Animal Profile

Jack is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats and other methods to build a positive association. 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 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. Jack is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats and other methods to build a positive association. 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 to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form What my friends at ACC say about me: I have lived with cats in my previous home. I'm an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing. I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. Hi, my name is Jack and the shelter has been a little overwhelming for me. I came from a home with many cats, who I've gotten along with well. Because I've lived in this home my entire life and have only been around one person, I have little experience with people and am hesitant of new experiences. I would enjoy living in a quiet home, preferably one with lots of vertical space so I have a place to perch and observe the room. I would also appreciate having experienced, patient adopter(s) who are willing to take things slow with me. I would benefit from socialization, using rewards whenever I make a small positive step like making eye contact, allowing petting, or sniffing your hand. I'd prefer to take things at my own pace and would appreciate some good old fashion TLC. If you can open your heart to adopt a cat like me, I'll hopefully have the confidence to come around to my new people, like you!

My medical notes are...

Weight: 7.9 lbs

Medical Notes

2/6/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3-7y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Owner surrender due to too many cats Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Tense and attempting to flee, but able to do limited exam with towel restraint Evidence of Cruelty seen -no Evidence of Neglect seen-no Evidence of Trauma seen -no Objective T = P =wnl R =wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears AU waxy, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: limited oral exam, adult dentition with minor tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male unilateral cryptorchid, possible testicle retained is in inguinal area, but not certain MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: negative Assessment ear mites unilateral cryptorchid Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks neuter new home 45mg selamectin topically SURGERY: Okay for surgery-unilateral cryptorchid-possibly inguinal but could not confirm

2/23/2026

EEN: Clear nasal discharge with some blood RESP: Eupneic A: URI mild pet is eating P: CTM

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

KNOWN HISTORY:: Jack was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment. Jack lived in a home with many other cats.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 02/07/26 PRIOR ASSESSMENT Jack is laying facing the back of his den, looking at the assessor with wide eyes, dilated pupils, and a tense body as they approach. When the kennel door is opened, he backs up, lifting a paw and facing the portal exit as if to flee. Petting is attempted with the scratcher tool and contact is able to be made on the top of his head before he runs out of the den and attempts to flee from the kennel. Interaction is ended to reduce FAS. 2/12/26 FB32 Crouched down on top of den with head and ears forward, wide eyes. When spoken to and opening the door, he steps back and curls up with rear forward and head turned around facing me. When reaching close with treat on the scratcher tool, he swats hard with force, crouches down, and flattens his ears. After pausing for a few seconds and then slowly pulling the tool away, Jack climbs down the den half way, growls, and salivates. After closing the door at the end of the interaction, he climbs back onto the den and crouches down. 2/15/26 Vol. Hiding in den, completely out of sight (but audibly sniffling). Had not come out to eat any breakfast. Made contact with tool when dropping a cup of Temptations and squeeze-up, but may have just been trying to get out of the way. Raised the den cover and was huddled at the back. Remained frozen in place when spoken to. 2/20/26 Vol. Jack was resting inside den away from the opening. He did not show interest in a feather toy, remaining out of sight and silent inside den. When offered squeeze up on scratcher tool, he briefly came to the den opening, then withdrew again quickly. Afterward he sneezed several times. 2/25/26 ACFR Jack was sitting in his litterbox when approached. He started to hiss and swat when the kennel door opened. Jack spit and strikes at the scratcher tool, eventually running into the den to avoid interacting. 2/27/26 Vol. Jack was resting inside den away from opening, out of sight. When spoken to softly, he began to low growl. When offered squeeze up on scratcher tool, he swatted in the direction of the tool but did not make contact. He continued to low growl for a few moments afterward, then sat quietly, remaining in den out of sight. 2/28/26 FB73 Jack is laying in his litter box, hissing and running into his den as the kennel door is opened. When treats are offered using the scratcher tool, Jack hisses, swatting at the tool. He is softly spoken to and low growls from inside of the den, body very tense. Interaction is ended to reduce FAS.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Shy ,Timid,Skittish,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period,Adult cat socialization

Potential challenges comments:: Jack should be given a slow introduction to the home, one room at a time starting in a small room like a bathroom with food, litter and water because behaviors seen at the Care Center [skittish, avoids contact, under socialized] strongly suggest that he will hide if allowed. Interact with him in this room until he seems sufficiently confident that you feel you can introduce him to the next part of the home without running the risk that he will hide. Please speak to an adoption counselor for additional information on methods to help introduce your cat to the home. Jack 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

Recommendations comments:: Adult only home due to fearfulness and potential to escalate.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Jack's behavior has significantly declined during the past 1 month in shelter. He used to raise a paw up and still attempts to flee; however, during the re-evaluation, Jack escalates to hissing and swatting. He was crouched down hiding in the den with a tense body and wide eyes. When reaching close to raise the front door and reach close to pet him with the scratcher tool, he skittishly retreats out, hisses with his ears flattened, and then hides back into the den sitting up with his tail wrapped tight around his body. When reaching close with the tool, he swats and hisses at the tool. When pet on the head, he swats, hisses and attempts to retreat again but is closed off. After one last attempt, he swats and hisses again with his tail and back pilo-erect. Jack 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, scratch, 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.