Animal Profile

Chessboard 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.

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. Chessboard 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. 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 have potential behavior challenges that staff will address with you when you meet me. I love to be loved, but on my own terms! Let's brush up on some feline body language together! I am looking for a home with a patient person. I would do best in a home without very tiny humans, although I could be open to older human children once I meet them. I will need daily physical activity to keep me healthy and happy! A volunteer writes: Chessboard prides himself on being an expert communicator and that's mostly due to his love of exclamation points. Everything Chessboard does comes with an exclamation point lovingly and enthusiastically placed there himself. If he's napping, he's pushing off with his back paws to glide into the arms of whoever opened the door. If he's nuzzling, he's using his whole body to do it. The exclamation points are his bit of flair allowing him to stand out in a busy shelter and model his skills. In Chessboard's own way, he is really good but a cat like Chessboard has a tendency to start conversations in the middle and expect that everyone else is following along. Chessboard was found alone in an apartment and so we don't know much about what his world looked like before, but we do know shelter life has come with its expected ups and downs. Still Chessboard keeps searching to find a patient family who will listen to his kitty pronouncements with the wonder and joy he gives them with.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 10.5 lbs

Medical Notes

8/27/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-5y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Found as stray cat on 7th floor of building. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - In kennel head bunting kennel door and intermittently hissing. Once in den hissing, growling and striking at den door. Elected sedation to reduce FAS and allow for safe handling Evidence of Cruelty seen -no Objective T = P =wnl R =wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: adult dentition with minor tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact, 2 scrotal testes 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: not performed Assessment apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: Sedate using 0.1ml dexmedetomidine 500mcg/ml, 0.1ml ketamine 100mg/ml, 0.1ml butorphanol 10mg/ml IM provided light, but adequate sedation intake tasks neuter new home 0.1ml antisedan IM SURGERY: Okay for surgery

8/30/2026

Behavior staff requesting behavior modification medication due to FAS. P not currently on any behavior modification medications. ADD Gabapentin 100mg PO BID TFN

9/2/2026

EEN: No ocular or nasal discharge RESP: Eupneic MSI: Ambul x 4 NEURO: Grooming himself. QAR A: Apparently well Plan Await DOHB quarantine

9/9/2026

S: QARH - on top of den O: EENT: Mild ocular, no nasal discharge, corneas clear LUNG: Eupneic at distance MSK: Ambulatory x4 INT: Healthy haircoat at distance CNS: Appropriate mentation A/P: SQ Fluids 100ml once Vit B12 0.25ml SQ

9/11/2026

S: BARH - at front of kennel soliciting attention pink moist mm at distance no v/d reported Decreased appetite O: EENT: No ocular discharge, moderate mucpurulent nasal discharge, corneas clear. Visually tracking with no nystagmus Oral: No ptyalism, pink moist mm at distance MSK: Ambulatory x4 NEURO: Normal mentation, no ataxia A/P: URI - moderate P is not showing any neurologic symptoms or signs of rabies at this time and is released from rabies observation. Doxycycline 0.5mL (~10mg/kg) PO SID x10d LRS 100mL SQ SID x3d Cerenia 0.5ml SQ SID for 3 days Nebulize 10-15min BID x3d vitB12 0.25mL SQ ONCE

9/12/2026

Hx: moderate URI noted 9/11 S: QAR on top of den, thick brown crusted nasal discharge completely obstructing nares Reweigh: 9 lbs (lost 3 lbs) O: EEN- eyes clear, thick brown crusted nasal discharge. No ocular discharge. Oral exam: large lingual ulcer present on rostral 1/3 of tongue H/L- eupneic, but marked audible congestion while cage side MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Severe URI Oral ulcerations Marked weight loss High FAS P: Place IV catheter Fluids @ 10mls/hr D/c doxycycline as pet is not eating D/c Gabapentin as pet is not eating Magic Mouthwash 0.2 ml on tongue PO SID x3d Mirataz 1.5 inch SID x3d Zorbium for appropriate weight Change medications to injectable Continue with nebulizations

9/13/2026

Pet ate wet and dry food o/n. He is rolling around in kennel and leaning into pets. EEN: brown ocular discharge Oral: rostral 1/3 of tongue is ulcerated. No drooling present. RESP: Eupneic A: Appetite and behavior improved on mirtazapine Plan LRS 20mls/hr IV Doxycycline 50mg/ml 0.8 ml po sid x 7d

9/13/2026

Placed on ivf at 20 ml/hr

9/14/2026

Administered 100 ml LRS SQ instead of IVF due to it being a challenge to maintain line

9/17/2026

Hx: URI, oral ulceration S: BAR and eating in kennel O: EEN: eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge H/L: eupneic, no coughing/sneezing but mild audible congestion MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Appears to be responding to treatment Eating! P: CTM in care Keep in Med ISO until completion of doxycycline course on 9/20 to avoid increasing FAS and worsening symptoms

