Animal Profile

Wally 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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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 Wally 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: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! I'm an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing. I would do best in a home with only adult humans. I can be slow to adjust to new environments. I prefer to take things at my own pace.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 15.6 lbs

Medical Notes

4/10/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-4 years based on dentition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - growling in den, flattened ears, hissing when den cover removed, doesn't escalate to swatting but opted to sedate in order to not worsen FAS. Sedated using 0.2 ml Dexmedetomidine (500mcg/ml) + 0.2 ml Butorphanol (10mg/ml) IM. Adequate sedation but still periodically growling. Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = P = WNL R = WNL BCS: 7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, mild to moderate tartar on carnassial teeth PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL, neutered male MSI: Ambulatory x 4 (prior to sedation), skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities (prior to sedation) Rectal: Externally WNL Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment: Overweight Otherwise apparently healthy Neutered male Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks + exam Await sort + behavior assessment 0.2 ml antisedan IM SURGERY: Already neutered

4/30/2026

Feline Behavior requesting 2 week Gabapentin trial due to high FAS in care. P: Gabapentin 100mg capsule, 1 capsule PO BID x14d then reassess

5/11/2026

Staff note pet hissing, growling and swatting while on GAbapentin 100mg bid A: High FAS P: Advise placement Gabapentin 100mg/ml 2 mls in high values food bid while in shelter. Monitor excess sedation. recheck 2 weeks

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

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

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 4/14/26 He was resting inside the den and responded to attempts at petting with growling and hissing, indicating discomfort. At the end, treats were placed in the kennel; he cautiously came out to eat them while continuing to hiss at the observer. 4/18/26 Wally showed no interest for offered treats and laser light during play time. He was hissing and low growling throughout the interaction. Ended to help reduce stress. 4/26/26 FB73 Wally is laying curled up in his den facing the back wall as the handler approaches. He is offered a squeeze up on the scratcher tool and leans forward to sniff it before pulling back. Wally is tolerant on some petting on the top of his head with the scratcher tool, remaining tense but not escalating. When the scratcher tool is slowly retracted, he begins low growling loudly. Interaction is ended and treat is left in his kennel. 4/30/26 Wally initially hissed but briefly allowed petting with the scratcher tool. He then began to swat, indicating rising discomfort. He ignored the laser during the play session, which was ended early to help reduce stress. 5/2/26 FB73 + ACFR Wally is laying curled up with his head pressed against the back wall of the den as the handler's approach. He low growls as the den door is lifted, unmoving from his spot. Wally is offered a squeeze up on the scratcher tool, quickly beginning to eat it but periodically low growling as he eats. 5/3/26 FB73 Wally is laying at the front of the kennel, low growling when the handler crouches down in front of him. He accepts some squeeze up on the scratcher tool before continuing to low growl, turning around, and heading into his den to avoid contact. 5/7/26 Moved into a double kennel (due to size). Resting on top of the den alert with neutral eyes. He hissed and low growled when spoken softly to. With a slow approach, with the scratcher tool he briefly allowed head pets. Remained in position and ended with offered treats to built a positive association. 5/8/26 FB20 Wally is laying with his paws crossed in the back of his kennel. He turns his head to look away from the assessor but perks up when temptations are tossed inside of his kennel. He gets up and eats treats at the front, allowing handler to keep tossing treats. He grumbles while eating but stays at the front while the handler speaks softly to him.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Shy ,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Wally has displayed fearful behavior during their stay in the care center and has displayed distance-increasing behavior with extended handling. Fear aggression can occur when a cat perceives a threat and may escalate if they cannot escape. A fearful cat will feel more relaxed when given options, so provide him with the chance to move closer, investigate, or interact with you. Be sure to offer incentive such as treats or play time whenever the cat makes a small positive step. Please speak to an adoption counselor for additional information on methods to desensitize your cat to their fear stimulus.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to behaviors exhibited in the care center, adult only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Wally is laying on his side in his den, eyes wide, pupils dilated, and body tense as the assessor approaches. When the kennel door is opened, he begins low growling, moving into a crouched position with his ears back as the den cover is lifted. When the assessor attempts to slowly lift the den door, Wally hisses, swatting hard at the den door towards the assessor. The assessor speaks to him softly and attempts to offer treats, but he continues to low growl, remaining very tense. The den door is partially lifted, and the assessor slowly attempts petting with the scratcher tool, and Wally immediately lunges forward, bites the stick, and swats it. The interaction is ended to reduce FAS. Wally is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. He is extremely defensive and 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.