KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 1 adult and 2 kids Behavior toward strangers: Plays gently. Behavior toward children: Plays rough. Behavior toward cats: No experience. Behavior toward dogs: Tolerant. Bite or Scratch history: Yes, was said to have broken skin on 07/24/2024. The client reported that the cause of the incident may have been excitement as the cat was unprovoked. Litter box training: Is reported to urinate outside the litterbox or on clothing multiple times a month. Client reported they believe he does this when he does not get enough food. He does not share the litterbox with any other cats, the litter is scooped once a week, it has never been relocated and it is in an easily accessible area of the home. He can see outdoor cats from where his litterbox is located. The behavior team wants to make a note that being able to see outdoor cats is more likely to be the cause of his inappropriate elimination over his quantity of food. Energy level/descriptors: Very High Other notes: He is a very active and playful indoor cat who spends most of his time in the living room of his home playing rough and scratching on carpet or fabric surfaces. He eats both wet and dry food of various brands and is not picky with his treats. He is accustomed to having access to a covered litterbox with non-clumping litter located in the living room of his home. Displays offensive behaviors. He has never had his coat brushed, his nails trimmed or been placed in a carrier but enjoys being picked up and held despite occasionally nipping. Scratches furniture, plays rough and is said to urinate outside the litterbox. The behavior team wants to make another note here that cats do not urinate outside of their litterbox out of "spite," which is in response to the surrendering owner's assumption as recorded in Pepper's known history. This is a common belief based on the anthropomorphization of animals, however animal's do not have the same behavioral motivations as human beings and they do not act out of spite. Behavioral issues are usually caused by stress or a lack of stimulation (boredom).

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 9/11/25 FB61 Pepper was in his cat den as I approached, body and face completely hidden from View. Pepper did not come out for a catnip toy or for treats. He is new to the shelter and displaying a high level of FAS. Hopefully he will explore the offerings later, I think there is a good chance of that because he loves to play with toys as per his surrendering owner and his food bowls are empty. 9/15/25 FB79 Inside of his den, Handsome boy Pepper is curled up asleep when i lift the den cover and lifts his head with wide eyes. He yawns but remains still with his lowering back onto his paws and watches me as i toss treats into his den that he has no interest in. He also has no reaction when i use the tool to pet his head and run it down his back - sleepy boy. 9/17/25 FB58 In his den and hidden from view when I approach, but hisses as I open the cubby door quickly to offer an enrichment treat tube.He surprises me by coming out of his den a few minutes later and sitting on the shelf with a very tense face and body, eyes wide and dilated, hissing if noticed - to watch as I interact with the other cats. Later, he is sitting next to his den and I slowly approach, he hisses, and I speak to him softly as I slow blink as he softens the tiniest amount. I then slide a squeeze up under the door and offer him some and he slowly comes forward to eat the pile that was placed at the front of the cage. I click to mark him eating and he eats another tube as well! 9/20/25 FB79 Pepper is at the side of his den with his tail loosely wrapped around his legs and when i approach he hisses quietly but slow blinks when i speak to him. Pepper doesn't care for the treats that i toss in near him and when i bring in the tool he doesn't move while remaining still and tolerant of pets on his head and cheeks. Hes a very handsome boy and continued to slow blink while i gave him chin rubs. 9/23/25 FB61 Pepper was hunched in the back of his perch as I approached, front paws tucked neatly in front of him, eyes wide and alert, and ears forward. Pepper made eye contact with an alert expression when spoken to and he engaged with the toys offered immediately today. I did not try to pet Pepper due to high levels of FAS, Instead I chose to focus on building positive associations. By the end of our session Pepper was at the front of his kennel eating his treats. I slow blinked and spoke to him softly before ending our interaction. Pepper was much more curious and engaged today – he has potential to warm up further!  9/27/25 FB79 At the front of the kennel, Pepper has a neutral face and body when i approach but when i open the kennel door he stands and jumps to the top part of the kennel where he tucks his paws and wraps his tail as he watches me with wide eyes for any movement. I push in a tray of treats for him and when i try to pet with the tool he flinches followed by ducking and dodging the tool but did not escalate.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Rough play,Very high energy level

Potential challenges comments:: Please see behavior flyers for more information.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 4

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Rocky was in his cat den as the assessor approached, body and face completely hidden from view. Rocky did not respond when spoken to and he hissed from within his den as the kennel door opened. Rocky did not tolerate petting and he bit the assessor's hand hard as it was being placed inside his den to attempt petting. Pick up was not attempted at this time to reduce stress. Rocky is not open to interaction at this time and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. Because his previous owner reports Pepper to be affectionate, playful and as enjoying handling (being picked up) in a home environment, we believe the behavior seen in the care center is shelter-specific at this time. This cat could potentially make a great pet but is really struggling in the shelter environment. This cat is suitable for adopters with previous cat experience who are willing to work with a cat who needs time and patience to help him adjust to their new home.