Princess Leia
Hello, my name is Princess Leia. My animal id is #253126. I am a desexed female white cat at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 5 months 2 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a aco - impound on 4/27/2026.
Princess Leia is on the At-Risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. Along with overstimulation, she is now displaying signs of frustration and deterioration, swatting and hissing upon approach and being minimally open to interaction. Due to her stress levels, it is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers, feline body language, overstimulation and decompression periods.
You may know me from such films as...
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. Princess Leia is on the At-Risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. Along with overstimulation, she is now displaying signs of frustration and deterioration, swatting and hissing upon approach and being minimally open to interaction. Due to her stress levels, it is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers, feline body language, overstimulation and decompression periods. What my friends at ACC say about me: 👑 Meet Princess Leia! ✨🐾 Princess Leia is a playful little queen with a personality all her own! This beautiful girl knows what she likes-and playtime is definitely at the top of the list. Give her a feather wand, mouse, ball, or toy dancer and prepare to watch her pounce, bat, kick, toss, roll, and genuinely have the time of her life! 🧸💕 Leia also enjoys the finer things in life, including tasty treats, cozy lounging, and the occasional head scratch from her favorite humans. She'll happily come to the front of her kennel to say hello, solicit attention, and accept treats. Like any true princess, Leia has her boundaries. She prefers short interactions and appreciates having the freedom to decide when she's ready for more attention. If she becomes overstimulated, she may let you know with a swat or by walking away. Giving her space when she asks for it is the best way to earn her trust, and she may surprise you by coming right back when she's ready! 👑 Leia needs a little time to settle into a new home and get comfortable with her people. She would do best with an experienced adopter who understands feline body language and is happy to let her relationship develop at her own pace. An adult-only home would likely be the perfect kingdom for this independent girl. If you're looking for a playful, spirited cat with a royal attitude and plenty of personality, Princess Leia is ready to meet you today. Bring treats! 💕🐱✨ A volunteer writes: Princess Leia is a sweet, beautiful girl, only about 3 years old. She is friendly and playful but from my interaction would do best with someone who really "gets" cats and can read their body language. Leia enjoys meeting new people however I could tell that she may get a bit overstimulated at times, although my interaction with her was very positive. I can't blame her for wanting someone who understands her, don't we all?
My medical notes are...
Weight: 10.22 lbs
4/28/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes Microchip noted on Intake? Negative History: Brought in by police Subjective: BAR H pink 1 sec Observed Behavior - hissed, swatting in kennel Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Objective P = 120hr R = 40rr BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears waxy, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: 104 fractured 2/3 distal tooth. 204 fractured at gum line. Grade 1/4 dental disease. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT<2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FI MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment canine teeth fractured bilaterally 1/4 dental disease Prognosis: Fair Plan: Sedate DKT 0.36 mLs (0.0125 mg/kg dexdomitor, 0.25 mg/kg telzol, 5 mg/kg ketamine) 0.09 mLs antisedan reversal Intake procedures SURGERY: Okay for surgery
5/7/2026
SO: Due for release from rabies observation BAR inside of den, not interested in treats offered eent: eyes clear, mucoid nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated, congested msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate, no neurological deficits appreciated at this time A: no clinical signs of rabies appreciated URI-moderate P: Patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurologic signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at MACC. 0.3ml doxycycline 100mg/ml PO SID x7d
5/8/2026
SO: In holding on treatment for moderate URI QAR on top of den, food plates appear untouched eent: eyes clear, mucoid nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: URI moderate P: 100ml LRS sc SID x5d 0.35ml cerenia sc SID x5d 0.25ml vitamin B12 1000mcg/ml
5/10/2026
Medication reported not being eaten in food. Doxycycline should be administered to mouth Fluids canceled due to behavior
5/10/2026
not eating well yet limited supportive care due to FAS
5/13/2026
Recheck moderate URI/ appetite S: BAR at front of kennel. Food bowls untouched. O: EEN- eyes clear, clear nasal discharge H/L- eupneic, sneezing and mild audible congestion MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat. Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Mild to moderate URI Unable to administer supportive care due to behavior P: Zorbium for appropriate weight Medical feedings of high value foods to promote appetite Recheck in 2 days CTM in care
5/15/2026
SO: BAR, on treatment for moderate URI. Completed doxycycline course on 5/13. Appears to be eating dry food with good appetite eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: URI-moderate appears to be improving P: recheck in 3 days to see if resolved
5/18/2026
No respiratory symptoms Plan okay for spay
5/24/2026
Pet presented to ER with tremors but has stabilized with midazolam and keppra. She is eating now and fractious. A: History of head pressing and tremors r/o FIP vs toxoplasmosis vs other Prognosis: Poor Plan c/w supportive care (IVF, oral gabapentin, oral keppra and oral clindamycin) until Tuesday 5/26. Advise humane euthanasia if pet has another neurologic episode or deteriorates. Pet has a DNR code.
