Animal Profile
Billy Jr
Hello, my name is Billy Jr. My animal id is #259766. I am a male orange tabby cat at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 3 years 2 months 1 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a aco - owner surrender on 7/15/2026, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance - owner elderly.
Billy Jr 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.
You may know me from such films as...
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. Billy Jr 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. A volunteer writes: Billy Jr is a very shy cat who hides from strangers and will warm up when he gets to know the person...You can imagine what being relinquished into a shelter environment can do to that kind of cat...Just look at Billy Jr's photo. A beautiful ginger cramped at the back of his hiding box, softly hissing and grumbling when his door is open. Billy Jr came with Oreo with whom he got along well. He might very well be the father of the five little ones she delivered at the care center. Billy Jr's owner told us that he liked feather and catnip toys and for the first time, yesterday, I saw a spark in his eyes when I waved a feather wand in front of him. No hiss, no grumble and he even touched the feather. Billy Jr was found to be FIV+ on a SNAP test. FIV+ can cats can live a very normal and long life and coexist with non FIV+ cats. We hope that Billy Jr will show further improvement during his stay with us but a caring, patient and understanding new owner is what he truly needs to be a happy pet. If you believe you can help Billy Jr, come and meet him at the Manhattan Care Center. What my friends at ACC say about me: I am looking for a home with a patient person. I can be slow to adjust to new environments. I prefer to take things at my own pace.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 10.5 lbs
7/16/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-4 years based on dentition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Owner surrender, ACO impound Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - immediately trying to flee while inside den, opting to sedate to prevent worsening FAS. Sedated using 0.2 ml Dexmedetomidine (500mcg/ml) + 0.2 ml Butorphanol (10mg/ml) IM Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = P = WNL R = WNL BCS: 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear OU, ears clean AU, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, mild tartar, moderate gingivitis PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL, intact male, 2 scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4 (prior to sedation), no ectoparasites noted, no masses noted, healthy haircoat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities (prior to sedation) Rectal: Externally WNL Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment: Mild to moderate dental disease FIV+ Intact male Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks + exam Await sort/ behavior assessment 0.2 ml antisedan IM SURGERY: Ok for neuter
8/9/2026
Hx: has had URI Q-BAR eating eent- no nasal discharge or ocular discharge; no sneezing or congestion msi- amb x 4 A) No URI-like signs P) Placement/homing
9/16/2026
Feline Behavior requesting Gabapentin trial due to high FAS noted in care. P: Gabapentin 100mg capsules, 1 capsule PO BID x14d then reassess
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
KNOWN HISTORY:: Previously lived with: an adult, a cat Behavior toward strangers: Very shy cat - runs away. He will eventually warm up once he knows a person. Behavior toward cats: Fine with the female cat. Bite or Scratch history: None reported Litter box training: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Energy level would be a medium. Billy is a mellow cat. Other notes: Loves to play with feathers and cat nip
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 7/19/26 FB09 Billy Jr was lying curled up in his den and looked at the handler with soft, neutral eyes. He cautiously leaned forward to sniff the treats offered to him but showed no further interest, instead briefly low growling. He stopped low growling and allowed the handler to pet along his head with the click stick while returning slow blinks. When petting along his back he began low growling again but allowed more pets on the head. 7/22/26 Vol. Billy was curled up inside den, facing away from opening. He turned around and briefly sniffed at treats on scratcher tool but did not eat. His pupils were large, and he did not return slow blinks. 8/16/26 Vol. Resting, curled up on top shelf in main kennel with tail wrapped around his face. Sniffed a cup of Temptations and squeeze-up and ate a bit but didn't finish. Sniffed my hand, then ate more treats, preferring squeeze-up. Shied away from contact, even when eating squeeze-up. 9/1/26 Vol. Billy Junior was up at the front of the kennel looking a bit wary, eyes wide, somewhat crouched. He paced between the upper ledge of the condo and the cubby, then came out again when the tool with the treat was extended slowly to him. He swatted at it, returned to the cubby, exited again to lick the treat off of the ledge where it had landed. Conflicted, given earlier-noted improvements. 9/10/26 Resting upon approach, curious when attempting to make contact. He quickly engages and swats at the scratcher tool after retreating avoiding the interaction. Ate offered treats after ending.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Curious,Timid,Skittish,Independent
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: See relevant behavior flyers.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3
RECOMMENDATIONS:: No young children
Recommendations comments:: Due to observed behavior, no children under age 13, respectful older children only. Counselor discretion.
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 7/18/26 Billy Jr. is a shy cat who is still adjusting to the shelter environment. During his assessment, he remained in his den, vocalized when approached, and tolerated a few gentle pets with a scratcher tool before pulling away. He was not interested in treats and preferred to stay in place while he began to low grumble. 8/18/26 Billy Jr. is laying in his litter box at the back of the cubby, observing the assessor with a tense body as they approach. When the cubby door is opened, he hisses, ears slightly back. He is softly spoken to and offered a squeeze up and he hesitantly approaches the front of the cubby, eating it with his body held low. He is able to be coaxed to the front of the main portion of the kennel, slowly coming forward and eating the rest of the squeeze up treat. He is tolerant of petting with the scratcher tool but backs away to avoid contact and hisses. Pickup is not attempted due to observed behavior. 9/18/26 Billy Jr. was lying in his cubby and poked his head out when the handler approached. He came forward with dilated eyes and forward ears, eagerly licking up the treats offered to him. He allowed petting along his head while eating but once transitioning to pets along his back, he quickly flinched back and squirmed to the back of his kennel. When the handler held out the click stick towards him, he lightly swatted at it with soft paws. The interaction was ended to reduce FAS. Billy Jr. will benefit from a patient adopter who can provide a quiet home and allow him to adjust at his own pace. Giving him time, space, and gentle interactions will help him build confidence in his new environment. Due to the behavior shown, he may not be a great fit for young children. Any home with older children prepared to adopt this cat should conduct a thorough interaction and endeavor to monitor this cat around their children to prevent these behaviors from being reinforced.