KNOWN HISTORY:: Whiskey was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 10/3 Upon approach Whiskey is in upper cubby towards the back. When noticing staff, he hisses and attempts to swat. Staff stands still and offers slow blinks until he calms down. Staff places Am wet in kennel, but he doesn't appear interested. Staff later returns to clean and is able to clean kennel as long as they stay lower than him in cubby. Staff blocks off cubby when having to clean near him to avoid FAS. Staff returns later; Whiskey is in upper cubby still and hisses when seeing staff. Staff introduces a wand toy, he shows no interest, preferring to stare at staff. Staff offers more slow blinks before ending interaction to avoid FAS. 10/14 Whiskey is laying in the top cubby of his kennel. As he notices the handler approaching, he quickly hissing and lunges out of his kennel as he swats. The handler remains still and he backs into the cubby. He sits with airplane ears and dilated pupils as he begins to growl. An unused litter box is used as a blocker and Whiskey smacks it hard as it covers the portal. He is heard growling as his kennel is cleaned. When the unused litter box is removed, he lunges out and swats again. He sits with his head poking out of the kennel, hissing as he looks out with airplane ears. 10/24 Whiskey is in his bed cubby as staff approaches. They do not climb up the ladder to approach him, but merely open the kennel door to check his food and water dishes. As soon as they open the kennel door, he darts out of his cubby to hiss and swat in the direction of the main door, then immediately retreats to his cubby. Staff tosses treats onto his shelf and completes their cleaning tasks. When they close the door he darts out again, hissing, with airplane ears, then immediately returns to his cubby. Staff leaves him alone so as to avoid increasing FAS even more. 11/2/26 Whiskey stays in the higher side cubby when the staff member approaches. Whiskey maintains airplane ears and a tense posture. Whiskey hisses at the staff member and lunges when they climb the ladder. The staff member does not approach whiskey. The staff member swaps out the litter box and adds food and water into the bowls in the main area below Whiskey. The interaction ends there.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Whiskey 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 him 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:: 10/26: Whiskey is laying by the portal of the cubby. He has airplane ears and dilated pupils. As the assessor greets him, he lunges forward and hisses before retreating back into the cubby. The assessor slow blinks at him and he stares back. A scratcher tool is extended out to him and he leans forward to sniff it. The tool is rested in front of him and he sniffs again. As the tool is lifted and reaches out to pet him, Whiskey smacks the tool hard multiple times. He hisses and growls. Whiskey has airplane ears and backs up into his cubby, making himself no longer visible. His growl can still be heard. 9/26: Whiskey is laying towards the middle of the cubby. He has airplane ears and dilated pupils as the assessor approaches. They give him slow blinks before extending out a scratcher tool with a small amount of squeeze up on it. He does not interact. The tool is then used to pet on top of his head, his cheek, and along his body. Whiskey tolerates the pets, remaining still, before pushing himself to the back of the cubby. He then turns his face into the linens. Whiskey tolerates attention and petting but may be fearful or stressed in the shelter, and may be intimidated by small children. He may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to his new home. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, adult only home.