5/26/2026
P returned from outside vet with the following medications: Clindamycin 25mg/ml Oral Suspension: Give 1.2ml PO every 12 hours until gone. Gabapentin 50mg/ml Oral Suspension: Give 0.8ml PO every 8hrs Levetiracetam 100mg/ml Oral Suspension: Give 0.7ml PO every 8 hours
5/27/2026
SO: Returned from outside vet care yesterday. Started on clindamycin. BAR, head bunting and soliciting attention at front of kennel eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate, no obvious neurological deficits A: neurological episode appears resolved P: continue monitoring and current treatment plan
5/28/2026
SO: In medical after neurological event. Currently on clindamycin BAR, comes to front of kennel, soliciting attention. All wet food in kennel eaten overnight eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: pHx neurological episode P: continue to monitor in medical
5/29/2026
In medical for monitoring due to reported neurologic event. On keppra, Gabapentin, and Clindamycin. Appears to be doing well. S: BAR at front of kennel. Food bowls empty and meowing for more. O: EEN- eyes clear, no ocular or nasal discharge H/L- eupneic, no appreciable sneezing or audible congestion MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat. Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Possible nerve damage/neuropathy Eating well P: CTM in care
6/1/2026
HCT 37% wnl wBCs 24k high Neuts 18k high Eos 3k high basos 0.8k high Platelets 606k sl high BG 85 WNL BUN 26 wnl Creat 1.1 wnl Na 166 sl elevated K 5.4 wnl TP 8 wnl Globulin 5.2 sl high ALT 86 wnl ALP 37 wnl ggt 7 high Tbili 0.3 mg/dl wnl A: mild neutrophilia persists Mild hyperglobulinemia persists GGT elevated but decreased since last week Hyperglycemia resolved ALT normalized Hx head pressing and dull mentation resolved r/o toxoplasmosis vs intracranial lesions(vascular vs mass) vs other Plan c/w clindamycin, keppra and gabapentin advise placement
6/1/2026
Blood drawn and ran CBC/Chem in house. Reweighed at 8.0 lbs
6/4/2026
Eating well No further neurologic episodes or signs reported BAR, meowing at front of kennel No ocular or nasal discharge Eupenic Normal mentation Plan: Continue current treatments/plan
6/7/2026
has had neuro event put has been stable P) consider moving out of medical
6/11/2026
Progress Exam Hx neurologic event BAR, at front of kennel meowing and pawing Appetite score 3, FS 4, no c/s/v/d EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge H/L: Eupneic, normal RR CNS: Normal mentation, no further neurologic events reported Plan: Ok to move out of medical CTM neuro signs in care
6/16/2026
Pet is BAR and eating. No neuro episodes reported. Plan finish clindamycin 6/23 consider wean off keppra starting 6/23 and monitor for recurrence of symptoms.
