Animal Profile

Garfield Theodore 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. He is extremely intelligent and high energy, and needs to expend energy constructively with interactive play sessions 3-4X/day. 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, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. 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.

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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. 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 Garfield Theodore 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. He is extremely intelligent and high energy, and needs to expend energy constructively with interactive play sessions 3-4X/day. 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, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. 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. A volunteer writes: Garfield Theodore sees the bigger picture, so if you see him sitting pressed up against the door with his fur going in every direction, please just know it's part of a plan. He's an extraordinarily smart guy who feels compelled to manage several projects concurrently, so Garfield Theodore has taken on shelter life with that type of understanding exuberance. He knows he has to work a little harder to stand out so he's always trying out some new moves that he hopes might impress you. Garfield Theodore's latest is a bouncy leap onto my shoulders. Making himself big and tall, he gave me a hug and then nuzzled so emphatically I couldn't help but fall in love. He did this several times with slight variations, one time putting his whole nose into my ear but I think he was just trying to ask which one I think his forever family will most like. A life of the party cat who loves to be in the mix, Garfield Theodore's looking to find an experienced cat family who will provide cat projects for him to preside over and a forever family to love.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 11 lbs

Medical Notes

4/5/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~2-4 years based on dentition / condition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: DOH-B Subjective: Prior to sedation - BAR pink moist mm, CRT <2s Observed Behavior - Initially friendly in kennel but then became overstimulated bolted out hissing and spitting - able to catch with clamp --> sedated for safety Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = WNL (sedated) R = WNL (sedated) BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild staining of dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2s, Lungs clear, eupneic, negative ITC ABD: Soft, nonpainful, no masses palpated U/G: Male - intact, two symmetrical scrotal testicles MSI: Prior to sedation - Ambulatory x 4, full orthopedic exam not performed 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 Apparently healthy MI young adult DSH Prognosis: Good Plan: SEDATED --> dexmedetomidine 0.1mL, butorphanol 0.1mL, ketamine 0.1mL IM in R epaxial --> moderate sedation achieved Antisedan 0.1mL IM for reversal --> P sternal prior to leaving exam room OK for appropriate intake tasks ADD Gabapentin 100mg (~20mg/kg) PO BID TFN

4/11/2026

Piles of vomit/bile noted in kennel & on rounds board. QBAR (backed away when approached, started to hypersalivate), untouched dry food & HVT today (offered wet food). No c/s/d. -Per 1438 give LRS SQ & Cerenia 1mg/kg once. -DVM recheck 4/12

4/12/2026

Brief progress exam S: QAR - friendly, soliciting attention, leans into cheek scratches pink moist mm no c/s/v/d reported fair appetite for wet food When letting P sniff stethoscope P began to hypersalivate and gagged x4 and ran to other side of kennel. O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge. Oral: Limited due to behavior - moderate ptyalism after sniffing stethoscope but none noted beforehand. L: Eupneic at distance MSI: Ambulatory x4 NEURO: Normal mentation A: HX V/A - improving Nausea persists r/o stress vs other P: CTM in ICU EXTEND Cerenia 5mg (~1mg/kg) SQ SID --> 4/14 DVM recheck V/A 4/14 - if nausea persists consider BW/abdominal imaging

4/13/2026

On 04/13/26 at approximately 7:30 am, I examimed Garfield Theodore 251241. He has appropriate mentation at this time with no neurologic signs present, and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at ACC.

4/14/2026

Rabies vaccine given in LFL. // Completed

4/14/2026

Progress exam S: BAR - at front of kennel soliciting attention no c/s/v/d reported great appetite for wet food O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge. Oral: No ptyalism at distance L: Eupneic at distance MSI: Ambulatory x4 NEURO: Normal mentation A: V/A - resolved P: Neuter scheduled tomorrow 4/15 and P due to be reclaimed. If P still in shelter post neuter OK to move to gen pop. CTM while at QACC

4/15/2026

Pre-Op Exam, cageside S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort ABD: No obvious distention MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no notable lameness CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Appears to be suitable candidate for anesthesia, ASA status I P: Accepted for surgery - spay/neuter today 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: 990665 Additional Note:

4/16/2026

[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 Additional notes: None

4/19/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: Stray Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - Tense body for exam Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = 160 R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Soft, nonpainful, no masses palpated U/G: Male neutered MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally Assessment: Apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: ok for adoption Surgery Already neutered

4/29/2026

SO: Due for release from rabies observation BAR, laying at front of kennel, appears to have eaten most wet food in kennel eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate, no neurological deficits appreciated at this time A: no clinical signs of rabies appreciated P: Patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurologic signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at MACC.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake Garfield was transferred from Carrier to Den without issue. No further handling was done by staff.

