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Harissa

Hello, my name is Harissa . My animal id is #259339. I am a male black cat at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 3 weeks old.

I came into the shelter as a aco - impound on 7/10/2026, with the surrender reason stated as animal behavior - aggressive towards people.

Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.

Pre-Screener Form

Harrisa is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, 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 helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.

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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 Harrisa is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, 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 helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. What my friends at ACC say about me: Harissa 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 and bite is extremely fearful in the shelter environment and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time. He may have a known history (biting) of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 10.6 lbs

7/10/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2 yo Microchip noted on Intake? No History: Owner surrender Subjective: BARH in cage but sedated for exam Observed Behavior - Hissing and striking. Sedated for exam. Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = not taken P = 100 (sedated) R = 32 BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: clean teeth PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, 2 scrotal testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: external WNL Assessment: 2 yo MI dsh 1. apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: Sedated with "kitty magic:" Dexdomitor 0.1 mL IM + Torbutrol 0.1 mL IM + ketamine 0.1 mL IM Intake tasks Reversal with Antisedan 0.1 mL IM SURGERY: Okay for surgery

7/18/2026

Starting on 2 week gabapentin trial for reported FAS, observed urinating into water and food bowls P: Gabapentin 100mg capsule PO BID x14d Prioritize double kennel if space allows

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

KNOWN HISTORY:: Harissa was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment. The client stated her mother took Harissa and had them for 3 months living in her small bathroom. almost Harissa was described as aggressive with multiple past attacks noted that broke skin.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 7/15/26 FB09 Harissa was lying inside his den with neutral eyes and watched the handler cautiously. He sniffed the treats offered to him before he began licking his lips and slowly backing away further into his den. When petting was attempted with the click stick, he hissed. The interaction was ended to reduce FAS. 7/17/26 FB09 Harissa was crouched in his den and looked at the handler cautiously with dilated eyes once the door opened. He followed the click stick held out towards him and showed no interest in the treats offered to him. He slowly started backing up and avoiding all contact. He began hissing and the interaction was ended to reduce FAS.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Harissa was in the den, not visible from view, but when spoken to, moved her head slightly so that the assessor could see her. She had fully sideways-facing ears and large pupils and began hissing almost immediately, crouching slightly. She sniffed treats and then resumed hissing. When petting was attempted with a scratcher tool, she bit it and then swatted at it, and the interaction was ended. Harissa 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 and bite is extremely fearful in the shelter environment and does not currently tolerate petting or handling. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time. He may have a known history (biting) of behavioral issues that need to be addressed.