Ezra
Hello, my name is Ezra. My animal id is #226710. I am a desexed male orange tabby cat at the Staten Island Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 5 years 1 months old.
I came into the shelter as a stray on 5/9/2025.
Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.
Pre-Screener FormEzra is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. In addition to playtime, this cat would also benefit from mental exercise from activities such as puzzle toys/games, lick mats, or clicker training. Without providing activity for his mind and body, the cat may react with rough play, that has resulted in bite/scratch incidents that broke skin. 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 feline body language, overstimulation, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid further bite/scratch incidents.
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. Ezra is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. In addition to playtime, this cat would also benefit from mental exercise from activities such as puzzle toys/games, lick mats, or clicker training. Without providing activity for his mind and body, the cat may react with rough play, which has resulted in bite/scratch incidents that broke skin. 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 feline body language, overstimulation, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid further bite/scratch incidents. Due to the detailed behavior issues, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out the pre-screener form. This animal is not directly available for adoption through ACC and is only available by completing the pre-screener form.Adoption inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I love getting pets and - you guessed it - snuggles! Ezra is a calm, affectionate cat who thrives on gentle attention and companionship. His easygoing nature and sweet personality make him a perfect match for almost any home. If you're looking for a loving feline friend to share quiet moments and cozy companionship, Ezra may be the one for you.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 8.5 lbs
5/10/2025
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4-7 yrs Microchip noted on Intake? Negative scan History: Stray Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - Tense towards end of PE/treatments, otherwise friendly allowed all handling Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective P = 200 R = wnl BCS 3/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild gingivitis, fx 106 PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: M/I, 2 testicles descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Mild gingivitis, mildly underconditioned Prognosis: Good Plan: -Intake tasks -Neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery
5/21/2025
Patient observed in kennel. Appears BAR, mentally appropriate, and neurologically normal. No clinical signs of Rabies exhibited.
5/27/2025
Patient observed in kennel. Appears BAR, mentally appropriate, and neurologically normal. No clinical signs of Rabies exhibited.
6/3/2025
[Surgery Template - Cat Neuter] Was this cat a Cryptorchid? no If so, describe surgical process: Routine Feline Neuter Self tie of spermatic cord Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2373 Additional Note: chin dermatitis noted, clean w/ chlorhexidine soak
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
KNOWN HISTORY:: Ezra was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on his behavior history in a home environment.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 05.17.2025 Ezra was laying in the cubby of his kennel upon arrival. He lifts his head and leans forward to sniff staff's hand and allows light petting on the neck. Without warning, Ezra swats at staffs hand, latching claw on to sleeve and hisses. He then begins to charge as if to bite. Staff was able to remove arm from cubby before Ezra could make contact. Ezra hissed again as cubby door was closed. Ezra was seen lip licking and stress meowing directly after, but then quickly began to roll over on his back and rub his neck against edges of the kennel. 5/10/25: Ezra was laying in the back of his kennel upon arrival. He lifts his head and leans forward to sniff staff's hand, but does not move or react to his kennel being tended to. Ezra watches staff's movements before lowering his head again and begins to fall asleep. Treats are left for him to enjoy later. 5/23/25: Ezra was laying in the front of his kennel upon arrival. He watches staff as his kennel is tended to, with neutral posture. Ezra sniffs staff's hand and takes treats that are offered at the end of the interaction. 6/1/25: Ezra is laying at the back of his kennel, with neutral posture and round eyes. He follows staff's movements, back and forth through the portal. Ezra suddenly swats at staff when they reach for his food bowl, then he backs away. He tries to come close to staff several times throughout the interaction, but would evade contact. Treats are offered, but he does not immediately eat them. 6/9/25: Ezra is laying in the back of his kennel upon arrival. He quickly gets up and begins following staff's movements, back and forth through the portal and around the kennel. He moves freely, with neutral body language as cleaning procedures are completed. Treats are offered and he extends his paw slowly through the kennel door at the end of the interaction.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Mellow
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Social,Sweet,Affectionate,Easy going,Curious,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Pet-induced aggression,Other,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: Pet-induced aggression: Initially Ezra solicits petting and attention, but after a few soft passes over the body he begins to swat with nails extended and attempts to bite at the assessor. This may be a sign of petting-induced aggression, where repeated physical contact results in discomfort for the cat, or it may be a sign of overstimulation. As a result of this observed behavior we recommend adopters who are familiar with signs of behavioral arousal and agitation in cats, so that interactions can be ended before Ezra becomes reactive. Treats should be used to reward appropriate responses to physical attention. Bite history: Ezra was involved in a bite/scratch incident while at the care center that broke skin. While performing morning cleaning duties, staff member entered the kennel to remove Ezra's food and water bowls. As they did so, Ezra emerged from his cubby to investigate. When staff member reached out to gently pet his head and as they began to withdraw their hand, Ezra unexpectedly bit they on the right hand.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only
RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Ezra is in the back of his kennel with neutral body. The door is opened and a finger is extended, he moves away through porthole and begins to rub his head against scratch pad. Assessor taps on the kennel floor coaxing his back over. He pokes his head through porthole and begins to lip lick. He slowly walks over to investigate. Assessor briefly pets his chin and he slowly lifts his paw and swats at hand ripping gloves but not breaking skin. He attempts to swat again as the door is being closed. Ezra is lying in the back of his kennel with soft eyes. A finger is extended to greet him, he leans in to investigate. He leans in to petting on his head and down his back remaining still. He continues leaning into pets and begins to head bump. he is calm while being picked up and placed back down, headbutting for pets again. Ezra 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 and bite while during is stay in the care center. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time.