Zucchini
Hello, my name is Zucchini. My animal id is #253271. I am a desexed male black cat at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 1 years 8 months old.
I came into the shelter as a returns on 5/28/2026.
Zucchini is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. 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. S/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.
You may know me from such films as...
Let's get to know each other a bit more...
What my friends at ACC say about me: A volunteer writes: Looking like a picture of confidence, Zucchini was brought to us back in April when he was good naturedly trying to invite himself into a building. Self-rescue may be a choice that doesn't always go as planned, but we commend his efforts and, for what it's worth, Zucchini might have been prepared for that possibility given how he's tried to settle into shelter life. Shelter life isn't for everyone, but curled up in her bed with paws stretched out big and wide, Zucchini looks like he greets the day like it was made for him. This is easier said than done. Zucchini was curious when I extended my hand in friendship and for pets, but hopped onto his condo shelf when he remembered that it wasn't what he wanted at the moment. Zucchini spent some time in a home, which is how we know he'd prefer to be your only pet at the moment. He's waiting for a second chance at the Queens Care Center.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 12.26 lbs
5/1/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1.5 years Microchip noted on Intake? Negative History: Stray BAR MM pink, moist, CRT <2 sec Observed Behavior - Yellow; Limited ability to fully examine, body tense, tries to flee, hissing/vocalizing, unable to collect blood Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? - No Objective: P = 180 hr R = 32 rr BCS 5/9 Wt = 10.8 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: MI (2 testicles descended) MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat; superficial scratches and scabs on head in various stages of healing CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy, except for: Superficial head scratches and scabs Prognosis: Good Plan: Standard Intake Procedures for Cats Performed FELV/FIV test due (unable to collect blood) Selamectin SURGERY: Okay for surgery -Blood collection at time of surgery
5/5/2026
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 today SURGERY: Okay for surgery
5/5/2026
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
5/29/2026
DVM Intake Exam (Visual Only) Estimated age: 1-3yo History: DOH-B Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - Came to the front of cage, relaxed whiskers and ears Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = Not assessed R = Not assessed, visually eupneic EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Visually normal, no apparent masses or discharges, no ptyalism PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: eupneic at distance ABD: Visually normal, no abdominal distension U/G: Known neutered male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities, no nystagmus, no ataxia Assessment: Apparently healthy 1.5yo NM DSH Prognosis: Good Plan: DOH-B SURGERY: N/A
5/29/2026
Post Surgical Exam Attitude/demeanor: BAR Appetite: Eating well C/S/V/D: NONE Incision site: No swelling, bruising, or bleeding; sutures appear intact Pain level: Appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: NO Additional notes: 2299
6/2/2026
DOH release from observation S: BARH - at front of kennel soliciting attention 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.
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Upon intake Zucchini was fearful, but allowed staff to pet, scan for mc, and pick up and place in kennel.
Date of Intake: 5/28/2026
Is this cat having litter box issues?: No
Basic Information:: Zucchini is a aprox. 1-year-old, male, neutered, cat. He was returned to ACC after being adopted.
Previously lived with:: 3 adults, 1 child, 1 cat, 1 dog
How is this cat around strangers?: He is curious around strangers.
How is this cat around children?: He hisses, swats at, and avoids children. He has previously lived with a 3-year-old child.
How is this cat around other cats?: He is shy, hisses, swats at, and hides from other cats. He has previously lived with one other cat.
How is this cat around dogs?: He is shy, hisses, swats at, and hides from dogs. He has previously lived with one small dog.
Behavior Notes: He has never had his nails trimmed. He is unbothered when his coat is brushed. He struggles when picked up and held. He stress meows when placed in a carrier.
Bite history:: There is a bite history towards people and dogs. Client stated the first scratch that broke skin occurred when the other resident cat ran into the room Zucchini was decompressing in. Client went to pick up Zucchini who hissed, and scratched. Client stated the second bite/scratch that broke skin occurred when attempting to introduce Zucchini to their resident MMB dog. Client stated Zucchini hissed, growled, and scratched the dog before running away. Client stated the third bite/scratch that broke skin occurred when Zucchini slipped out of the room he was decompressing in. Client stated Zucchini began to hiss and growl, so she dropped him. Once on the grown Zucchini scratched and bit the client's left leg, and redirected onto her arm when she pushed him off. Client stated Zucchini released after biting her leg and scratching her arm, and did not attempt to do so again.