9/18/2026

Hx: URI, oral ulceration S: BAR and eating. Ate food with meds well, loves tuna. O: EEN: eyes clear, clear nasal discharge H/L: eupneic, but audible congestion and intermittent sneezing MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: URI- moderate Continues to eat well P: CWCT

9/20/2026

Hx: has had URI Q-BAR eating eent- no nasal discharge or ocular discharge; no sneezing or congestion msi- amb x 4 A) No URI-like signs P) Move out of ISO Placement/homing

10/2/2026

Wet audible congestion and sniffling while cage side S: BAR and otherwise eating well O: EEN- eyes clear, clear nasal discharge H/L- eupneic but mild to moderate audible congestion MSK/i- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Mild to moderate URI (2nd occurrence) Eating P: Doxycycline 100mg/ml 0.5 ml PO SID x7d

10/9/2026

SO: Last day of treatment for URI BAR, comes to kennel door taking treats 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 A: URI apparently resolved P: monitor for recurrence

10/16/2026

S: BAR in kennel, dry food disturbed O: EENT: OU mucoid ocular discharge - OD>OS, epiphora, blepharospastic. Mild serous nasal discharge CV/resp: eupneic A: URI recurrence Past doxy treatments: 1. 9/11/26-9/12/26 DC, unable to administer 2. 9/13/26-9/20/26 3. 10/2/26-10/9/26 high fas w/ med handling/treatment P: Recommend NH placement Elected not to re-start Doxycycline ATT DVM recheck 10/17

10/17/2026

Recheck URI, appeared to be showing recrudescence of signs on 10/16 S: BAR, eats all treats offered O: EEN- eyes clear, mild epiphora OU, no nasal or ocular discharge H/L- eupneic, no coughing/sneezing or audible congestion while cage side MSK/I- ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Epiphora OU Possible lingering viral signs P: CTM in care OK for surgery

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 5. Red

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

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

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: *Prior Assessments 8/29/26: Chessboard lying on top of his den with dilated eyes and meowed loudly when the handler approached. He came down from his den to eat the treats while given to him while allowing head pets. He then gently leaned into pets along his head and back but then stress meowed loudly and tried to swat with soft paws. He soon leaned into pets again, very conflicted. 9/9/26: Chessboard was crouched on top of his den with his head down upon approach. His eyes remained closed, and he responded to soft speech with gentle meows. He allowed petting throughout the assessment and frequently head bunted the assessor’s hand, indicating that he was receptive to human interaction and affection. Chessboard ignored the treats offered. During pickup, he was tolerant and remained calm, slowly walking back into position when settled down. 9/24/26: Chessboard is at the back of his cubby, getting up and approaching the front of the kennel and meowing repeatedly as the assessor approaches. Initially when the kennel door is opened, he leans forward, head bunting and leaning into all petting. After several seconds, Chessboard hisses, turns, and swats hard at the assessor's hand. Pickup is not attempted due to observed behavior, and the interaction is ended to reduce stress. Enrichment Notes: 9/25/26 Vol. Chessboard came forward when the lock was removed. While eating, he allowed petting first with a scratcher and then by hand. He played with a feather attached to the ceiling of his castle. He was left with extra treats and toys. 10/2/26 Vol. Was eating and then curled up to groom and rest while I was reading kennel card. Put in treat bowl - he meowed and came over to eat, allowing head scratches with tool while eating. Gave scratches and ended interaction. He finished eating treats. 10/14/26 Vol. Chessboard was lying on his side at front of kennel. His eyes were soft and he returned slow blinks. He stood up and leaned into cheek rubs with scratcher tool. He ate crunchy treats, then leaned in to more cheek and chin rubs with scratcher tool. After about two minutes he lay back down on his side and his tail began to swish, so we ended interaction to avoid overstimulation. 10/21/26 ACFR Chessboard was on top if the shelf in the main cubby by the kennel door. He readily greeted the handler was immediately started to meow and solicit attention. Chessboard headhunted, rolled over and even played with the scratcher tool during the interaction. He enjoyed a lot of petting and also enjoyed eating chicken breast off of a lick mat when the interaction ended.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate,Lively

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Social,Calm,Sweet,Skittish,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,Rough play,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: See relevant behavior flyers. Scratch Incident Summary: An incident occurred during routine kennel clean while staff were accessing his space.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3

RECOMMENDATIONS:: No young children

Recommendations comments:: No children under 13.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Chessboard was resting in his kennel with soft eyes and relaxed ears, which became erect and forward during the interaction. When the cubby door was opened, he responded positively to attention by head bunting and rolling around inside his cubby. Throughout the interaction, Chessboard meowed frequently and showed signs of overstimulation, softly nipping the assess-a-hand before quickly releasing while continuing to allow head pets. He then seeks attention, stretched and after returned to a resting position. Chessboard accepted offered treats, and the interaction was ended proactively to prevent further overstimulation and potential escalation. Chessboard appeared social and receptive to attention but showed signs of becoming overstimulated, highlighting the importance of monitoring his arousal level and keeping interactions brief and positive. 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.