Animal Profile

Pelu is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in the Adoptions room. He is now displaying signs of defensive aggression. 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 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. Pelu is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in the Adoptions room. He is now displaying signs of defensive aggression. 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 and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. What my friends at ACC say about me: I'm an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing. I am looking for a home with a patient person. I can be slow to adjust to new environments. I prefer to take things at my own pace. I will flourish in a calm environment and a low-traffic home. I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you. I would do best in a home with only adult humans. My favorite pastime is being visually admired! Pet me with your eyes! I'll need daily interaction with you as I get used to my new life.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 9.1 lbs

Medical Notes

10/15/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~11-15 years based on dentition / condition, consistent with O reported age of 15yrs Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: OS Subjective: BARH, pink moist mm at distance, NATA CRT dt behavior Observed Behavior - Nervous / tense / hissing / very flighty but was able to examine with towel and did not escalate further Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = WNL R = WNL BCS 4/9 MCS 2/3 EENT: Corneas clear with no discharge, mild iris atrophy OU, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Moderate-severe calculus of caudal dentition, difficult to assess dt behavior, limited exam PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: Grade III/VI parasternal systolic HM, no arrhythmia, SSPPs, Lungs clear, eupneic, negative ITC ABD: Tense, not overtly painful, difficult to assess dt tenseness U/G: Male - intact, two symmetrical scrotal testicles MSK: Ambulatory x 4, full orthopedic exam not performed INT: Multifocal minor matting diffusely none close to skin, no masses noted, no ectoparasites seen CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Wood's Lamp Exam: Not performed Assessment: Mod-severe dental disease Grade III/VI parasternal systolic HM r/o stress / physiologic vs cardiac vs extra cardiac Mild muscle wasting r/o age related vs other Minor matting MI geriatric DSH Prognosis: Guarded Plan: OK for appropriate intake tasks Minor matting clipped, difficult to tell if all mats were removed dt P behavior / needing to be towelled CBC/biochemistry/ TT4/SDMA/cardio proBNP due to HM / age / dental disease Recc dentistry with placement SURGERY: Permanent waiver for age

10/16/2026

DVM Blood Work Interpretation -CBC/CHEM/SDMA/TT4 WNL except for sl H ALP at 88 -proBNP WNL at 57 - clinically significant heart disease unlikely -No BW follow-up necessary at present in shelter -Recommend continued geriatric routine BW assessments post placement with outside veterinary care -Recommend dental evaluation for consideration of geriatric dental procedure post placement with outside veterinary care -CTM through routine shelter operations practices

10/18/2026

Behavior Medication Consult S/O/A: Feline Behavior requesting Gabapentin due to high FAS. P: Gabapentin 100 mg (capsule, open and mix into high value treat/food) PO BID indefinitely.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake, he was minimally handled due to reported behavior. He was in the carrier tucked in the corner facing away from the carrier door. Staff touched him gently. He had no reaction. Staff were able to slowly scan for a M/C while in the carrier. Staff did not collar due to FAS. He was transferred from carrier to den without issue.

Date of Intake: 10/11/2026

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

Basic Information:: Pelu is a 15-year-old male unaltered male DSH cat who was surrendered to ACC

Previously lived with:: 1 Adult 1 children

How is this cat around strangers?: He is reported to be tolerant, curious, shy/timid, actively avoid, stress meows, hisses, growls, swats, and bites at stranger's

How is this cat around children?: He is reported to be tolerant, curious, shy/timid, actively avoid, stress meows, hisses, growls, swats, and bites at children

How is this cat around other cats?: No experience

How is this cat around dogs?: No experience

Behavior Notes: Stress meows when having his nails trimmed. Struggles and squirms when being placed in a carrier. Is reported to be unbothered when brushed, picked up and held

Bite history:: There is a scratch/bite history. The most recent incident was a month ago, the client's daughter has been stopping by to feed/change his litter while her mom has been in the facility. She stated all she did was move a blanket that was close by to where he was laying down.