Date of Intake: 4/4/2026

KNOWN HISTORY:: Garfield Theodore was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment. **There is a bite/scratch history** While two strangers were in the home, Garfield Theodore started to rub up against owner's legs while meowing. He suddenly jumped up, biting and scratching their left arm, head, right finger, and left ankle. All bites broke skin and drew blood. Owner believes the cat was overwhelmed and overstimulated by the two strangers in the home. Owner called the cops to have the cat removed from the home and sought medical attention. The morning on 4/19 the owner stated that Garfield T. jumped up out of nowhere and attacked her around the face. She locked herself in a room and called the police. It's unknown if the victim got medical attention. Upon intake Garfield was transferred from Carrier to Den without issue. No further handling was done by staff.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: PRIOR ASSESSMENT 4/11/26 Upon approach, Garfield Theodore was lying at the back of the kennel, his eyes and face were neutral, ears forward, tail curled next to his body and his front paws tucked under. As the kennel door opened, he turned his head and looked at the assessor. Slowly offering him the scratcher, he gently sniffed. As petting was attempted, he tolerated head pets as he ducked his head to avoid touch. When the scratcher was passed along his back, he squirmed and the fur rippled. He began to lip lick but could have possibly been due to being under the weather. The assessor then offered their hand, which he had no interest. He allowed some head pets and body pets with no reaction. No pickup was attempted at this time. 4/8/26 FB58 In his den and hidden from view - I offer the enrichment cup and he shows no interest. There is a large amount of throw up in the cage and he may not be feeling well. When I lift the den cover, he is sitting curled with a tense face and body, eyes wide and dilated. 4/21/26 FB47 Garfield Theodore is showing normal behavior and mentation. 4/25/26 FB47 Garfield Theodore was very sweet at the front, very vocal and pawed at the kennel door in a sweet way and wanted attention. Garfield Theodore is showing normal behavior and mentation. 4/26/26 FB73 Garfield Theodore is at the front of the kennel, sitting upright with his tail wrapped tightly around the base of his body, meowing at the handler as they approach. Crunchy treats and chicken breast are offered, and he leans forward to sniff them, not eating them. When petting is attempted, he tenses, hard staring at the handler. Treats are left in the kennel with him and the interaction is ended. 4/30/26 Curious by the front allowing pets head bunting against the hand. Neutral body with ears relaxed and forward. Ignores offered treats. 05/02/26 FB47 Earlier, Garfield Theodore was rolling around in the kennel, soliciting attention and being very sweet with a sweet and calm expression. When I went back to look at him, he was resting inside his den and appeared uninterested in petting or treats, but he generally seems to be sweet. 5/7/26 FB09 Garfield Theodore was laying in his kennel and slowly got up to approach when the door opened, his eyes narrow. He sniffed the treats offered to him but showed no further interest in them, instead meowing and leaning in for pets. The handler pet along his head as he continued pushing to the front, eager to get out and explore. When transitioning to pets along the back, his eyes dilated as he flinched slightly, but remained calm. His eyes narrowed again when the handler returned to gentle chin scratches. - Gave a floor scratcher which he immediately used and enjoyed. CONTINUED IN GAN

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Laid back

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Calm,Timid

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,Fearful,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Please see behavior flyers. There is a bite/scratch history, please see "Known History" for more details. His behavioral history points to a potential for overstimulation. Due to his behavioral history in his previous home, it appears that Garfield Theodore may have a low threshold for arousal. He may need extra care and a slower approach when conducting interactions in his new home.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to the behavior seen in the previous home and a multiple bite history, the behavior team feels Garfield Theodore should go to an adult only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Garfield Theodore is standing at the front of the kennel, tail held low and body slightly tense, softly meowing at the assessor as they approach. When the kennel door is opened, he leans forward to sniff the assessor's hand before gently head bunting it. He allows and leans into petting on the head, cheeks, and down his shoulders, but begins to body ripple as he is pet down his back. Treats are offered and he sniffs at them but does not show further interest. When petting is attempted once more, Garfield Theodore tenses and lip licks. Due to observed behavior pickup is not attempted. Garfield Theodore has a behavioral history that precludes placement in the adoptions room and may require further investigation before placement in a home. He has a multiple bite history in his previous home and is somewhat fearful in the shelter environment. He does solicit attention and brief petting from handlers but exhibits signs that point to a potential for overstimulation. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time. He may have a known history of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.