Animal Profile


Lucky

Hello, my name is Lucky. My animal id is #162095. I am a desexed male brown tiger cat at the Brooklyn Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 3 months old.

I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 9/5/2023, with the surrender reason stated as animal behavior - aggressive to other animals.

Reserved

Someone has already placed a deposit on me. I'm no longer available.

Lucky is on the emergency placement 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 only warmed up a small amount 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. Due to the detailed behavior issues, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out the pre-screener form. This animal is not directly available for adoption through ACC and is only available by completing the pre-screener form.Adoption inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Lucky is on the emergency placement 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 only warmed up a small amount 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. A volunteer writes: Lucky was previously kept mostly indoors and liked to spend time near the window. When playing with adults he was very rough. He will pounce on toys and will stalk and pounce on his owner's feet and legs. His owner played with him with the wand toy and laser pointer 2x per day. He often become over stimulated if he was petted for too long. Meet Lucky, the charming reddish-brown tabby with captivating light green eyes. Lucky, a playful and affectionate boy, is on the lookout for a loving home that understands his need for playtime. In his shelter stay, Lucky has overcome past overstimulation issues, now enjoying both petting and being picked up. His energy shines through in his love for toys and interactive games, making him a delightful addition to any household. Lucky thrives in an environment that values play, making him an ideal companion for a family or rescue partner ready to provide him with the engagement he craves. If you're seeking a handsome and playful feline friend, Lucky is the perfect match to add joy and laughter to your home. Consider giving Lucky the loving forever home he deserves!

My medical notes are...

Weight: 12.2 lbs

9/8/2023

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2 year Is this an orphan kitten? no Is the kitten eating on own? Is the kitten suckling? Microchip noted on Intake? neg History: o/s - behavioral reasons Subjective: BAR. Mild dehydration - 3-5%. Did not eat. Urine in litter box. No c/s/v/d. Observed Behavior - In den - nervously popping head out a bit but swatted when going in cage to bring out den Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective T = P = wnl R = eup BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild tartar, slight gingivitis PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MN MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally clean Wood's Lamp Exam: Assessment: Apparently healthy young adult MN DSH Prognosis: good Plan: Sedate with dexdom/ ket/ torb 0.12 cc each. Reverse with antisedan 0.12cc. Good sedation and recovery. Routine intake tasks except orals to be done when awake. SQF 100 cc given. SURGERY: Already neutered

9/15/2023

Start gabapentin 20 mg/kg PO BID for high FAS in shelter

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

During intake he was hissing swatting and growling. No handling was done.

Spay/Neuter status: Yes

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

Basic Information:: Lucky is a 2 year old neutered male cat that was surrendered by his owner due to behavior concerns. The owner stated that someone gave him to her 2 years ago.

How is this cat around strangers?: When around strangers he will, hiss, growl swat and possibly bite.

How is this cat around children?: He has not spent time in the home with children but when they have visited the home he will his swat ad growl.

How is this cat around other cats?: He has spent time in the home with another male cat and he was aggressive. When around the other cat he would is swat and growl.

How is this cat around dogs?: Lucky has not spent time in the home with dogs so it is unknown how he will react.

Behavior Notes: He has been kept mostly indoors and likes to spend his time in the window bedroom or kitchen. Wen playing with adults he is very rough. He will pounce on toys and will stalk and pounce on his owners feet and legs. His owner plays with him with the wand toy and laser pointer 2x per day. He likes t scratch on wood. He will also become over stimulated if he is pet for too long.

Bite history:: He has bitten and scratched his owner before but has never bitten another animal.

Energy level/descriptors:: high

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: No reported medical concerns.

