Animal Profile
Joseph
Hello, my name is Joseph. My animal id is #234494. I am a desexed male gray cat at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 6 months 2 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a aco - owner surrender on 8/21/2025, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance- owner elderly.
Joseph 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. Joseph 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: I have lived with cats in my previous home. I am finding the shelter a little overwhelming, but when it's just you and me and some peace and quiet you'll see what a love bug I am. 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 will flourish in a calm environment and a low-traffic home. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. 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: 10.4 lbs
8/22/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Reported 2y, exam agrees Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Owner surrender due to health concerns Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Dilated pupils. When approached in den, immediately fled and attempted to climb into ceiling. Placed in freeman net and elected sedation to decrease FAS. 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: adult dentition with minor tartar and staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male neutered MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment overweight, otherwise apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks new home 0.1ml antisedan uneventful recovery SURGERY: already neutered
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Spay/Neuter status: Yes
Is this cat having litter box issues?: No
If yes, Please elaborate:: Noted none.
Basic Information:: Joseph is a 2 1/2 y/o, male, neutered, not declawed DSH. His most recent veterinary care was when he was a kitten. He was found as a stray when he was a kitten.
Previously lived with:: 2 Cats
How is this cat around strangers?: Noted to initially hide.
How is this cat around children?: No experience.
How is this cat around other cats?: Noted to be tolerant and friendly with the two female, spayed cats he lived with.
How is this cat around dogs?: No experience.
Behavior Notes: Noted to hide in fear. His nails have never been trimmed, nor his coat brushed. He has never been held or placed in a carrier.
Bite history:: Noted none.
Energy level/descriptors:: Medium
For a New Family to Know: Joseph is described as being quiet and fearful. He prefers contact on his terms and watches from afar. He had access to indoors only and spent all his time in a garage. He eats Friskies, shreds only, and dry food. He loves Temptations. He shared one covered litterbox, with scented litter, with two other cats.
KNOWN HISTORY:: Indoor Cat Previously lived with: Adults, 2 other cats Behavior toward strangers: initially hides Behavior toward children: No experience. Behavior toward cats: tolerant and friendly with the two female, spayed cats he lived with. Behavior toward dogs: No experience. Bite or Scratch history: None Litter box training: Yes, He shared one covered litterbox, with scented litter, with two other cats. Energy level/descriptors: Medium energy Other notes: Joseph is described as being quiet and fearful. He prefers contact on his terms and watches from afar. He had access to indoors only and spent all his time in a garage. He eats Friskies, shreds only, and dry food. He loves Temptations. Noted to hide in fear. His nails have never been trimmed, nor his coat brushed. He has never been held or placed in a carrier.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 8/27/25 Vol. Joseph was lying inside den, facing away from opening. He did not show interest in treats or toys, remaining away from den opening and staying quiet. When den cover was briefly lifted, he stared out with wide dilated eyes. His posture was somewhat tense, with front paws extended in front of him. 8/31/25 Vol. Hiding in den out of sight, had not come out to eat any breakfast. When the den cover was raised, was facing forward in sphinx position with widely dilated eyes. Moved eyes slightly but otherwise remained frozen in place when spoken to. Did not move to investigate a cup of squeeze-up and Temptations dropped into den. Poked head halfway out of portal after a few minutes, still with widely dilated eyes and freezing when spoken to. Checked back after 5 minutes and had not eaten any treats. Added a Shoreline cover to half of the double kennel. 9/3/25 FB32 Hiding in den crouched down with tense body and wide, dilated eyes when removing the den cover. Ignores treats offered and steps back when reaching close. Allows petting on the head, cheeks, and body but freezes and does not engage with attention. Kept interaction short to reduce stress. 9/4/25 Anxious with a blank stare. He allows brief petting with the scratcher tool but remains stiff seated inside the den. Slowly retreats throughout the interaction and continues to show signs of high FAS. Ended the interaction to reduce stress.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,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:: Joseph was curled up, hiding in the den, and then steps back with a tense body and wide, dilated eyes when removing the den cover. He ignores treats offered on the scratcher tool and spins around when pet on the head. When giving him cheek rubs and stroking his body, he hisses and lip licks. Pick up was not attempted in order to reduce stress. Joseph 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.