Animal Profile

Leo is on the At Risk list due to behavior. While social in the care center, he displays signs of overstimulation during interactions and has a bite/scratch history. 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.

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 Leo is on the At Risk list due to behavior. While social in the care center, he displays signs of overstimulation during interactions and has a bite/scratch history. 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.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 15.78 lbs

Medical Notes

10/20/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2 years Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: owner surrender Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - solicits pets, quite friendly, social, elevator butt, does not like being picked up Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective BCS: 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: minimal tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: intact male/ two testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks SURGERY: Okay for surgery

11/5/2025

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 CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Apparently healthy P: Neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery

11/5/2025

Routine Feline Neuter Single incision over midline of scrotum, sharp dissection to exteriorize each testicle Self tie of spermatic cords Green linear tattoo placed Surgeon: 1438 Additional Note: Smooth recovery

4/17/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2.5 years Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Owner Surrender, DOH case BAR MM pink, moist, CRT <2 sec Observed Behavior - Red; unable to examine Sedation needed for Intake Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? - No Objective: P = 150 hr (sedated) R = 36 rr (sedated) BCS 7/9 Wt = 16.96 lbs EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: NSF PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, no apparent murmur, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MN MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy -*Overweight*: BCS 7/9 Prognosis: Good Plan: Standard Intake Procedures for Cats Performed Sedation: 0.13 mL dexmedetomidine, 0.13 mL butorphanol, 0.19 mL ketamine IM. Reversed with 0.13 mL atipamezole IM. SURGERY: Okay for surgery; Already neutered, not needed

4/26/2026

DOH release from observation S: BARH - at front of kennel soliciting attention pink moist mm at distance no c/s/v/d reported O: EENT: No ocular or 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: P is not showing any neurologic symptoms or signs of rabies at this time and is released from rabies observation.

5/18/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~2-3 yr Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Stray Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - Allowed medical handling, does well with minimal restraint, food motivated, patient walked onto scale with temptations for weight and allowed exam in condo Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = NT P = WNL R = WNL BCS 6-7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: clean adult dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MC MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: not performed Wood's Lamp Exam: negative Assessment: ~ 2-3 yr DSH Apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: CTM in shelter Ok for adoption

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

Basic Information:: Leo is a 2 Years 7 Months old DSH that was surrendered to ACC due to behavioral issues.

Previously lived with:: Adults

How is this cat around strangers?: Leo is incredibly friendly when meeting people for the first time and responds well. He will approach, head-butts, and tolerate pets very well. He is generally calm and open to meeting new people

How is this cat around children?: N/A - no children in the household, nor have we brought him around any children since he has been in our care. We are unsure of his prior experiences with his previous owners

How is this cat around other cats?: N/A - no other pets in the household, nor have we brought him around any other pets since he has been in recent owners care. However, the previous owners were made aware by the ACC that he previously that Leo lived in a home with other cats and dogs. He does like to window watch outside, and there are occasionally other stray cats around.

How is this cat around dogs?: N/A - no other pets in the household, nor have we brought him around any other pets since he has been in the recent owner's care.

Behavior Notes: Leo generally tolerates grooming; however, he can be apprehensive at times, but will allow it in certain circumstances. He does not like to be touched on his stomach, but will tolerate light brushing of his fur when needed. He has a history of “elevator butt” and generally only likes to be pet on his head/chin/neck areas. He will also tolerate being picked up, but not for long. He will tolerate grooming with positive reinforcement by awarding treats, and play with his toys to redirect any stimulation from grooming.

Bite history:: No scratches or bites that made contact noted. Client said "when playing with Leo he tends to get overstimulated and will swat or hiss" More insight on Leo's challenges related to these incidents: There are random moments where he will display aggressiveness unprovoked, concerning body language, and hyperactivity. He is usually very docile, sleeps near or on us, and likes to be around throughout the day. Recently, he has been getting intense zoomies randomly, and the display of aggressiveness from him has been concerning as we are unsure of the cause.

