Animal Profile

Harley is on the At Risk list due to behavior. While she is social in shelter, she has a history of PICA (consuming plastic), 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. 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 feline body language.

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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Harley is on the At Risk list due to behavior. While she is social in shelter, she has a history of PICA (consuming plastic), 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. 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 feline body language. Harley is a social, affectionate, and people-oriented senior cat who enjoys spending time with her human companions. While she initially appeared somewhat overwhelmed by the shelter environment, she has consistently become more relaxed as she has settled in, revealing a sweet and engaging personality. Harley readily seeks attention, leans into petting, purrs during interactions, and enjoys treats, often combining both affection and snacks during her visits with staff and volunteers. Harley is easy to handle and has demonstrated excellent tolerance for petting and gentle handling, including being picked up briefly. She is curious about her surroundings, enjoys observing activity around her, and frequently positions herself near the front of her kennel to watch people and engage with visitors. Despite occasional signs of environmental sensitivity early in her stay, she has shown a steady increase in confidence and comfort. In her previous home, Harley was reported to display pica, a behavior involving chewing or ingesting non-food items. While this behavior has not been observed in the shelter, adopters should be prepared to manage her environment appropriately and provide enrichment to help prevent access to items she may be inclined to chew. Overall, Harley is a loving, friendly companion who enjoys human interaction, treats, and attention. She would likely thrive in a home that can provide affection, enrichment, and appropriate management of her pica behavior while allowing her to continue being the sweet, social cat she has shown herself to be. A volunteer writes: Harley always seems happy to be remembered, rolling over at a glance and snuggling any hand that extends her way. At 11 years old, she knows very well that she has to stand out but really all she wants is a friend. Friends mean a whole lot to her as she navigates the days and she even has a little note on her condo explaining that she's a social eater. Resting her paws on her condo ledge so we could cuddle, Harley's looking to find a quiet and low traffic home because though she's gotten used to shelter life during her months-long stay, she prefers things a little quieter. She's really hopeful another chance is coming her way and we are too.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 15.63 lbs

Medical Notes

5/1/2026

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: o reports cat is 11, range appears to be 8-11 yrs based on teeth and appearance Microchip noted on Intake? no History: o/s. Per o vomit all over apt on 4/29. Took to VEG and got anti-nausea med. Cat ate some but last night cat vomited up black plastic material and not E/D. Cat has hx of pica. Subjective: QAR. Mild- mod dec skin turgor Observed Behavior - allows all handling, loose body, purring some Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? no Objective: T = P = 180 R = eup BCS = 7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild-mod tartar, minimal gingivitis, grade 1-2/4 ddz PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: No discomfort or pain, no masses palpated, no U/G: FS, no MGT's MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, dry hair coat with much dandruff, obese CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally clean Wood's Lamp Exam: Assessment: Hx of vomiting 5% dehydrated Prognosis: Fair Plan: SQF 150 cc In house BW No pain meds or anti-nausea medication at this time SURGERY: Already spayed

5/1/2026

Bloodwork: CBC: mod leukocytosis WBC=17.9 with neutrophilia Chem: Mod inc BUN = 45 but Creat WNL mild electrolyte changes (decreased phos, Na, K+) A) r/o infection/ inflamm (gastritis vs other) r/o due to dehydration and vomiting vs other P) Monitor in medical. Re-check in AM. Consider urinalysis. Recom abd xrays.

5/2/2026

Recheck history of vomiting plastic material and pica S/O: QAR, hiding at back of kennel, attempts to escape, but allows all handling; not eating, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic ABD: Tense but not overtly painful, difficult to palpate due to obesity MSI: Healthy haircoat, obese CNS: Appropriate mentation AXR: gas pattern throughout GIT, some sequential gas pockets appreciated in SI A: Vomiting - not appreciated overnight or today Anorexia Rule out gastroenteritis vs GI FB vs other Obese P: Cysto urine sample submitted for UA (elevated BUN on intake bw) Start SQ LRS 150 ml SID Start cerenia 1 mg/kg SQ SID Start medical feedings BID Monitor closely, consider recheck rads tomorrow if not eating or continues to vomit/vomit through cerenia