Energy level/descriptors:: Low

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: No medical concerns

For a New Family to Know: Pelu is an indoor only cat and is reported to watch from afar. He spends most of his time in the kitchen and is uninterested in playtime. His favorite things to do is sleep and eat. He is reported to scratch furniture, meows a lot, and scratches/bites people. He previously had access to one covered litterbox with scented litter located in the hallway.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Indoor Cat Previously lived with: 1 Adult, 1 child. Behavior toward strangers: He is reported to be tolerant, curious, shy/timid, actively avoid, stress meows, hisses, growls, swats, and bites at stranger's. Behavior toward children: He is reported to be tolerant, curious, shy/timid, actively avoid, stress meows, hisses, growls, swats, and bites at children. Behavior toward cats: No experience. Behavior toward dogs: No experience. Bite or Scratch history: There is a consistent scratch/bite history over the last 5 years. The most recent incident was a month ago, the client's daughter has been stopping by to feed/change his litter while her mom has been in the facility. She stated all she did was move a blanket that was close by to where he was laying down. Further history of bite/scratch incidents are in the potential challenges section. Litter box training: No issues reported. Energy level/descriptors: Low Energy Level. Other notes: Pelu is an indoor only cat and is reported to watch from afar. He spends most of his time in the kitchen and is uninterested in playtime. His favorite things to do is sleep and eat. He is reported to scratch furniture, meows a lot, and scratches/bites people. He previously had access to one covered litterbox with scented litter located in the hallway. He stress meows when having his nails trimmed. Struggles and squirms when being placed in a carrier. Is reported to be unbothered when brushed, picked up and held. Upon intake, he was minimally handled due to reported behavior. He was in the carrier tucked in the corner facing away from the carrier door. Staff touched him gently. He had no reaction. Staff were able to slowly scan for a M/C while in the carrier. Staff did not collar due to FAS. He was transferred from carrier to den without issue.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 10/16/26 FB61 Lying on top of cat bed, body and face tense with head lowered onto floor. He maintains eye contact with flattened ears as I speak to him softly and offer treats. He continuously hisses. Limited interaction due to high FAS. Needs time, hopefully he eats the treats after I leave the room. I spray feliway on his cage cover. 10/19/26 FB79 Pelu is in his den with his head poking out, ears flat to his head and his eyes wide/dilated as he hissed when i lifted the kennel cover. He focused his gaze on me as i spoke and when i entered the kennel he hissed once again and could be low growling/grumbling. I left some treats on a tray as close as i could to not upset him more and spoke to him until i couldn't hear him growling although he kept his focus on me

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,Fearful,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Please see relevant behavioral flyers for new home adjustment period and fearful. Bite/Scratch History: Pelu's previous owner stated that Pelu's behavior changed around 5 years ago. They said he prefers contact on his own terms and can easily get overstimulated. They stated in the last 5 years he has scratched/bit them around 60 times most incidents have been unprovoked. The client stated they can just be walking by him, and he'll lunge and scratch. Shortly after every incident, he is reported to run away. They have been bitten while attempting to bathe or brush him and stated that's the reason he has matts on his back. The most recent incident was a month ago, the client's adult child has been stopping by to feed/change his litter while Pelu's previous owner has been in the facility. Adult child stated all they did was move a blanket that was close by to where Pelu was laying down. He reportedly stress meowed loudly, lunged at them scratching their hand and ran away. The owner stated all scratches have broken skin and drew blood.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to Pelu's behavior history and behavior seen in the Care Center, he would do best in an experienced adult only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 10/14/26 Upon approach Pelu is on top of his den. His body is low and tense with his tail wrapped around himself. His face is neutral. When the assessor opens the kennel door and greets, his face tenses and his head lowers. His ears switch to the side slightly, pupils enlarge, whiskers pull back, and his eyes narrow. The assessor approaches slowly with a scratcher tool letting him smell it before making contact. He sniffs it and growls quietly. The assessor makes contact, Pelu accepts gentle neck scritches with the tool leaning in. His face relaxes slightly, he leans in. The assessor moves down Pelu's body with the tool. He tolerates touch around his shoulder area with no response. When the tool moves to his mid and lower back he begins to growl quietly and gives a hiss. His skin ripples under the touch of the tool. It should be noted that this area has matted fur. Pickup is not attempted at this time due to high FAS. 10/21/26 Pelu is in his den with flattened ears and dilated eyes. He begins low grumbling at the sight of the assessor. When the kennel door is opened, the growls increase in volume. When a tool is presented at the portal of the den, Pelu lunges, strikes, and hisses at the door. Pelu is not open to interaction at this time and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, home with adopters who are willing to work with a cat who needs time and patience to help him adjust to their new home.