6/24/2026
Pet is QAR and eating. No neurologic event in the past month and Clindamycin course for possible Toxoplasmosis infection has concluded. Plan Attempt to wean off of Levetiracetam by decreasing dose by 25% every 2 weeks. Levetiracetam 100mg/ml 0.5 ml po bid x 2 weeks, then 0.3 ml po bid x 2 weeks then 0.2 ml po bid x 2 weeks then 0.1 ml po bid x 2 weeks then discontinue. c/w gabapentin.
7/22/2026
Pet is QAR and eating. No neurologic episodes reported. A: Pet doing well during keppra taper Plan recheck in 2 weeks c/w keppra taper
7/28/2026
EEN: sneezing, clear nasal discharge A: URI mild r/o viral P: CTM
8/6/2026
Recheck URI S: QAR in kennel, eating well O: EEN- eyes clear, no ocular or nasal discharge H/L- eupneic no apparent sneezing or sniffling MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: No evidence of URI Eating P; Continue with taper of Keppra CTM in care
8/7/2026
SO: pHx on seizure activity. Currently on keppra taper and on subtherapeutic dose at this time. No seizure activity reported BAR, taking treats at kennel door eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: pHx seizure activity P: CTM while in shelter Consider discontinuation of keppra
8/20/2026
SO: History of seizure, no seizures noted since. Currently on Keppra taper. BAR, taking treats at kennel door Appropriate mentation, neurologically normal. Normal appetite, no c/s/v/d. A: Seizure history P: OK to d/c Keppra at last taper dose 8/22. Monitor closely for seizures, counsel for history of seizures to potential adopters.
9/24/2026
Pre-Op Exam S: BAR in kennel, comes to front of kennel and chirps at me O: EEN- eyes clear, no appreciable ocular or nasal discharge H/L- eupneic, no coughing/sneezing noted MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Appears to be a good anesthetic candidate P: Spay today, adjust anesthetic protocol to not include ketamine as it is contraindicated in pets with hx of seizure activity
9/24/2026
Feline OHE performed by Vet: 2172 Patient anesthesia form uploaded to Shelter Buddy in Vet Documents. pain managements: Zorbium 1 ml- 1 tube was applied pre-SX as a one time dose for pain management lasting up to 3 days of pain relief. Onsior 20 mg/ml Injection- 0.45 ml was given Post-Op as a one time dose for pain management
9/24/2026
[Surgery Template - Cat Spay] Was this cat in heat, pregnant or have a pyometra? No Ventral Midline Incision Ovaries Ligated with: autoligation Uterine Body Ligated with: 3-0 PDS using two modified millers knots Abdominal Closure: 3-0 PDS using 2 cruciates Skin closure: 3-0 PDS intradermal Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2172 Additional Comments: Significant amount of adipose tissue, large incision necessary to exteriorize
9/28/2026
Princess Leia is doing well in shelter and has gained weight. She has been normal since an acute neurologic event on 5/24/2026 which involved tremors, head pressing and ataxia. Symptoms quickly resolved with Clindamycin and an anti-seizure medicine (keppra). Symptoms have not returned since both medications were discontinued. r/o intracranial lesion (infection (possible toxoplasmosis vs viral vs other) vs vascular event). Prognosis: Good. A relapse is possible but unlikely. Plan Advise caution prescribing immunosuppressants (steroids) to Princess in future. Repeat blood work will require sedation.