Energy level/descriptors:: medium

Medical Notes: None noted

For a New Family to Know: Leo generally behaves well around both of his owners and the people living in the home. He is a pleasure to have in our family. He is a sweetheart who displays a lot of kindness, consideration for others, and affection with respect to his boundaries. He is very friendly. He tends to like to be around, involved, and likes to sleep on our laps/feet and sleeps in bed with us. He tolerates pets very well and has acclimated to his feeding and playtime schedules very well.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: Adults Behavior toward strangers: Leo is incredibly friendly when meeting people for the first time and responds well. He will approach, head-butts, and tolerate pets very well. He is generally calm and open to meeting new people Behavior toward children: No experience Behavior toward cats: No experience Behavior toward dogs: No experience Bite or Scratch history: No scratches or bites that made contact noted. Client said "when playing with Leo he tends to get overstimulated and will swat or hiss" April 2026, initial surrender to ACC before we readopted. Since being readopted by us, Leo initially seemed to be reacclimating very well to his normal eat, play and sleep routines. However, there are random moments where he will display aggressiveness unprovoked, concerning body language, and hyperactivity. He is usually very docile, sleeps near or on us, and likes to be around throughout the day. Recently, he has been getting intense zoomies randomly, and the display of aggressiveness from him has been concerning as we are unsure of the cause. Litter box training: Leo utilizes his litter box daily, and it is cleaned and maintained by us daily as well. He defecates and urinates at least 1-2 times a day, and has not ever excreted outside of his litter box since he has been in our care. Energy level/descriptors: Medium Other notes: Leo generally behaves well around both of his owners and the people living in the home. He is a pleasure to have in our family. He is a sweetheart who displays a lot of kindness, consideration for others, and affection with respect to his boundaries. He is very friendly. He tends to like to be around, involved, and likes to sleep on our laps/feet and sleeps in bed with us. He tolerates pets very well and has acclimated to his feeding and playtime schedules very well. Leo generally tolerates grooming; however, he can be apprehensive at times, but will allow it in certain circumstances. He does not like to be touched on his stomach, but will tolerate light brushing of his fur when needed. He has a history of “elevator butt” and generally only likes to be pet on his head/chin/neck areas. He will also tolerate being picked up, but not for long. He will tolerate grooming with positive reinforcement by awarding treats, and play with his toys to redirect any stimulation from grooming.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 4/27/26 FB61 Rolling around on cat den, body and face relaxed, paws tucked and belly exposed. He scoots forward when spoken to, reaches out towards the assessor with soft paws and rolls over onto the ground. When the kennel door is opened, he allows all petting while leaning in, raising his tail and looking at me with a soft eyes. 5/21/26 FB61 Today Leo allows all petting while leaning in and raising his tail. He is curious and can be seen exploring his kennel, playing with his toys and playing with his bed. He eats all treats offered. He has a nice, round belly. 5/21/26 FB25 Leo was rolling around in his kennel and seemed very relaxed with his belly exposed. When I started to unlock kennel, he got up and rubbed himself along the door. He pushed his head into my hand for pets right away, closing his eyes and purring. I gave him his dinner and he happily ate it in front of me, stopping every few bites to ask for some more head pets. 6/2/26 FB06 Opening the kennel door, Leo is lying at the front stretching himself out. His face and eyes are neutral, ears are forward and his body is loose. As he stands he pushes his head at the opening of the door as it is not completely open. He is nudging his head against it to push it open. S he backs up a bit, I open the door more and he comes forward and pushes his head against my hand for some pets. He then moves his head back to the door and is trying to see the kennel below. I close it up and come back with some squeeze up. As I place the squeeze up in the kennel, he turns and starts eating it. Using the scratcher I start petting his back. Pausing every few seconds he turns his head towards the scratcher and freezes for a moment then back to the treat. I start to pet him with a little more pressure to see if he gets overstimulated. The base of his tail did puff up but there was no escalation.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Social,Sweet,Affectionate,Playful,People oriented,Easy going,Curious

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

Potential challenges comments:: Please see behavior flyers for more information. Please see GAN notes for more behavior information regarding his bite incident and behavioral modification plan. Leo's inappropriate elimination had resolved in his new home (2026). It is likely that Leo's inappropriate elimination was triggered by sharing a home with resident cats/other animals.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Single-pet home,Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Leo has a history of inappropriate elimination in his previous home (most likely due to the owner having other pets) and to prevent these behaviors from being repeated in Leo's new home, the behavior team is recommending that he goes to a single-pet home at this time.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Leo was standing in front of his kennel as the assessor approached, body and face relaxed with his ears forward, his tail lowered and his pupils slightly dilated. Leo made eye contact when spoken to and he looked around the room behind the assessor as the kennel door opened. Leo allowed petting along his head and back while leaning in, raising his tail and and continuing to slightly focus on the room behind the assessor. Leo remained calm when lifted and placed back down. 4/24/26 Leo was standing in front of his kennel as the assessor approached, ears forward and tail raised. Leo made eye contact with a soft expression when spoken to and he remained in front of his kennel as the cage door opened. Leo allowed petting along his head and body while leaning in, arching his back and keeping his tail high in the air. When pick up was attempted, Leo squirmed out of the assessor's grip and retreated into his cubby space with a low body. 5/19/26 Upon approach, Leo was sprawled out lying on his back, belly exposed. His face and eyes were neutral as his paw was pressed against the glass. As the kennel door opened, he rolled over and stood at the front greeting the assessor with a head butt to the hand for pets. He enjoys all petting head to tail, leaning in and purring. As he stands with his tail high it starts to sway back and forth slightly. The assessor was able to pick him up and hold him for a moment before placing him back in the kennel with no issues. He turned around and enjoyed some more pets before the interaction was ended. Due to a severe bite/scratch history, and unknown triggers, we feel as though a release for rescue determination is most appropriate for Leo at this time. He may have a known history of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.