Animal Profile
Mystic
Hello, my name is Mystic. My animal id is #247322. I am a desexed male gray cat at the Staten Island Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 5 years 3 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 2/19/2026, with the surrender reason stated as not a fit - too many animals already.
Mystic has been placed on the at-risk list due to ongoing behavioral concerns. He remains in his den throughout the day when staff are present and has displayed defensive behaviors when approached. When staff lift the den cover to check on him, he responds with hissing, lunging, and swatting. When a scratcher tool is presented, he growls and avoids interaction. Given these behaviors, it is in Mystic’s best interest to transition out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as soon as possible, as he does not appear to be thriving in the shelter setting. Medically, he appears healthy at this time.
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. Mystic has been placed on the at-risk list due to ongoing behavioral concerns. He remains in his den throughout the day when staff are present and has displayed defensive behaviors when approached. When staff lift the den cover to check on him, he responds with hissing, lunging, and swatting. When a scratcher tool is presented, he growls and avoids interaction. Given these behaviors, it is in Mystic's best interest to transition out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as soon as possible, as he does not appear to be thriving in the shelter setting. Medically, he appears healthy at this time. Meet Mystic 🖤 Mystic is a quiet, independent adult cat who is looking for a calm, adult-only home. He can be timid and skittish, especially in new situations, and will need time and patience to adjust to a new environment. He is not aggressive but prefers space when he feels unsure. An experienced adopter who can move at his pace, offer high-value treats, and use gentle positive reinforcement will help him build confidence and trust. With understanding and a peaceful home, Mystic has the potential to slowly blossom into a rewarding companion.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 9.8 lbs
2/24/2026
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3-5 yrs Microchip noted on Intake? Negative Scan History: O/S Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - Fearful, hiding in condo Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non-painful, no masses palpated U/G: M, 2 testicles descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Appears healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: Neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery
2/24/2026
[Surgery Template - Cat Neuter] Was this cat a Cryptorchid? No If so, describe surgical process: Routine Feline Neuter Self tie of spermatic cord Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2373
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
KNOWN HISTORY:: Mystic was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment. Mystic lived in a home with 30+ cats.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 2.22 Mystic was on top of her den when staff approached. She tensed up and stared at staff as they took the bowls out. She hissed at staff so staff went as slow as possible. She stayed on the den the entire time. nothing else to report. 3.10 Mystic is in his den as staff arrives. He remains in the den as cleaning procedures are completed. Treats are offered to attempt to lure him out, but he does not show interest in them, or change positions. A toy is also offered, but Mystic does not react to it. He remains in the den throughout the rest of the interaction.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Timid,Skittish,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period,Adult cat socialization
Potential challenges comments:: Mystic 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 him 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: : Level 3
RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Mystic is laying at the front of his den. The den cover is lifted and he pushes himself to the back, sitting with flat ears. The scratcher tool with some squeeze up is slowly placed in front of him. He darts out of the den and sits on top of it. When the handler removes the scratcher tool, he runs back into the den. He lays down and wraps his tail around his body. The scratcher tool is placed through the portal and he is given gentle pets along his back. He remains still. Mystic is an adult cat that may not have had many interactions with humans from an early age. He is very apprehensive of people and while showing no aggressive behaviors, she does attempt to flee and avoid human contact. It is difficult to predict if he will respond to socialization but we recommend offering high value treats and food to help build a positive association to humans. Please be mindful that older cats will require more time and skill in order for them to be comfortable around people.