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
KNOWN HISTORY:: Princess Leia was brought in as a stray, was reported initially friendly and affectionate but showed sudden aggression during a confined interaction. Behavior may be unpredictable and the cat could become aggressive in certain situations, especially in confined spaces or around resources like food. There is no other known information on her behavior history in a home environment.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: Prior assessment 7/5/26: Leia is at the front of the kennel, meowing as the assessor approaches. Initially she is leaning into and head bunting the kennel bars to solicit attention, allowing all petting from outside of the kennel door. When the assessor attempts to open the door, Leia appears to overstimulate, vocalizing and swatting towards the assessor's hand with claws. A toy is offered from outside of the kennel and Leia immediately begins playing with the toy mouse, pouncing, batting, grabbing, and kicking it around her kennel while rolling onto her side. Prior assessment 8/5/26: Leia is at the front of the kennel, observing the assessor as they approach. When the kennel door is opened, she comes forward, leaning into some petting on the head and cheeks before flinching away, lightly swatting at the assessor's hand without claws. She is offered some treats, which she quickly eats. When petting is attempted again, she leans away, swatting with a bit more force to avoid contact. Assessor offers her a feather wand to play with, and Leia immediately begins to play, playing for a prolonged period and remaining engaged. 6/20/26 FB73 As I was assessing a cat above her, Leia rushed to the front of the kennel and began vocalizing and swatting at me repeatedly. Decided it would be best to move her downstairs. While she was in a cubby, the handler placed the den next to the portal exit and Leia immediately walked right into it, making her easily transported downstairs. 6/29/26 FB73 Leia is initially at the front of the kennel, swatting and vocalizing upon approach. Handler gives her a double kennel, and she walks to the other side, immediately beginning to play with a ball for several minutes, rolling around, batting it, kicking it, etc. Later in the day when the handler checks to see how she's doing, she appears more at ease, laying curled up at the back of the kennel, opening her eyes upon approach but not coming forward. 8/7/26 Vol. Leia came forward and solicited attention when I approached. She batted a ball around her kennel and played independently with a mouse toy. She also batted and played with a feather toy that I hung from the ceiling of her double kennel. She actively engaged with the wire dancer and allowed me to stroke her head and back with the smooth side of the scratcher while she ate bisque from a tray. 8/11/26 Vol. She was grooming herself when I approached kennel. Gave her a Fur-falle which she loved. She tossed it around and played with it by herself. She rolled onto her back and then threw it up in the air. She swatted at the cat dancer. Was not impressed by the laser. Did give her a little bit of Squeeze-up from my finger. Very playful kitty!
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Mellow
VOCAL:: Somewhat chatty
CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Sweet,Affectionate,Playful,Curious,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,Rough play,Fearful,Very high energy level,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: See relevant behavior flyers. Princess Leia can be social and affectionate but appears to be easily overstimulated. As a result of this observed behavior, we recommend adopters who are familiar with signs of behavioral arousal and agitation in cats, so that interactions can be ended before Leia becomes overstimulated. We also recommend fishing pole-type toys for play as they allow for interaction and vigorous, stimulating exercise while keeping human hands at a distance. Princess Leia has been observed to have lots of energy and absolutely loves toys and play time! See relevant behavior flyers on rough play and high energy cats.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3
RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home
Recommendations comments:: Due to behavior observed in the care center and potential for overstimulation, an adult only home is recommended for Leia.
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Princess Leia was resting calmly inside her kennel upon approach and appeared alert with neutral eyes. She engaged at the front of the kennel and sought attention, allowing head pets and readily accepting offered treats. During pickup, Princess Leia briefly tolerated handling but grumbled and squirmed. She demonstrated a short tolerance for attention, allowing brief body strokes before becoming agitated, walking away, and flicking her tail while watching the assessor from a distance. When contact was attempted again with the assess-a-hand tool, she patted at and briefly mouthed before releasing it. She then rolled onto her side and appeared interested in interacting again. During pickup, Princess Leia briefly tolerated handling but grumbled and squirmed. 10/5/26 Princess Leia approaches the assessor as they enter the kennel, looking at them with soft eyes and a loose body. She gently accepts squeeze up and allows petting on her head, leaning into the touch. She also allows petting along her back with no issue. She backs away from the assessor after a few moments, potentially becoming a bit agitated, her tail tapping, then suddenly swats at their hand with a soft paw, narrowing her expression. The assessment is ended here due to her potentially becoming overstimulated. She remains relaxed as the door is closed, beginning to groom herself. Overall, Princess Leia she appears to enjoy social interaction and treats but has a limited tolerance for prolonged or repeated physical attention and benefits from allowing her to disengage when she becomes overstimulated. She tends to be a bit more independent and might need time to adjust and warm up to a new home. Based on her behavior at the care center, she would likely thrive best in an experienced, adult-only household.
