Animal Profile

Winter is on the at-risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. She has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to her stress levels, it is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Winter is now beginning to accept treats and she has responded positively to gabapentin.

You may know me from such films as...

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. Winter is on the at-risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. She has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to her stress levels, it is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Winter is now beginning to accept treats and she has responded positively to gabapentin. Winter has displayed fearful behavior during their stay in the care center and has displayed distance-increasing behavior with extended handling before making major improvements after working with the behavior team. She has a history of a fear-based behavior incident that occurred in her previous home, which should be discussed with an adoption counsellor and taken into account when considering adopting Winter. A fearful cat will feel more relaxed when given options, she will likely require allowing her to lead interactions, and providing her with the chance to move closer, investigate, or interact with you. Winter would do best in a single-pet, Adult-Only home. A volunteer writes: Please see Winter with any questions, comments, and concerns regarding scheduling, policy, and programming. She's been here since March but that's not why she's been fast tracked to upper management. It's her skills! For consideration and approval, Winter utilizes a rigorous process that only she understands and because task delegation hasn't been a priority (please don't tell her I said that) we've been left trying to parse out the details. Winter knows who she is and we celebrate her confident stride, but just because she's a picture of self assuredness and leadership, doesn't mean shelter life has been exactly easy for her. We know Winter likes to be the one to make decisions but the Care Center doesn't always have a lot of opportunities for that. We don't know that much about her life before, but Winter isn't a fan of other cats and is hoping her next role will be supervising a family.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 9.72 lbs

Medical Notes

3/23/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~5-7 years based on dentition / condition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Subjective: Prior to sedation - BAR pink moist mm at distance, NATA CRT DT BEHAVIOR Observed Behavior - Offensive aggression in den - lunging, spitting, hissing, yowling, claws out Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = WNL (sedated) R = WNL (sedated) BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild gingivitis and staining, mild calculus of caudal dentition - LIMITED ORAL EXAM DT BEHAVIOR PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic, negative ITC ABD: Soft, nonpainful, no masses palpated U/G: Female - appears intact no tattoo or spay scar MSI: PRIOR TO SEDATION - Ambulatory x 4, full orthopedic exam not performed. Minimal frank blood at nail beds (self induced), no active bleeding INT: Healthy hair coat, no masses noted, no ectoparasites seen CNS: PRIOR TO SEDATION - mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Wood's Lamp Exam: Not performed Assessment: HIGH FAS Overconditioned Mild dental disease Otherwise apparently healthy FI mature adult DSH Prognosis: Good Plan: SEDATED INTAKE Dexmedetomidine 0.11mL, butorphanol 0.11mL, and ketamine 0.12mL all given IM --> P still lunging / vocalizing after 15min Top up --> Dexmedetomidine 0.03mL, butorphanol 0.03mL, and ketamine 0.06mL all given IM. Light sedation achieved (lateral but still growling / mild movement of limbs / tense jaw), still needed to examine P in net. Reversed with 0.14mL antisedan IM - P sternal prior to leaving exam room Schedule pyrantel in food OK for appropriate intake tasks ADD Gabapentin 100mg (~22mg/kg) PO BID TFN (start tomorrow) SURGERY: Okay for surgery

3/30/2026

On 03/30/26 at approximately 7:30 am, I examined Winter 250119. She has appropriate mentation at this time with no neurologic signs present, and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at ACC.

3/31/2026

Rabies vax administered. // Completed

4/1/2026

Pre-Op Exam S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort ABD: Moderate distention with enlarged tubular structure palpated, region within that palpates firm - remainder palpates as soft tissue vs fluid MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no notable lameness CNS: Mentation appropriate Lat AXR: enlarged soft tissue tubular structure at caudoventral abdomen consistent with enlarged/distended uterine horns A: Suspect pregnancy vs pyometra vs other P: Spay today SURGERY: Okay for surgery