5/3/2026

Recheck history of vomiting plastic material and pica S: QARH - nervous but tolerant, leans into cheek scratches but does small tail flicks intermittently with handling pale pink moist mm no c/s/v/d noted great appetite this AM normal urine voids, no stool today O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic HL: No HMA, SSPPs, normal BV sounds, eupneic ABD: Tense but not overtly painful, difficult to palpate due to obesity MSK: Ambulatory x4 CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Vomiting /anorexia - resolved with supportive care medications r/o gastroenteritis (infectious vs inflammatory vs dietary indiscretion vs non obstructive FB (P previously vomited plastic material in the home) vs food allergy vs other) vs extra GI vs other - obstructive foreign body unlikely at this time given clinical picture and prior radiographs Obese Geriatric FS prior DSH P: CWCP DVM recheck 5/4 (last day of supportive care meds)

5/3/2026

Urinalysis interpretation SG 1.047 - urine appropriately concentrated Mild proteinuria 2+ r/o 2ary to concentration vs inflammatory vs glomerular disease Mild hematuria (Blood 2+, RBC 10-15H) r/o collection method vs Trace ketonuria -- Detection of trace ketones in patients who are normoglycemic or have negative urine glucose is non-specific and of limited clinical significance No specific follow up needed based on UA results Recc annual geriatric screening bloodwork and urinalysis with placement

5/4/2026

Recheck history of vomiting plastic material and pica S: Prior to exam P was at front of kennel (shoreline cover was on) vocalizing persistently - no vocalizing once kennel opened QARH - nervous but tolerant, leans into cheek scratches but does small tail flicks intermittently with handling pale pink moist mm no c/s/v/d noted great appetite this AM normal urine voids, no stool since admit O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic HL: No HMA, SSPPs, normal BV sounds, eupneic ABD: Tense but not overtly painful, difficult to palpate due to obesity MSK: Ambulatory x4 CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Vomiting /anorexia - resolved with supportive care medications r/o gastroenteritis (infectious vs inflammatory vs dietary indiscretion vs non obstructive FB (P previously vomited plastic material in the home) vs food allergy vs other) vs extra GI vs obstructive foreign body vs other Vocalizing r/o stress vs pain vs other Obese Geriatric FS prior DSH P: ADD Gabapentin 100mg (~15mg/kg) PO BID TFN ADD Metamucil 1/2 tsp PO BID x7d CWCP DVM recheck 5/5 - if no V/D/A off supportive care meds consider OK to move out of ICU. If GI symptoms recur and/or if no stool consider repeat abdominal imaging.

5/5/2026

Recheck history of vomiting plastic material and pica S: Prior to exam P was at front of kennel (shoreline cover was on) vocalizing persistently - no vocalizing once kennel opened QARH - nervous but tolerant, leans into cheek scratches / jumps into lap to cuddle but does small tail flicks intermittently pale pink moist mm no c/s/v/d noted great appetite this AM - social eater normal urine voids, no stool since admit O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic HL: No HMA, SSPPs, normal BV sounds, eupneic ABD: Tense but not overtly painful, difficult to palpate due to obesity MSK: Ambulatory x4 CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Vomiting /anorexia - resolved with supportive care medications, P previously vomited plastic material in the home Vocalizing r/o susp FAS - vocalizing ceases with interaction No defecation since admit r/o 2ary to prior anorexia vs intestinal hypomotility / constipation Obese Geriatric FS prior DSH P: 2 view abdominal radiographs CWCP

5/5/2026

Abdominal Radiograph Evaluation Formed fecal balls in descending colon / rectum Feces in transverse colon Multifocal gas in SIs with appropriate thickness No evidence of mechanical obstruction @tt Significant retroperitoneal fat Remainder NSF r/o early constipation CWCP ADD Lactulose 3mL PO BID x3d --> 5/8 DVM recheck 5/6 - if defecating consider moving to adoption floor, if not consider enema

5/6/2026

Recheck hx vomiting, eating plastic S/O: QAR, fair appetite, feces in LB, no c/s/v/d noted, no ocular or nasal discharge, eupneic, obese. A/P: Obese, otherwise doing well - move to adoptions, CTM while at QACC.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 1. Green