Energy level/descriptors:: Very high
Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know: He is a independent cat who prefers contact on his own terms. He spends most of his time in the bedroom and the living room. He is reported to play rough (extended nails). He likes to stalk, chase, and pounce on toys and feet. In his previous home he received interactive play once a day. He is reported to meow frequently, to play rough, to nip/swat when pet for too long, and to dislike cats and dogs. In his previous home he had access to two litterboxes he shared with one other cat. The boxes were located in the bedroom and bathroom. He used scented, clumping litter.
KNOWN HISTORY:: Zucchini was initially brought in as a stray. Upon intake cat was picked up, held, and placed in both carrier as well as kennel with no complications. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 3 adults, 1 child, 1 cat, 1 dog Behavior toward strangers: He is curious around strangers. Behavior toward children: He hisses, swats at, and avoids children. He has previously lived with a 3-year-old child. Behavior toward cats: He is shy, hisses, swats at, and hides from other cats. He has previously lived with one other cat. Behavior toward dogs: He is shy, hisses, swats at, and hides from dogs. He has previously lived with one small dog. Bite or Scratch history: There is a bite history towards people and dogs. Client stated the first scratch that broke skin occurred when the other resident cat ran into the room Zucchini was decompressing in. Client went to pick up Zucchini who hissed, and scratched. Client stated the second bite/scratch that broke skin occurred when attempting to introduce Zucchini to their resident MMB dog. Client stated Zucchini hissed, growled, and scratched the dog before running away. Client stated the third bite/scratch that broke skin occurred when Zucchini slipped out of the room he was decompressing in. Client stated Zucchini began to hiss and growl, so she dropped him. Once on the ground Zucchini scratched and bit the client's left leg, and redirected onto her arm when she pushed him off. Client stated Zucchini released after biting her leg and scratching her arm, and did not attempt to do so again. Litter box training: In his previous home he had access to two litterboxes he shared with one other cat. The boxes were located in the bedroom and bathroom. He used scented, clumping litter. Energy level/descriptors: Very high Other notes: He is a independent cat who prefers contact on his own terms. He spends most of his time in the bedroom and the living room. He is reported to play rough (extended nails). He likes to stalk, chase, and pounce on toys and feet. In his previous home he received interactive play once a day. He is reported to meow frequently, to play rough, to nip/swat when pet for too long, and to dislike cats and dogs. He has never had his nails trimmed. He is unbothered when his coat is brushed. He struggles when picked up and held. He stress meows when placed in a carrier. Upon intake Zucchini was fearful, but allowed staff to pet, scan for mc, and pick up and place in kennel.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 7/07/26 FB61 Today Zucchini is relaxed in his cat bed, his body and face relaxed as his front paw is draped over his bed. He stretches and steps forward to greet me as the kennel door opens. He squints his eyes and leans away when I pet him, so I spend the remainder of the session clicking and rewarding with a treat each time he allows a pet along his head and back. He does well today and tolerates all petting without escalating. Will continue to build positive associations. 7/9/26 FB58 He is upon his shelf as I approach, and he comes down quickly and eats the treats offered to him in the cubby - sticking his head through the cubby portal. He accepts pets on his head, cheeks, and along his back with the tool with his tail high as he eats, and allows some pets with my hand as well. Seems to need to be somewhat distracted to not be freaky. I offer him some new catnip toys and he immediately begins to play with them. 7/11/26 FB47 Zucchini is at the front of his kennel meowing as I open the door. He comes over to sniff my hand and backs up a little bit his body tensing slightly. He is very interested and alert. I click when he allows me to pet his face. I offer him a push up treat which he tries to inhale. I click when he ears it gently. He really wants to play! 7/12/26 FB47 Lounging in his bed, Zucchini bobs his head and meows as I approach. A few minutes ago I watched him interact with someone cleaning his kennel. Although he enjoyed face/neck/body pets at first he became overstimulated after 60 seconds. I offer him treats in a bowl, I pet him as he eats and once he is done. Although he again starts to show he is overstimulated it is in a playful way rather than aggressive. I need to bring him a different type of toy tomorrow. 7/14/26 Vol. When I approach Zucchini's kennel and opened the door he was laying in his bed. He continued to lay in his bed while I scratched his cheeks. He was slow blinking and pressing his head into my hand. His ears were neutral the whole time. When I gave him dried treats, he got a little excited. He jumped out of his bed, trying to find them. I didn’t want him to get overstimulated, so I ended the socialization after a few minutes. But overall, I found him to be affectionate and solicit attention. GAN
