Animal Profile

Connor is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. he is extremely intelligent and high energy, and needs to expend energy constructively with interactive play sessions 3-4X/day. In addition to playtime, this cat would also benefit from mental exercise from activities such as puzzle toys/games, lick mats, or clicker training. Without providing activity for his mind and body, the cat may react with rough play, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. 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 feline body language, overstimulation, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid (further) bite/scratch incidents.

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 Connor is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. he is extremely intelligent and high energy, and needs to expend energy constructively with interactive play sessions 3-4X/day. In addition to playtime, this cat would also benefit from mental exercise from activities such as puzzle toys/games, lick mats, or clicker training. Without providing activity for his mind and body, the cat may react with rough play, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. 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 feline body language, overstimulation, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid (further) bite/scratch incidents. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. Cheek and chin scratches make me so happy! I have medical needs that staff will address with you when you meet me. A volunteer writes: Connor is one of our longer stays having come to us in early September, but he's been using his time wisely and proudly become the snack connoisseur of Queens. He really loves treats, but aside from snacks, Connor takes pride in doing his own thing and is looking for a family who will celebrate that as much as he does. He's gorgeous and fluffy with a swagger all his own, so when he's at the front you can't miss him. There are other times he can be found in his den, which is equally as understandable. We don't know much about Connor's story before he came to us. He was brought in with several other cats and finding his way at the Care Center has been a bit of a process. Connor might currently be on the fence about pets and neck scritches, but we still visit with our treats. And with treats in our hands, he's shown that he can lean in for a couple cuddles here and there though asks you follow his lead.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 11.2 lbs

Medical Notes

9/4/2024

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~3-5yo based on dentition and condition Microchip noted on Intake? scan neg History: agency intake, presented in group of 7 cats Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - flighty but sits and allows exam quietly with light restrain Is there evidence of Cruelty? n Is there evidence of Neglect? n Is there evidence of Trauma? n Objective BCS 5/9 EENT: OD clean, OS white opacity on apex of cornea with connection to pupillary membrane. Ears mild to moderate brown/black crumbly debris, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition with mild staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male intact, two testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Wood's Lamp Exam: NP Assessment ~4yo MI DMH otitis externa - suspect ear mites corneal opacity and ocular abnormality - suspect persistent pupillary membrane vs previous ocular trauma; does not appear to affect patient's QOL or vision at this time Prognosis: good Plan: Routine intake procedures Fluorescein stain OS - no uptake Cleaned ears applied selarid Placement to monitor eye with family veterinarian or consult ophthalmologist - unlikely to cause problems later in life but unlikely to change in appearance. SURGERY: Okay for surgery

9/18/2024

Diagnosis Upper Respiratory Infection, Spay/Neuter - REJECTED

9/24/2024

Progress exam: Sneezing reported on rounds board Subjective: QAR, no C/S/V/D noted. Sniffling/ mild congestion Objective: EYES: Clear, no discharge LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4 NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -Proper signage placed on kennel -Start doxy 10mg/kg PO q24h x10days -CTM, recheck on 9/27

10/2/2024

Progress exam: URI recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. Eating well Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge noted MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4 NEURO: Appropriate mentation, no abnormalities ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -CTM, recheck on 10/4

10/4/2024

Progress exam: URI recheck Subjective: Q-BAR, no C/S/V/D. Eating well. Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge noted MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4 NEURO: Appropriate mentation, no abnormalities ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -URI signage & monitor log removed from kennel -CTM while in shelter

10/5/2024

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

10/19/2024

Beh confirms gaba has been helping p, continue indef

10/31/2024

Cat Neuter: Pre-anesthetic exam performed and patient approved for surgery. Patient noted to have white opacity on apex of cornea OS with connection to pupillary membrane. There is a linea area of dark brown to black pigmentation underlying this region. Appears to either be PPM or historical trauma. Does not appear to be a foreign body. See paper record for specific medication administration times. Surgery report: Testicles blocked using intra-testicular administration of lidocaine. Scrotal incisions. Auto-ligated spermatic cords with overhand tie. Incisions left open to heal by second intention. Incisional tattoo placed near umbilicus to indicate neutered status. Post-operative instructions: 1. Activity: keep indoor for 7 days after surgery. 2. Check incision under tail once daily for 7 days. Mild scabbing is normal. Future: This patient is currently no showing any signs of discomfort or changes in vision in his left eye. When placed, this patient may benefit from an ophthalmological examination with their future veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

