Animal Profile

Button Service 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.

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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Button Service 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. A volunteer writes: Button Service is a striking 6-year-old ginger gentleman whose copper-colored coat glows like autumn sunshine. Currently residing in our shelter, this handsome boy has had quite the journey, coming to us after a brief stay with his previous owner when things didn't quite work out as planned. In his shelter cubby, Button Service presents as a cautious soul. His large, expressive eyes take in everything around him from his hiding spot, where he can most often be found curled up in a perfect crescent. While he's keeping his distance for now - and who can blame him with all the known and unknown changes he's experienced - Button Service shows excellent housekeeping habits, consistently using his litterbox here despite reports of previous challenges in his former home.This energetic fellow(according to his previous short term owner) would have quite a playful side, preferring to entertain himself with toys and water rather than joining in group activities with his family. He's direct about his boundaries, letting us know with a little hiss when he needs space. While Button Service may be showing his more reserved side in the shelter, his true personality needs a quieter setting to bloom. What Button Service needs now is an experienced cat guardian who understands that trust takes time and patience. If you have experience helping cautious cats find their confidence and can provide a peaceful home environment, Button Service would love to meet you. What my friends at ACC say about me: I will flourish in a calm environment and a low-traffic home. I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 8.6 lbs

Medical Notes

9/18/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 5-8y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Owner called police to have cat removed from apartment Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Hissing and growling when approached in den, airplane ears when touched with hand and lifts paw to strike. Elected sedation to decrease FAS using 0.1ml dexmedetomidine 500mcg/ml, 0.1ml ketamine 100mg/ml, and 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 mild tartar and staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact, 2 scrotal testes 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 apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks neuter new home 0.1ml antisedan IM uneventful recovery SURGERY: Okay for surgery

10/2/2025

Green nasal discharge and marked audible congestion heard while cage side during rounds S: QAR in cubby and hisses when I open cubby door O: EENT: Eyes clear, thick green nasal discharge noted RESP: Eupneic, but audible congestion noted MSI: Ambulatory x 4 CNS: Mentation appropriate/ alert A: Moderate URI P: Move to cat ISO LRS 100mls SQ q24hr x3d Cerenia 10mg/ml 0.5 ml SQ q24hr x3d Vitamin B12 0.25 ml SQ once Zorbium for approrpriate weight Doxycycline 50mg/ml 0.7ml PO SID x10d Monitor in care

10/2/2025

D/c injectables due to behavior, needed to be completed in net.

10/12/2025

Hx: has had URI Q-BAR eating some canned food but does not seem to be eating with gusto eent- no nasal or ocular discharge; no sneezing msi- amb x 4 A) has had URI-like signs; ate some canned food but not eating with relish P) continue to monitor appetite

10/14/2025

Pet ate o/n. QAR in den. EEN: No coughing sneezing. No ocular or nasal discharge RESP: Eupneic A: URI resolved P: Move out of cat isolation

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of Intake: 9/18/2025

Is this cat having litter box issues?: Yes

If yes, Please elaborate:: Access to a litterbox in the home: Yes / Sí Used the bathroom outdoors: Not reported Litter boxes in the home: 1 Litter box location(s): Living room / La sala Other location: Not reported Type of litter box: Covered / Cubierto Other type: Not reported Type of litter: Scented / Con perfume, Clumping / Aglomerante Other type: Not reported Spraying: No Spraying location(s): Not reported Able to see outdoor cats: No Accident frequency: Daily / Cada dia Frequency info: She used to poop and pee on the couch everyday or on a towel or something Type of accident: Defecates outside the box / Defeca fuera de la caja, Urinates on furniture / Orina en los muebles Accident info: Not reported Accidents began: Since bringing the cat home / Desde que traje el gato a casa Additional info: Not reported Litter box scooped: Other / Otro Additional info: She barely used the litter box but when she did, it was immediately scooped once I knew about it Litter boxes shared: 1 box per cat + 1 extra / 1 caja por gato + 1 extra Additional info: Not reported Litterbox relocated: Yes / Sí Additional info: From the c end of the hallway to the living room Litterbox location type: Tucked away / Escondido Seen by a vet: No Diagnosis: Not reported Tried behavior modification: Yes / Sí Behavior modification type: Moved the box to another area in the home / Moví la caja a otra área de la casa Additional info: Not reported Suspected cause: I think she’s just scared and stressed out

