KNOWN HISTORY:: Midnight was brought in with limited information on her behavior history in a home environment. It was reported that Midnight scratched and bit the previous owner on the hands and legs, that broke skin. The previous owners son was also scratched on his hand that resulted in broken skin. These incidents have been happening for the past few months. They did not seek medical attention.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 7/19 Midnight is in her den when staff approaches to clean her kennel. Staff reaches in slowly and closes the den portal; Midnight immediately begins hissing and slapping at the walls of the den. She continues hissing as staff cleans, and when staff has completed cleaning tasks and opens the den portal, she reaches out to try to swat them. Staff leaves treats for her and ends the interaction so as not to increase FAS. 8/4: Midnight is in her den when a staff member approaches the kennel. Once the kennel door is closed to allow the staff member to clean, Midnight begins to hiss, growl, and swat at the door. She continues this throughout the whole interaction. Once the kennel is cleaned, the staff member has to use a hook to open the portal door for safety. Midnight continues hissing and growling but remains in her den once the den door is opened.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Midnight 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. Bite/Scratch History: Midnight has a previous bite/scratch to two people. Over the past few months, the previous owner and her son have been bitten and scratched by Midnight. The incidents resulted in broken skin but no medical attention was sought out.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Midnight is laying at the back of her kennel. Her pupils are dilated and she lays with her head on the linens. The handler greets her and offers slow blinks, she begins to growl. They sit there slow blinking and her growl pauses. A scratcher tool with squeeze up is extended out to her and she slightly lifts her head to sniff it before laying her head back down. The tool is lifted and when the handler attempts to pet her, she quickly moves her head out of the way. She sits up and pushes herself to the back of the kennel. Midnight sits with her tail wrapped around her body as she resumes growling. As the scratcher tool is pulled away, she darts into her den. Midnight sits in her den growling loudly. Midnight is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. She has a previous bite/scratch history 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. She has a known history of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.