Animal Profile
September
Hello, my name is September. My animal id is #235923. I am a male brown tabby cat at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 4 years 2 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a stray on 9/4/2025.
September is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. 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 to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.
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. September is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. 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 to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! It is unknown if I have ever lived with other animals or children. I am looking for a home with a patient person. I can be slow to adjust to new environments. I prefer to take things at my own pace. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you. I would do best in a home without very tiny humans, although I could be open to older human children once I meet them.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 9.5 lbs
9/4/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4-7y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Cat found stuck in grate on side of highway with injury to lip and paws. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Growling and hissing when approached den. Elected sedation to decrease FAS and allow for thorough exam. 0.1ml dexmedetomidine 500mcg/ml, 0.1ml ketamine 100mg/ml, 0.1ml butorphanol 10mg/ml IM Evidence of Cruelty seen -no Evidence of Neglect seen-no Evidence of Trauma seen -no Objective T = P =wnl R =wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: large dry scab on right side of rostral muzzle, adult dentition with fractured R upper canine and minor tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact, 2 scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, very dirty hair coat, superficial abrasions on all 4 paws CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment abrasion on muzzle abrasions on paw pads Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks 200ml sc LRS zorbium for weight SURGERY: Okay for surgery
9/6/2025
Hx: stray cat with wounds to face + paws S: QAR, tense in den. Ate o/n. O: Elected for visual exam due to FAS noted on intake EENT: Eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: 2-3cm dark dry scab on right side of rostral muzzle H/L: Eupneic, no coughing/sneezing or audible congestion CNS: Mentation appropriate/alert A: Wound to right side of rostral muzzle Wounds to paws but not examined today Eating P: Ok to move out of medical
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 4. Orange
KNOWN HISTORY:: September was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on his behavior history in a home environment.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 9/11/25 September was inside his den. On lifting the den cover, he was found crouched down, eyes wide, pupils dilated. He scooted further back to the rear of the den, and hissed when the tool with the treat was extended through the portal. He ignored the treat and low growled. Ended interaction. Still adjusting. 9/12/25 In hidey box. Put in treat bowl, no response. Approached with hard treats on tool and rested on entry. After a minute, September swatted the tool. Let tool rest and after a minute September swatted again. Let tool rest a tiny bit and ended interaction. 9/17/25 Hisses and growls upon approach. Swats at the scratcher tool when attempting to make contact. Lip licks and watches from afar from inside the den. 9/19/25 Vol In hidey box - could see side. When opened door he pulled further in and could not be seen. No reaction to treat bowl. Approached with hard treats on scratcher tool - let rest on box entry - after a minute or two September swatted. Let tool rest and he lifted a paw but did not swat. Let tool rest and after a bit he swatted again. Let tool rest and removed. Ended interaction. September stuck his head out at door closing to confirm that everything was gone.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Curious,Timid,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3
RECOMMENDATIONS:: No young children
Recommendations comments:: No young children under 13 years old due to fearfulness. Counselor discretion is advised.
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: September was hiding in the den curled up and the began growling and stepping to the back when removing the den cover. He pauses to sniff treats offered by the scratcher tool and hisses when pet on the head and cheeks. When stroking his body, he looks back and continues to growl. Pick up was not attempted in order to reduce stress. September tolerates attention and petting but appears fearful or stressed in the shelter. He may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to his new home. We recommend this cat go to a home with experienced cat parents. Due to the behavior shown, he may not be a great fit for young children. Any home with older children prepared to adopt this cat should conduct a thorough interaction and endeavor to monitor this cat around their children to prevent these behaviors from being reinforced.