Basic Information:: Name: Button Service Age: 0-1 year old / año Color: Orange Sex: Female / Hembra Altered: Unsure / No se Declawed: No Surrender Reason: ~REVIEW THIS ANSWER AND EDIT AS NEEDED~ She requires a lot of love and help because she was previously in an abusive home. I have a special needs toddler that doesn’t understand that she needs space she gets a little feisty when we approach her. She was pooping on my couch … she JUST learned to use the litter box so that may not be a problem anymore. Length of time owned: 1 month Where the previous owner got this cat: She was a gift

Previously lived with:: Lived with: Adults / Adultos, Children / Niños Additional info: 1 adult (me, age 27) 1 child (my son

How is this cat around strangers?: No experience / No Experiencia

How is this cat around children?: Shy & Timid / Timido

How is this cat around other cats?: Shy & Timid / Timido

How is this cat around dogs?: No experience / No Experiencia

Behavior Notes: If they hiss, growl, swat, or bite - these behaviors are usually: Defensive / Defensivo How this cat reacts when someone... - Trims their nails: Never done / Nunca hecho - Brushes their coat: Never done / Nunca hecho - Picks up/holds: Never done / Nunca hecho - Places them in a carrier: Hisses / Siseos

Bite history:: Previous bite/scratch to a person: Yes / Sí Did the bite/scratch break skin: No Date of last bite/scratch: 9/14/2025 Previous bite/scratch to another animal: No Did either animal need vet care: Not reported Date of last bite/scratch to an animal: Additional info: She’s scared, traumatized, defensive

Energy level/descriptors:: High (often playful/busy) / Alto (juguetón/ocupado)

Medical Notes: Medical info: Not reported Allergies: Unsure / No se Allergy info: Not reported Veterinarian: Not yet Last vet check: 9/1/2025

For a New Family to Know: Description of this cat most of the time: Solitary / Solitario, Prefers contact on their terms / Prefiere el contacto en sus términos Additional info: Not reported Areas the cat had access to: Indoors / Adentro Additional info: Not reported Where the cat spent most time: Bedroom / Dormitorio, Living room / Sala Additional info: Not reported How the cat likes to play: Chases and pounces on toys / Persigue y salta sobre los juguetes., Likes to play with water / Le gusta jugar con agua Additional info: Not reported How often the cat got interactive playtime: Other / Otro Additional info: I always tried to play with her but she is really stand-off ish This cat likes to scratch on: Other / Otro Additional info: Bouncy surfaces (stress balls, yoga mats, etc) Previous owner's favorite things about the cat: She likes to play (when no one is looking) Behavior issues noted: Hides in fear / Se esconde del miedo, Nips/swats when pet for too long / Mordisquea o le pega cuando lo acaricias por mucho tiempo, Has litter box accidents / Tiene accidentes con la caja de arena Additional info: Not reported Type of food the cat eats: Dry food / Comida seca Brands of food: MeowMix Favorite treats: Tuna

