sniffs the scratcher. He allows me to pet him with the scratcher as he begins to purr. I make an attempt to pet him with my hand but he dodges my hand to avoid petting. 12/2/25 FB06 As I opened the kennel door, I slowly offer Ralph my hand. He has a neutral face and eyes, ears are forward and he is resting comfortably in his bed. He backs his head away from my hand. I then offer him the scratcher, he leans forward to sniff. He enjoys petting head to tail with the scratcher, I see him making little biscuits with his curled up paw. I then reintroduce my hand. He backs away at first but I pet him anyway. He accepts all pets with my hand as well, really enjoying cheek and chin scratches. 12/7/25 FB06 Ralph is resting peacefully in his bed when I approach. As I open the door and slowly approach him with my hand, his eyes are wide and he has no reaction. His face and eyes are neutral and his ears are forward. I attempted to pet his head and he flinches his head back to avoid my hand. I make a second attempt and he allows me to pet him on the back of his neck and behind his ears as he gently purrs. He had no interest in the squeeze up so I left some near his bed. 12/9/25 FB58 Sitting loafed in his box, slightly curious and ducks his head hesitantly for pets between his ears. He pulls back quickly when pet along the side of his head near his ear before eating a few treats placed near the front of his box GAN
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Sweet,Affectionate,Playful,Curious,Timid,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,Fearful,Uncomfortable with pick up,Other,New home adjustment period,Carrier aversion,Declawed cat
Potential challenges comments:: Carrier aversion and uncomfortable w/pick-up as per owner notes - not due to shelter behavior observations. Reported to swat when pet for too long and may have been under socialized in his previous home (was reported to hide frequently and was never offered interactive playtime).
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 2
RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Ralph was lying in the back of his kennel as the assessor approached, body and face tense with his feet and tail tucked. Ralph made eye contact when spoken to and he hissed as the kennel door opened. Ralph tolerated petting along his head and body with the scratcher tool while flattening his ears, flinching hard and turning to watch the scratcher with a tense expression. Pick up was not attempted at this time to reduce stress. 12/22/25 Although timid initially, Ralph has now begun to warm up to the shelter environment. Ralph was sitting upright in his hidey box as the assessor approached, body and face neutral with his ears forward and his tail curled around his feet. Ralph made eye contact with dilated pupils when spoken to and he looked around the room with a wide eyed expression as the kennel door opened. Ralph allowed petting from within his box while leaning in, standing up, arching his back and beginning to knead with his front paws while remaining focused on the room behind the assessor. Ralph is sweet but unsure and easily distracted by the environment. Ralph remained calm when lifted and placed back down. Ralph could not be coaxed to the front of his kennel at this time. Ralph tolerates attention and petting but appears to be moderately fearful or stressed in the shelter. He will likely need time to warm up to his new home. Ralph has a history of carrier aversion, overstimulation and a potential lack of socialization in his previous home. We recommend that he go to a home with some cat experience preferred or at least be well counseled in the behavior concerns mentioned above.