Animal Profile

Lucy is on the at-risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. She has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to her stress levels, it is in his 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 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. Lucy is on the at-risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. She has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to her stress levels, it is in his 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 to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. What my friends at ACC say about me: I am looking for a home with a patient person. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. 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

My medical notes are...

Weight: 5.25 lbs

Medical Notes

4/9/2026

Estimated age: ~3yo Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: owner surrender, DOH hold Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - timid, hiding in back of feral den, allowed all medical handling Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? no Objective: T = np P = 200bpm R = 24brpm BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: clean adult dentition, no oral lesions PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FI, no vaginal discharge, no spay tattoo or scar 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: ~3yp FI DSH -apparently healthy -DOH hold -acute aggression reported by o r/o in heat vs pain vs behavioral Prognosis: good Plan: intake task DOH hold behavior assessment requested SURGERY: Temporary waiver due to DOH hold

4/15/2026

At approximately 1:45pm on 4/15/26 Lucy was examined. She was in her den and then readily came out of the den and accepted treats. She did not show any signs of neurologic deficits or abnormalities during the interaction or during her time in care. A: No neurologic signs consistent with rabies P: Consider releasing from DOH hold

4/21/2026

EEN: brown nasal discharge with wet nasal congestion RESP: Increased inspiratory effort. A: URI moderate decreased appetite P: Zorbium 0.4ml topical Doxycycline 100mg/ml 0.2ml po sid x 7d LRS 100 mls lrs SQ sid x 2 days nebulize saline sid x 2 days

4/22/2026

Unable to administer sc fluids due to behavior

4/23/2026

Per ACR, Administered Rabies vaccine SQ in RHL

4/24/2026

SO: On treatment for moderate URI BAR, trilling and rubbing cheek on litter box. Reported to have eaten all food in kennel in AM eent: eyes clear, dried mucoid nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: URI moderate P: continue current treatment plan

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of Intake: 4/8/2026

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

Basic Information:: Lucy is a 5 year old female DSH. Owner is surrendering due to Lucy not getting along with his family.

Previously lived with:: 3 adults

How is this cat around strangers?: With strangers and visitors, Lucy prefers contact on her own terms. She is also shy and timid, curious, and friendly and outgoing.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lucy was brought in with limited information on her behavior history in a home environment. Litter Box Training: Yes Previously lived with: 3 adults Behavior toward strangers: With strangers and visitors, Lucy prefers contact on her own terms. She is also shy and timid, curious, and friendly and outgoing. Bite History: Lucy has a documented history of multiple aggressive incidents, including biting and scratching, and her behavior has recently escalated to targeting all members of her household, often without clear warning. She may suddenly growl, hiss, or act erratically before charging at people, and has caused injuries such as bleeding scratches when handled. Due to these unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviors, Lucy will require a highly experienced adopter, a quiet and low-stimulation home, and ongoing professional behavioral support; she is not suitable for homes with children or individuals unable to safely manage her needs, and her adoption should be approached with careful consideration and a strong commitment to behavior management.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 4/14/26 While inside the den, she hissed and growled when petting was attempted through the side portal door with the scratcher tool, indicating stress and defensiveness. The session ended by placing treats in her kennel, which she ate once left alone. 4/18/26 Lucy was watching from a distance through the side portal door. She ignores laser light during play time. She lip licks, looking away ignoring offered treats. 4/21/26 Seems to be UTW. Crouched from on top of the den avoiding contact, watching laser light throughout the interaction. 4/26/26 FB73 Lucy is in her den, body tense and low growling as the handler approaches. When petting is attempted with the scratcher tool, she leans away to avoid contact and hisses, continuing to low growl throughout the interaction. The assessor attempts to offer her a squeeze up on the tool, but she does not accept it, hissing once again. Treats are left in the kennel with her and the interaction is ended to reduce stress.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Independent

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

Potential challenges comments:: Lucy has displayed fearful behavior during their stay in the care center and has displayed distance-increasing behavior with extended handling. Fear aggression can occur when a cat perceives a threat and may escalate if they cannot escape. A fearful cat will feel more relaxed when given options, so provide her with the chance to move closer, investigate, or interact with you. Be sure to offer incentive such as treats or play time whenever the cat makes a small positive step. Please speak to an adoption counselor for additional information on methods to desensitize your cat to their fear stimulus.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Lucy is in her den, sitting upright and pressing her body into the back corner, body tense, eyes wide, and pupils dilated as the assessor approaches. When the kennel door is opened and the den cover is slowly lifted, Lucy begins hissing and low growling intensely. Petting is attempted with the scratcher tool and Lucy repeatedly swats with high intensity to avoid contact. Treats are offered but Lucy does not respond to them, continuing to swat and low growl. Interaction is ended to reduce FAS. Lucy is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. She has a bite history in her previous home and has been extremely fearful in the shelter environment. She 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. She may have a known history of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.