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived with 1 adult (age 27) and 1 child. Around strangers is unknown. Around children described as shy and timid. Around cats described as shy and timid. Around dogs is unknown. Bite history: Yes, on 9/14/25, did not break skin, suspected scared. Litter Box Training; Yes but daily accidents. She used to poop and pee on the couch everyday or on a towel or something. Energy level described as high, often playful and busy. This cat is solitary and prefers contact on her terms. Not reported otherwise. Areas the cat had access to: Indoors. Not reported otherwise. Where the cat spent most time: Bedroom and living room. Not reported otherwise. How the cat likes to play: Chases and pounces on toys, likes to play with water. Not reported otherwise. How often the cat got interactive playtime: Other. The owner stated they always tried to play with her but she is really standoffish. This cat likes to scratch on other surfaces including bouncy surfaces such as stress balls and yoga mats. Previous owner’s favorite things about the cat: She likes to play when no one is looking. Behavior issues noted: Hides in fear, nips or swats when petted for too long, has litter box accidents. Not reported otherwise. Type of food the cat eats: Dry food. Brand of food: Meow Mix. Favorite treats: Tuna. How this cat reacts when someone trims her nails: Never done. How this cat reacts when someone brushes her coat: Never done. How this cat reacts when someone picks up or holds her: Never done. How this cat reacts when someone places her in a carrier: Hisses.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 09/22/25 PRIOR ASSESSMENT Button Service was in the den, appearing tense at the back and began turning around and away from the assessor, while turning his head to look at him. He hissed repeatedly, but allowed petting with the scratcher tool while still occasionally hissing and watching the tool closely. 9/26/25 Vol. Behind privacy paper in cubby - sitting erect and tense. Flinched, hissed with flattened ears and squirmed backwards when opened door to put in treat bowl Remained tense and hissed, watching. Stood by door and sweet talked until eyes diverted and ended interaction 9/28/25 Vol. Button Service was in the top cubby. When I opened the cubby door, he hisses, flattened his ears, and backed up. I closed the cubby door and ended the interaction. 9/30/25 Vol Curled up in back of cubby. Hissed when kennel door was opened but also gave me some slow blinks. Sniffed at Squeeze-ups but didn’t eat. Never ate morning meal so gave him some tuna which he ate up. Conflicted kitty. 10/04/25 FB73 Button Service is sitting in the back of his den, pupils very dilated and body stiff. As the den cover if lifted, he begins to low growl. Crunchy treats are offered, which he does not show interest in. A squeeze up is offered, which he does not show interest in either, continuing to growl. As I attempt to put the den cover back, he lunges forward, swatting without claws. Interaction is ended to reduce FAS, treat left in kennel. 10/16/25 Intense stare, low growls and retreats further inside the den after lifting up den cover. Ears to the side when attempting to make contact through the side portal door with the scratcher tool. Ended to help reduce stress. 10/18/25 Vol. Lying down in den when approached, spoken to and door opened. I offered dry treats on scratcher tool. Ignored. I momentarily slightly pulled the cover open to see him. Looking forward at me and hissed. Low growling as scratcher tool approached slowly. Scratcher tool with squeeze up slowly approached. Ignored. Growling at first, slightly louder, then stopped. Gave a small amount of squeeze up in tray near food. 10/19/25 Vol. Hiding in den, out of sight. Low growled when given a cup of Temptations and squeeze-up in the den. Hissed when the cover was raised, was sitting up and facing forward. Checked after 5 min and had not eaten, hissed again when the cover was raised to check.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

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

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Inappropriate elimination,Fearful,New home adjustment period,Escape artist

Potential challenges comments:: Button Service was seen by a veterinarian and has no known medical issues. We are unaware of what, if any, modifications steps were taken to try and address this behavior in the home, so we cannot be sure what the trigger may have been or if this behavior may continue in a future home. However, we recommend that potential adopters be comfortable with management and modification techniques for elimination outside the litter box should this behavior continue in a home environment. During the two week litter box observation period, Button Service was observed to appropriately use the litter box and there were no accidents reported. Button Service was reported to flee from staff on two separate occasions.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to fearfulness and potential to escalate or flee.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Button Service's behavior has declined since the initial assessment one month ago (see Enrichment Notes above from 9/22/25 for more details). He used to tolerate petting but repeatedly hiss; however, during the re-evaluation, he escalates to swatting hard with force when reaching close and he was reported to flee from staff on two separate occasions. Button Service was hiding in the den visible from the side door and he hisses upon approach. When removing the den cover he hisses again and tilts his ears to the side. He continues to repeatedly hiss, growl, and flatten his ears when reaching close with a treat on a puree treat dispenser tool. After reaching to the den side door entrance, Button Service swats the tool hard with force and continues to hiss and growl with his ears flattened and body curled up to the back corner of the den and his tail wrapped around his body. Button Service 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, scratch, 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.