KNOWN HISTORY:: Indoor Cat Previously lived with: 2 Adults Behavior toward strangers: Romeo is shy, timid and will hide from strangers. Behavior toward children: No experience. Behavior toward cats: No experience. Behavior toward dogs: No experience. Bite or Scratch history: There is a bite history. Litter box training: He had access to a covered litter box with a liner. He used scented, clumping, litter. Energy level/descriptors: High Other notes: He is a talkative, active, playful cat, who prefers contact on his own terms. He likes to watch from a far. He spends most of his time in the kitchen, in the bedroom, and at the window. He plays rough (bites skin). He likes to chase, stalk, and pounce on toys and feet. He loves toys that crinkle, and will chase bugs. In his previous home he received interactive play twice a day. He likes to scratch vertical scratching posts, and cardboard. He eats Iams and Fancy Feast wet and dry food. He loves temptations treats. During intakes the cat was hissing, growling and swatting at the staff through the soft carrier. Staff used bite gloves and coaxed the cat into the den with out making contact. The cat was hissing, swatting and growling the entire transfer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 2 Adults Behavior toward strangers: Romeo is shy, timid and will hide from strangers. Behavior toward children: Romeo will hiss and growl at children. Behavior toward cats: Unknown. Behavior toward dogs: Unknown. Bite or Scratch history: The cat has bit a person when they walked by at random, the bite did not break skin. Litter box training: Had access to one litter box in the home that is covered located in the bathroom. Energy level/descriptors: Medium. Other notes: Romeo prefers contact on his own terms. He likes to watch from a far. He loves looking out the window and playing with the birds that fly by. He likes to sleep. Romeo will hiss, swat and growl while getting his nails done, picked up, placed in a carrier or being brushed.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 7/19/24 FB1261 In cat den upon approach, completely hidden from view. He does not come out of his den when offered treats or a catnip toy. Hopefully he explores the offerings later when he has more privacy. 7/30/24 FB1261 In cat den upon approach, completely hidden from view. He does not come out when offered treats or a catnip toy. I speak to him softly before ending the session... hopefully he explores the offerings later when he feels more comfortable. 8/6/24 FB1261 In cat den upon approach, body and face completely hidden from view. I lift the cage cover and see him in a loaf position. He does not respond to treats or a catnip toy and prefers to remain hidden at this time. Does not appear to be too interested in hands-on interaction yet, needs more time. 11/6/25 FB20 In den, approach and lift cover and hear low growling. When I extend a scratcher tool with squeeze up, Romeo's paw reaches out of the den and he swats hard, hissing. The tool is removed. 11/12/25 FB58 In his den and hisses and growls when the cage door is opened. When I reach out and close the den portal, he quickly reaches out to swat hard as he feels the door move. I take some time to clean his cage and then leave some treats for him to eat. He hisses and swats hard again when I open the den door. 11/17/25 FB61 Sitting upright in front of kennel, body and face tense with his tail wrapped around his body. Romeo made eye contact when spoken to and he hissed when I offered some squeeze-ups and a catnip sock. Romeo remains focused on me with flattened ears until I close the kennel door. When I check on him later I see the treats have been eaten.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,Very high energy level,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: See relevant behavior flyers. Romeo was reported by his owner to escalate quickly while seeking veterinary care, and required needing to be sedated before exams.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Romeo does not tolerate attention or petting and 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.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 7/14/24 Inside his den out of sight, Romeo begins to low growl/grumble as he hears the assessor unlock his kennel; he hisses loudly when the scratcher tool is slowly brought closer in attempt to pet him inside the den but he swats harshly and strikes the tool with force. He peaks his head out of the den and watches the assessor with dilated eyes. When the tool is once again brought closer to him he swats and strikes the tool with force multiple times and he fully retreats into the den; Romeo continues to hiss, grumble and swat at the tool from inside his den when it is brought closer in attempt to pet him. Pick up was not attempted. 11/04/25 FB06 Upon approach, Romeo was tucked inside his den out of view. As the assessor opened the kennel door, Romeo remained inside his den low growling. Offering the scratcher tool with crunchy treats on it, Romeo swatted two times, striking the scratcher with force. Making another attempt using squeeze up on the scratcher, Romeo again swatted with force striking the scratcher while he continuously growled and hissed from inside the den. Pick up was not attempted. Romeo 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 and 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.