Animal Profile

Ernie 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 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. Ernie 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 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. What my friends at ACC say about me: I prefer to call the shots and enjoy coming to you when I'm ready for pets. I am looking for a home with a patient person. I have medical needs that staff will address with you when you meet me. A volunteer writes: It's summertime but Ernie needs all that beautiful fluff to protect his heart, which is maybe a little broken at the moment. Of course it will mend with time, patience, and love but Ernie was found alone in a building staircase and when help arrived for him, he ran upstairs. Reading that gave me pause because not having a place to go and then not knowing where to turn is terribly isolating and not something we wish on anyone, especially a senior like Ernie. When I went to pet Ernie, his curiosity got the best of him and he leaned forward to sniff my hand. I petted him a couple of times but there's just too much going on - a chatty neighbor, an opening door, a dog in the hallway, and all of it serves to suddenly remind Ernie where he is. He thought better of his forwardness and subsequently retreated but we'll keep trying. I know Ernie doesn't love the Care Center and that's ok we understand, we only want to help him get to where he needs to be. Maybe that will be with you?

My medical notes are...

Weight: 11.5 lbs

Medical Notes

5/20/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 10 to 12 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Stray Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Growling and biting at rod when trying to guide him into den. Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P = 160 R = WNL BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Severe tartar, gingivitis and gingival recession. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male intact MSI: Large matts on caudal dorsum. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally chem cbc t4 HCT 29% slightly low Retics 9.9k wnl Neuts 14k sl elevated BG 180 sl high r/o stress BUN 18 wnl Creat 1.3 wnl SDMA 6 wnl Na 168 sl high Globulin 5.3 g/dl sl high Liver values wnl T4 1.3 ug/dl wnl Assessment Periodontal disease stage 3/4 Overweight Matted with ammonia smell on coat Mild dehydration Prognosis: Good Plan: Sedated with DKT feline pre-mix 0.6 ml IM (Dexdomitor 0.5mg/ml 0.0125mg/kg + ketamine 100mg/ml 5mg/kg + Butorphanol 10mg/ml 0.25 mg/kg) IM Intake tasks LRS 150 mls SQ UA via cystocentesis to lab o/n. Urine was yellow, turbid. Shaved matts Advise dental cleaning with radiographs. Antisedan 0.08 ml IM SURGERY: Okay for surgery

5/22/2025

Urinalysis at lab usg 1.048 urine protein 3+ blood 3+ RBC >100/hpf Consider collecting voided urine sample to see if blood is persistent or if from collection method protein likely due to hematuria

5/28/2025

Pre-Op Exam S: BAR, in front of kennel + hissing O: cage side exam only EENT- Eyes clear, no apparent nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L- Eupneic, no coughing/sneezing or audible congestion MSK/i- Ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat UG- Intact male, 2 scrotal testes Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Appears to be a good anesthetic candidate P: Neuter today

5/28/2025

Surgery - Cat Neuter Was this cat a Cryptorchid? No Routine Feline Neuter Self tie of spermatic cord Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2172

5/28/2025

Feline neuter performed by Vet: 2172 Patient anesthesia form uploaded to Shelter Buddy in Vet Documents. Pain managements: Simbadol 1.8 mg/ml Injection- 0.8 ml was given pre-SX as a onetime dose for pain management. Onsior 20 mg/ml Injection- 0.6 ml was given post-op as a onetime dose for pain management.

6/1/2025

DVM Intake Exam: Hx: has not been doing well; not eating or drinking; lethargy; weight loss; trial adoption return Subjective: QAR DH pink Observed Behavior - quiet; easily examined Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Evidence of Trauma seen - No Objective P = 200hr R = 40rr BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: NSF PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MC MSI: Ambulatory x 4, soiled fur on abdomen and hind area; dorsal muscle wasting CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment Geriatric cat with poor appetite and weight loss Prognosis: Guarded Plan: appropriate procedures blood work pending

6/2/2025

Issue List: - anorexia - weight loss blood work results- nsf QAR did not eat food this morning EENT: no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: eupneic PLN: WNL U/G: MC MSI: Ambulatory x 4, dorsal muscle wasting CNS: Mentation quiet - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A) senior cat with anorexia and weight loss intial blood results inconclusive P) sedation and chest and abdominal rads- scheduled

6/4/2025

Progress exam S/O: Both wet food trays eaten in kennel. QAR in kennel; hiding and tense in den. Eupneic. No ocular or nasal discharge. A: Hx hyporexia, weight loss Good appetite yesterday Overweight - at risk of hepatic lipidosis P: Start supportive care -LRS 100ml SQ q24h x 2 days -Vitamin B12 0.25ml SQ once -Cerenia 0.5ml (1mg/kg) once *CTM on rounds, appetite recheck in 2 days

6/6/2025

Brief recheck Patient noted to be eating AS 1 (excellent) Empty food bowls in kennel A. Anorexia - resolving, suspect associated with stress P. Continue to monitor appetite Appears to have been placed

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

KNOWN HISTORY:: Ernie was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on his behavior history in a home environment.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 5/23/25 FB26 Perched tightly on his den, appearing alert and wary. When approached, he retreats from the scratching tool and reacts defensively, hissing and giving soft swats when someone tries to pet him. Prior assessment on 5/21/25: Ernie was resting in his den upon approach, alert with wide eyes. He slowly poked his head out but hissed when spoken to. He sniffed the scratcher tool, then gradually retreated. He ignored offered treats but allowed brief petting along his body through the side portal, remaining stiff and low growling throughout the assessment.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Mellow

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Calm,Sweet,Curious,Skittish,Independent

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

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Ernie was resting on top of the den and became alert with neutral eyes upon approach. He initially welcomed interaction, head-bunting and body-rolling against the scratcher tool. However, he later air swatted and, during a second attempt with the assess-a-hand, he allowed some petting but intermittently soft swatted it. He remained wary throughout, though he continued to head-bunt at times and ate offered treats. Ernie tolerates attention and petting but appears fearful or stressed in the shelter. He may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to his new home. We recommend this cat go to a home with experienced cat parents. Due to the behavior shown, he may not be a great fit for young children. Any home with older children prepared to adopt this cat should conduct a thorough interaction and endeavor to monitor this cat around their children to prevent these behaviors from being reinforced.