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

KNOWN HISTORY:: Harley was brought in with limited information on her behavior history in a home environment.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 5/06/26 FB61 Lying in litterbox, body and face tense with her feet and tail tucked and her pupils dilated. She tolerates petting along her head and body while remaining tense and turning her head to sniff the assessor's hand. She does not show immediate interest in the treats offered during her interaction.... hopefully she eats them later when the room is quiet. 5/11/26 FB06 Harley is lying on the ledge with wide eyes and forward ears as she is looking out of the glass. As I open the door, I offer her my hand and she lightly sniffs. I give her a few head pets as her eyes remain wide and she is looking out into the room as another staff member is cleaning. I place some dry treats on the ledge with her and after a moment she dives in and eats them very quickly. I then place some squeeze up on the ledge but she shows no interest as she moves into a crouched position, eyes still wide, and begins to low growl. 5/14/26 FB79 Sweet girl Harley is at the top of the kennel and started to roll around when I entered the kennel; she had wide eyes, with forward ears. She leaned into my hand for cheek pets and allows all body pets. I was not able to coax her down with pets but when I tossed treats she jumped down and started to eat. Harley allowed me to pick her up with no issues but she stood with an arched back and low tail as she ate her treats. 5/31/26 Vol. Harley was lying down at the front of the kennel. I gave her Squeeze Up and Temptations. She ate them as I petted her. She rubbed her face on the portal between the two kennel compartments, accepting all petting. She licked my gloved hand. When the interaction ended, she laid down and looked out at other people in the room. 6/14/26 vol. Harley was lying at the front of her den. I opened the door and gave her treats. She purred as she ate them, leaning in for petting. She is very sweet. She accepted and enjoyed all petting. I gave her a few more treats when the interaction ended. She crouched down at the front of the kennel, observing all activity in the room. She loves cat treats and affection. 7/26/26 Vol. Harley was at the front of her kennel, watching me. I gave her Temptations, which she loved. When she finished them, she used her front paws to search around the blanket to see if there were more. I offered her Squeeze Up, which she also enjoyed. She allowed me to pet her all over, as she purred quietly. She laid down on her side and watched all activity in the room around her. I ended the interaction by giving her more Temptations. She is very relaxed and friendly.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Lively

VOCAL:: Somewhat chatty

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

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Very high energy level,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Harley has a medical condition called Pica. Pica in cats is a compulsive behavior involving the eating or chewing of non-food items like plastic, fabric, string, and cardboard. Please see behavior flyer for fearfulness. Please see GAN note for more information on Pica and how to prevent/manage these behaviors in the home environment. Harley has not been observed to be eating anything other than her food and treats in the shelter environment at this time. Harley does not play rough, however please provide rough play behavior flyer as well so adopters can review how to properly redirect Harley if she begins eating plastic. Please provide environmental enrichment flyers to adopters, as well as stress in cats. These flyers are found on our nycacc.org website under feline behavior resources.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 2

RECOMMENDATIONS:: No young children

Recommendations comments:: Recommending children over the age of 5 due to adjustment period observed in shelter - adoption counselor's discretion.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Upon approach, Harley was lying in a loaf position, eyes widening, ears forward, and front paws tucked under. She starts to growl before the kennel door is opened. As the door opens and the scratcher is slowly offered, she has no interest. She tolerates some head and body pets as she growls again and slightly squirms . No pick up was attempted at this time. 5/20/26 Harley was laying in front of her kennel as the assessor approached, body ROUND, face relaxed and ears forward. Harley made eye contact with a soft expression when spoken to and she rolled over onto her side as the kennel door opened. When approached for petting, Harley leaned in, stood up and raised her tail. Harley allowed all petting with no signs of escalation and she remained calm when lifted and placed back down, despite how rotund she is. 6/20/26 Sweet Harley is laying in her kennel with a relaxed/neutral body and a loose tail; when the assessor entered and greeted her she looked up with soft eyes and leaned into their hand that was held out for her to sniff. She enjoyed all pets on her head, cheeks and chin and she leaned in for more. Harley had no reaction when pet all over her back and body and the assessor used treats to coax her up. She stood with a mid level tail that would slightly rise when pet up her back while leaning out to look around the room with wide curious eyes. Harley slightly became tense when pick up was conducted but she remained still and placed back in kennel with no issues where she leaned in for more cheek and chin rubs. 7/20/26 Upon approach Harley is on the ledge of her kennel. When greeted, she jumps down to meet the assessor. She meows at the assessor and rubs her face on the kennel door. When the assessor opens the kennel door, Harley comes forward purring loudly. She pushes her head into the assessors hand soliciting face and neck pets. Harley allows full body pets leaning in. She kneads into the base of her kennel where she stands with her tail up. She maintains a soft face and loose body throughout the interaction. Harley allows pickup without issue, she does not squirm and her body does not tense. Once placed back down, Harley continues to solicit pets from the assessor. She happily eats some treats left for her. Harley interacts with the observer, appreciates attention, is easy to handle and tolerates all petting. Harley was showing signs of Pica in her previous home. This cat is showing behavior appropriate for cat parents with either an average amount of cat experience or demonstrate a basic understanding of typical cat behavior.