4/1/2026

Feline OVH Ventral Midline Incision - distended, dark, fluid filled uterine horns with focal region with firm contents (approx 6cm x 3cm) Ovaries Ligated with: Pedicle ties Uterine Body Ligated with: 3-0 PDS miller’s knot and 3-0 PDS surgeon's knot Abdominal Closure: 3-0 PDS simple continuous Subcutaneous Closure: 3-0 PDS simple continuous Skin Closure: 3-0 PDS intradermal, skin glue Green Linear Tattoo Placed Surgeon: 1438 Additional Comments: Smooth recovery **After waiting 30 minutes, uterine horns incised revealing copious dark fluid with abnormal fetal tissue - ro mummified/necrotic fetus

4/2/2026

[Post Surgical Exam] Attitude/demeanor: QAR, laying in den Appetite: Appears to be eating well C/S/V/D: None reported/seen Incision site: No swelling, bruising, or bleeding noticed/noted; sutures appear intact. There is some red bruising on the skin surrounding the incision area. Pain level: Appears to be comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: None reported/seen Additional notes: Red bruising seen on the skin surrounding incision site, sutures appear to be still intact. Alerted DVM/rounds specialist. -992230

4/8/2026

[Post Surgical Exam] Attitude/demeanor: QAR Appetite: eating well C/S/V/D: none Incision site: no swelling, bruising, or bleeding; sutures appear intact Pain level: appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no

4/15/2026

Progress exam – URI signs noted on rounds S/O: BAR, sneezing reported, no c/v/d noted. EENT: Eyes clear, mild serous nasal discharge noted H/L: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort CNS: Mentation appropriate A: URI - mild P: Start fortiflora PO SID x 7 days Monitor in place, placed UTW sign and appetite log Recheck in 10 days +/- doxy and move to iso if URI progressing CTM while at QACC

4/18/2026

URI day 3: P is eating well (AS2-3), BAR, no c/s/v/d noted or reported. No visible nasal discharge. Mild serous discharge OU. *CTM on rounds. Recheck day 10 to clear

4/29/2026

Progress exam: URI day 10 recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. AS:3 empty bowl noted Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -URI signage removed from kennel -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 5. Red

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

KNOWN HISTORY:: Winter has been in the home for 4 years and is about 10 years old. For the 4 years, Winter was fine. Something triggered Winter that lead to the surrender. Client is unsure what it was. Lived Indoors Previously lived with: Adults, children Behavior toward strangers: Winter was fine with visitors until the cat met the owners brother. Behavior toward children: Has lived with previous family for about 4 years and has been fine with the children. Behavior toward cats: No history. Behavior toward dogs: No history. Bite or Scratch history: Yes. On 3/20/26, Winter was smelling the toddlers shoes in the house, when owner's sibling (the victim) went to pick them up, Winter attacked him. Anyone who went near her after that she would swat hiss and attack any part of their body she could, though she only caused injuries to one person. Litter box training: No issues with litter box. Energy level/descriptors: Low energy level. Other notes: Winter allows to be pet but does not like to be picked up. Winter likes dry food and places with cat nip toys.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 3/26/26 FB61 In cat den upon approach, body and face tense. She pokes her cute head out to watch me as I use the wand toy as visual enrichment. She watches it with alert eyes and a softer expression. She hisses and retreats when I place treats and a catnip toy into her den. She is curious but scared and easily overwhelmed at this time. 4/4/26 FB79 Inside of her den, pretty lady Winter gets startled when i open the kennel door; she is perched with her paws tucked and forward ears but started to shift herself back as i spoke to her. She didn't tolerate any petting as she kept ducking and dodging the tool when i attempted petting. 04/06/26 FB61 In cat den upon approach, body neutral with her ears forward and her face relaxed. She sits upright and eats the treats offered immediately. I spend the remainder of the session clicking and rewarding each time she takes a step towards me. She eats all the treats during our clicker training session and she does not try to swat or hiss at any point during our interaction. 4/8/26 FB58 Laying outside den and at the front of the cage with a slightly tense face and body, eyes wide. I offer her some squeeze up in the cubby area and she steps forward to eat, tolerating some pets along her head and shoulders with the scratcher tool. At times she pauses to look over her shoulder with a tense body but goes back to eating when I pause. 4/16/26 FB61 Standing in front of kennel, body and face relaxed with her ears forward. She chatters at me as I open the kennel door and I spend the session clicking and rewarding each time she allows a pet on the head! She remained calm and watched me curiously for the duration of time I'm in the room. She chatters and vocalizes at me whenever I pass her kennel, her body and face soft. Did great today! 4/20/26 FB79 At the front of the kennel, Winter is sitting with a neutral body and soft almond eyes; she meows when i approach the kennel and slow blinks as i speak to her a little. When i open the kennel door she leans forward to look out of the kennel and when i reach my hand out she sniffs and pulls back. When i use the tool she leaned in and lowered her head accepting pets on her head and leaning into cheek rubs. 4/26/26 FB79 At the front of the kennel, Winter lays with her body relaxed and her face neutral; she leaned in immediately when a tray of treats were placed in front of her and started to enjoy with a mid level tail. She accepted all pets all over her head, cheeks as well as on her back/body and she allowed me to pick her up and place her back in kennel, twice, with no issues. 4/27/26 FB61 Winter no longer needs daily interactions to help with socialization.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Social,Sweet,People oriented,Curious,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,Uncomfortable with pick up,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Please see relevant behavior flyers. Winter has displayed fearful behavior during their stay in the care center and has displayed distance-increasing behavior with extended handling. Winter also has a bite/scratch history. The behavior team does not at this time have enough information to determine what the trigger may have been, however 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 her 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. Winter was reported by her previous owner to dislike being picked up. She has also been noted in shelter on various occasions to escalate quickly both during kennel cleaning as well as when hearing vocalizations from other cats. After escalating for these triggers, it can take her some time to settle back down. Clients should be counselled significantly on her bite/scratch incident and the limited capacity the behavior team has to determine the true trigger for the sudden change in her demeanor and escalation to her scratching the owner's brother and remaining at such an elevated level of fear, where she was redirecting onto anyone that approached.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3