For a New Family to Know: Owner described Lucky as bold fearless independent and he prefers contact on his terms. He will hiss swat growl and possibly bite if he is held put in a carrier or has his nails trimmed. He has never been brushed so it is unknown how he will react. He is used to a covered litter box with clumping litter or crystal litter. The litter box was located in the hallway and was scooped 2x a day.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 2 Adults Behavior toward strangers: Will hiss, growl, swat and possibly bite. Behavior toward children: He has not spent time in the home with children but when they have visited the home he will his swat ad growl. Behavior toward cats: He has spent time in the home with another male cat and he was aggressive. When around the other cat he would is swat and growl. Behavior toward dogs: Unknown Bite or Scratch history: Lucky has been altered and is played with every day 2x a day. Despite his owner’s effort Lucky continues to attack the legs of the owner’s mother. Several times causing her to bleed. Lucky's tail will swish really fast and ears will go back before attacking. Litter box training: Yes, he is used to a covered litter box with clumping litter or crystal litter. The litter box was located in the hallway and was scooped 2x a day. Energy level/descriptors: High Energy Level Other notes: Owner described Lucky as bold fearless independent and he prefers contact on his terms. He has been kept mostly indoors and likes to spend his time in the window bedroom or kitchen. Wen playing with adults he is very rough. He will pounce on toys and will stalk and pounce on his owner’s feet and legs. His owner plays with him with the wand toy and laser pointer 2x per day. He likes to scratch on wood. He will also become over stimulated if he is pet for too long. He will hiss swat growl and possibly bite if he is held, put in a carrier, or has his nails trimmed. He has never been brushed so it is unknown how he will react. Upon intake: he was lunging, hissing, growling, and swatting at the counselor. He was not able to be scanned or collared nor was his picture taken during intake.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 9\12\23 Laying on the top of the den with a relax body but hissed upon approach but remained calm and still. When approached with the scratching tool hissed and tried to move further back. Sits up with tail wrapped around body with fur slightly pilo-erect, lips licks and raises paw to slowly push tool away, after paw went down I removed the tool away. Once the treat was near his face he did come forward to sniff and was curious when placed down in front of him. I tried to get closer for a pet on the head but he tired to move back once again, I waited a few seconds before slowly removing the tool after displaying calm body language and closing the door. 9/17/23 Sitting upright in front of kennel, face tense, tail wrapped around feet and ears tilted. He hisses when spoken to but he eats the treat I offer immediately. I spend the session clicking and rewarding each time he steps forward without hissing, then each time he tolerates a touch on the head. Food motivated! Will continue to try and build positive associations. 9/20/23 Out at the front of his cage with a slightly tense face and body, he comes closer to eat treats and squeeze up offered to him and I click to mark him eating with a relaxed demeanor. I offer him squeeze up on my finger and he eats it softly. I then offer him more treats and he takes them softly from between my fingers. He is not comfortable with pets yet. 9/24/23 At front of kennel upon approach today, ears forward and tail stretched away from body as he begins to eat his dry food. He watches me warily as I approach with a tense expression and ears tilting. I leave him some squeeze-ups and he hisses so I do not push petting at this time. I speak to him softly and slow-blink (he does return slow-blinks) and when I check on him later I see the treats have been eaten! will continue to build positive associations. Not yet ready for petting. 9/26/23 At front of kennel, crouched with a tense face and tilted ears. He makes eye contact when spoken to and he remains in front of his kennel as I place a tray of squeeze-ups in front of him. He tolerates gentle petting on the heat with the scratcher as he's eating! I speak to him softly and give him many compliments and words of encouragement for tolerating head pets. May be warming up! It's good he's eating treats in front of us now. 10/01/23 At front of kennel, body and face neutral. I speak to him softly and he begins to eat from his dry food bowl. He tolerates all petting with the scratcher tool while turning his head to look around at the room and at the scratcher. His ears are slightly tilted but he sniffs the scratcher curiously. I try to reward him with squeeze-ups but he prefers to enjoy dry treats. He does eat the greenies offered. Doing well! Will see if behavior improvement is consistent before considering a re-eval!

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Energetic

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Social,Curious,Playful,Independent,Demanding

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,Very high energy level,Rough play,Uncomfortable with pick up,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Luck has a hisotry of scratching and biting the previous owner's mother's legs and is reported to display a fast swishing tail and ears tilted back before he attacks her legs, as well as a history of stalking and pouncing on the owner's feet and legs. He does not react well with strangers and is reported to hiss, growl, swat and potentially bite. He will also hiss swat growl and possibly bite if he is held, put in a carrier, or has his nails trimmed. He is reported to play rough with adults and is a high energy cat that would be played with twice a day with either a wand toy or a laser pointer. He has a history of overstimulation when pet as well.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home,No other cats OR multi-cat home with adopters experienced with introducing new cats

Recommendations comments:: Lucky is reported to swat and growl at children when they visited the home and would swat and growl at a cat he spent some time around. He should be in a single-pet adult-only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: On approach, Lucky is in his den and pokes his head out as the assessor approaches with a tense face and body, eyes wide and dilated, ears slightly tilted. When the assessor slowly offers the scratcher tool with squeeze up near the opening of the den, he hisses and does not eat it. He initially tolerates a few pets wit the scratcher tool from inside the den before he begins to swat at the tool multiple times. When the assessor introduces the Assess-A-Hand, he reaches from inside the den and swats hard at the hand and when it is placed at the opening of the den, he continues to swat as well as bite at the hand multiple times. The interaction is ended and pick up is not attempted. Although un-handleable initially, Lucky is now warming up to the care center! Lucky can be found in the front of his kennel, ears forward and eyes alert. Lucky allows petting with the assessor's hand while leaning in, turning his head to watch the hand and then beginning to pull the hand towards his face to rub his cheeks against it while nibbling and batting at it. Lucky appears to be showing signs of overstimulation. Pick up was not attempted at this time to reduce stress. Upon his second re-eval, Lucky is continuing to surprise behavior staff with improvements. On approach, he is at the front of his cage with his ears forward, tail high, and a neutral face and body. He sniffs the hand offered to him and accepts pets along his head and cheeks, leaning in to the assessor's hand, as well as some pets along his back. He then confidently walks out of the cage on his own and allows the assessor to pick him up and hold him under their arm as they pets along his head and cheeks. He leans into their hand and begins to try and roll into the touch while still in their arms. His tail still flicks at times and when placed back in his cage it is slightly pilo-erect but he continues to solicit attention afterward and attempts to walk out again. Although Lucky is showing level 3 and some level 2 behaviors here in our care center, due to his owner surrender profile and a history of biting despite play therapy techniques being utilized, the behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time. He has a known history of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.