Animal Profile
Harissa
Hello, my name is Harissa . My animal id is #259339. I am a desexed male black cat at the . The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 1 months 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.
Reserved
Someone has already placed a deposit on me. I'm no longer available.
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: 11.2 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
8/4/2026
Behavior notes improvement on gabapentin. Will make Rx indefinite.
8/13/2026
SO: Scheduled for neuter. BAR, inside of den, visual exam only due to reported striking 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: OK for sx P: neuter
8/13/2026
Cat Neuter Was this cat a Cryptorchid? no If so, describe surgical process: n/a Routine Open Feline Neuter Self tie of spermatic cord in series of square knots Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 1697 Additional Note: Developed hematoma following injection of local block. Cool compress applied to scrotum post op
8/13/2026
Feline Neuter performed by Vet: 1697 Patient anesthesia form uploaded to Shelter Buddy in Vet Documents.
8/14/2026
SO: neutered yesterday BAR eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4, no apparent bleeding or dc noted from surgical wound neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: healing P: CTM while in care
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. 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. 8/8/26 FB09 Harissa was crouched on top of his den and watched the handler cautiously with dilated eyes. He slowly leaned forward to sniff the treats offered to him before licking his lips and backing away into a sitting position. He approached again to sniff the treats once more. He slowly raised his paw before lowering it, deciding not to strike. He remained in a sitting position, watching the handler.
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.