KNOWN HISTORY:: Connor was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on his behavior history in a home environment

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 9/10/12 FB1261 Lying in back of kennel, body and face tense and tail wrapped tightly around his body. He watches me with wide eyes and an alert expression when spoken to and I do not push petting at this time. Instead I offer some treats and speak to him softly. He eats the treats closest to him but remains too focused on me and the room to step closer. Shy boy - will continue to help build confidence and positive associations. 9/11/24 FB79 Inside his den, Conner peaks his head out when i speak softly and low hisses he however is interested in the treats that i placed near his den opening and i am able to coax him out with a treat of treaties. Not open to pets as he would suck and back away from my hand but luvvs the treaties! 9/28/24 FB58 In his den and swats as I initially offer my hand. I lightly toss treats near the den opening and he pokes his head out to eat then before coming partly out when his wet food is offered out. I click to mark him interacting and after I walk away, he comes out fully and begins to eat and dig around in his litter box, etc. 10/18/24 FB1261 At front of kennel today, watching me with a relaxed face and body, tail raised. He remains calm as I open the door and he begins to eat the treats offered. He allows petting today as he eats his treats while leaning in and raising his tail each time my hand passes along his lower back before lowering it back down. The fur along his lower back ripples and he flinches with each new pet. He does not escalate further today -- may be beginning to warm up! If these behavior changers remain consistent he will receive a re-eval! 10/20/24 Vol Connor was in his den. As I lifted the side panel, he poked his head out to eat the Squeeze Ups I had given him. He pulled back when I when I first tried to pet him, then allowed it. At one point of the interaction, he tried to nip my hand, playfully. I then used the scratcher tool and he accepted it. I gave him more Squeeze Up and soft treats, which he ate enthusiastically. 10/27/24 Vol Connor was on top of his den. I opened the door and he suddenly lunged at me, with his mouth wide open. I withdrew my hand and put Squeeze Up near him. He remained on the den, not eating. I waved a feather toy at him and he played with it, grabbing it with his mouth and paws. I continued speaking to him as he played. I closed the door and ended the interaction without petting him. He continued to play alone with the feather, long after the interaction ended. Toys may be the way to re-direct his attention and expend some energy. 11/2/24 FB79 Sitting in his litterbox, Conner has a relaxed/neutral face and slow blinks and low meows when i speak softly. He sniffs the treats i place down for him and looks up to slow blink once more but flinches at my hand coming closer so i respect his space leave a big ol toy for him and end the interaction. GAN

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Shy ,Curious,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to the behavior seen in shelter and needing a longer time to warm up, the behavior team feels Connor would do best in an adult-only home where they would be able to acclimate in a calm environment.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 9/5/24 Inside his den, Conner has his little eye peaking out of the den opening when the assessor approaches; his body not visible due to black tinted den cover but a neutral face when he leans out to sniff the treats that are placed down for him. He quickly retreats when the pointer tool is brought closer to pet and remains very still when the tool is moved around his body as well as on his head and cheek - Conner suddenly and quickly pokes his head out of the den to bite the tool when it was being removed but decided against it ducked back into his den. Pick up was not attempted. 10/5/24 Upon re-eval, Conner is out and at the front of his cage with a neutral face and body, appearing curious and eats treats placed down in front of him and swiping at the assessor's hand as they open the cage door. He backs away slightly as the door is opened and is tolerant of some pets along his back with the tool as he eats treats before he turns and nips the tool. When the assessor introduced the Assess-A-Hand and it is slowly brought near him, he tenses with a low body and bites the softer part of the hand and swats a few times before retreating into his den. When the fake hand is offered at the den opening, he reaches out to swat at it it multiple times again and hissing. Pick up is not attempted. 10/25/24 Conner displayed similar behaviors during his reassessment. Although he will solicit attention at times and is more curious and confident in his kennel, he is still consistently escalating to biting or swatting hard during interactions. 11/25/24 Upon re-evaluation, Conner continues to display friendly and approachable behaviors but does escalate to biting and striking without warning. Conner is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. He has tried to swat, bite, is extremely fearful in the shelter environment 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.