RECOMMENDATIONS:: No other cats OR multi-cat home with adopters experienced with introducing new cats,Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Although Winter has previously lived with children and was noted to be fine with them, due to the nature of her previous bite/scratch incident in which she scratched after she was sniffing the toddler's shoes - the behavior team recommends she goes to an adult-only home. Winter has been repeatedly observed to escalate when she hears/sees other cats in the room during kennel cleanings. Although the behavior team cannot predict if these behaviors are shelter-specific, the behavior team is recommending that Winter goes to a single-pet home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 3/28/26 Before the kennel cover is lifted, Winter is heard lunging and striking the kennel door and growling. When the cover is lifted, Winter is crouched at front of the kennel with flattened ears and dilated eyes. She hisses harshly. Winter lunges forward at the scratcher tool with treats and hard swats it. The scratcher tool is held still and Winter sniffs it. After a few seconds she looks back up at the assessor and resumes growling. When the tool is moved, she hard swats again. The tool is removed and interaction ended. 4/28/26 Winter has made significant improvements in her behavior since arriving at the shelter immediately after her bite/scratch incident in the home. She arrived in a highly fearful and defensively aroused state which made any handling or interactions very difficult. With time, Winter has warmed up to staff and to interactions with some sensitivity to her environment (hearing other cats stress vocalize), as well as having her cage cleaned. For some time, there was a level of unpredictability to Winter's level of sensitivity to her surroundings as well as to how long she would remain at an escalated state. As of late, she has seemed to remain more relaxed and social, soliciting attention and accepting pets, less reactive to surroundings, and most recently tolerating being picked up by behavior staff. Upon meeting with her again, Winter is sitting at the front of her cage with a neutral face and body, ears forward, and a loose tail. When the cubby door is opened, she walks over and sniffs the hand offered, leaning into all pets and accepting touch along her head, cheeks, and along her back with her tail raised. Pick up was not attempted at the time of her re-evaluation but she had recently allowed behavior staff to pick her up. Winter has displayed fearful behavior during their stay in the care center and has displayed distance-increasing behavior with extended handling before making major improvements after working with the behavior team. She has a history of a fear-based behavior incident that occurred in her previous home, which should be discussed with an adoption counsellor and taken into account when considering adopting Winter. A fearful cat will feel more relaxed when given options, she will likely require allowing her to lead interactions, and providing her with the chance to move closer, investigate, or interact with you. Winter would do best in a single-pet, Adult-Only home.