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Lively
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Sweet,Playful,People oriented,Curious,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,Rough play,Very high energy level,Other,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: **There is a bite/scratch history** There is a bite history towards people and dogs. Client stated the first scratch that broke skin occurred when the other resident cat ran into the room Zucchini was decompressing in. Client went to pick up Zucchini who hissed, and scratched. Client stated the second bite/scratch that broke skin occurred when attempting to introduce Zucchini to their resident MMB dog. Client stated Zucchini hissed, growled, and scratched the dog before running away. Client stated the third bite/scratch that broke skin occurred when Zucchini slipped out of the room he was decompressing in. Client stated Zucchini began to hiss and growl, so she dropped him. Once on the ground Zucchini scratched and bit the client's left leg, and redirected onto her arm when she pushed him off. Client stated Zucchini released after biting her leg and scratching her arm, and did not attempt to do so again. Initially Zucchini solicits petting and attention, but after a few soft passes over the body he begins to roll around, swatting at the assessor. This may be a sign of petting-induced aggression, where repeated physical contact results in discomfort for the cat, or it may be a sign of overstimulation. As a result of this observed behavior we recommend adopters who are familiar with signs of behavioral arousal and agitation in cats, so that interactions can be ended before Zucchini becomes reactive. Treats should be used to reward appropriate responses to physical attention. Zucchini is an active young cat who would benefit from increased mental and physical stimulation to appropriately direct his energy. We recommend using fishing pole-type toys as they allow for vigorous and stimulating exercise. Puzzle feeders will also keep Zucchini engaged and exercise his brain in addition to his body.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3
RECOMMENDATIONS:: No young children,Single-pet home
Recommendations comments:: Due to prior owner history (see separate notes) and a bite/scratch history we feel that this cat will do best in a home with no children below 13 years old. Due to Zucchini's recent interactions with other pets in the home, we feel he would do best as an only pet in the home.
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 7/2/26 Zucchini presents as bright and alert at the front of the kennel, focusing his attention outside of the kennel and continuing to look out as he is pet on his head and along his back. He takes treats, then begins to flinch away from the touch, moving around his kennel and pushing his head toward the opening multiple times. He begins to move a bit erratically and the assessor switches to a scratcher tool at this time. He continues to tolerate petting and then begins pawing at it, jumping up and down from his ledge. When it is removed, he continues to raise his paw. While this seems like a playful encounter, he then backs away with his tail low. When the assessor touches his belly, he whips his head toward the touch and moves away. No pick up is attempted due to this reaction. 8/2/26 Zucchini greets the assessor when his kennel is approached, walking forward with a loose body and a soft, neutral expression. He takes treats, then bunts his head into the assessor's hand, soliciting petting. He flops onto his back and stretches his limbs out, purring as he is pet on his head. After a few moments, he stands back up, and begins batting gently at the assessor's hand, as if attempting play. A feather toy is used to play with him and he engages eagerly, roughly grabbing it with his claws and running around the kennel. When he sits back down, his tail is tapping against the floor and he attempts a small nip at the assessor's hand near his head. He remains calm and sitting in a relaxed position, though he appears to clearly become overstimulated, so the assessment is ended here. Zucchini seeks out attention and petting but does get overstimulated quickly and can play roughly. He may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to his new home. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced home with no other pets.
