Motif
Hello, my name is Motif. My animal id is #252905. I am a desexed male white cat at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 12 years 3 months old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 4/25/2026, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance- death of owner.
Motif is on the at risk list for medical concerns. Motif is a senior cat with dental disease, masses, and significant polydipsia reported by staff. An underlying disease process is suspected, but bloodwork was unremarkable. Clinically, Motif is stable and has a good appetite. Behaviorally, Motif can be a bit spicy during medical handling.
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. Motif is on the at risk list for medical concerns. Motif is a senior cat with dental disease, masses, and significant polydipsia reported by staff. An underlying disease process is suspected, but bloodwork was unremarkable. Clinically, Motif is stable and has a good appetite. Behaviorally, Motif can be a bit spicy during medical handling. I have been known to shower my favorite people in love! I am a sweet, social, older gentleman, looking for the perfect forever home! I am finding the shelter a bit overwhelming. Outside one-on-one I am a great big cuddle bug. I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I am playful and cute! Motiff tolerates attention and petting but may be fearful or stressed in the shelter and may be intimidated by small children. 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, adult only home. I have lived with cats in my previous home. A volunteer writes: Motif was brought to us when his guardian passed away and while that's enough to break my heart, so is the thoughtful way he continues to put on his brightest face for anyone who happens to be in the room. Motif knows there's a good chance shelter visitors are here looking for kittens, but he knows just as well that seniors like him still have so much love to share. Calling out to me when I walked by his condo, I was instantly charmed by Motif's completely accurate insistence that I had some time for him. I must also commend him for his spirited approach to hosting guests as he tried several times to invite me on a little tour of Adoptions. We've heard that in his previous home, Motif enjoyed wandering around the house and watching TV. He's only waiting for another little chance to do that and love again.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 9.1 lbs
4/25/2026
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 12 years Is this an orphan kitten? No Microchip noted on Intake? No History: Owner surrender Subjective: BAR- 3% dehydrated Observed Behavior - Came out of kennel for food (chicken and baby food), started hissing and tried to flee or swat with any restraint. Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = wnl R = wnl BCS 2/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Marked tartar with resorptive lesions and recessed gingiva, missing many teeth. (grade 4) PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Neutered male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, Dry hair coat, 2 multi-lobated firm SQ masses associated with nipples on abdomen. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: 1. Underweight 2. Mammary masses 3. Marked dental disease 4. Grey zone T4 (3.2) Prognosis: Fair Plan: 1. Given 0.4mg/kg Butorphanol (0.1mL) IM to calm for exam. Limited sedation, still growling/hissing with restraint. 2. Intake tasks completed 3. IH chemistry + T4 (unable to get enough blood for CBC): Mildly increased SDMA(15), globulins (5.7) and T4 (3.2) 4. Monitor for weight gain with scheduled feedings. Monitor for signs of hyperthyroid. 5. Needs dental procedure with extractions. Recommend removal of mammary mases.
5/4/2026
Progress exam: Sneezing noted on rounds board Subjective: QBAR, no C/S/V/D. Audibly congested Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: dry discharge in both nostrils MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -Under the weather sign & monitor log placed on kennel -Start doxycycline PO SID x10 days -CTM, recheck in 3 days
5/12/2026
Progress exam: URI day 7 recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present. Sneezing noted on log. AS:3 empty bowl & ate medications Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI PLAN: Per standing orders -CTM, recheck in 3 days
5/15/2026
Progress exam: URI day 10 recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present. AS:3 empty bowl present Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed URI appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -Move out of iso, signage placed. -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC
7/12/2026
Possible PU/PD noted on rounds board S: BAR - hyperactive, rubbing and trying to jump out of kennel, using forepaws to grab hands when attempting to examine unable to assess MMs dt behavior skin turgor WNL good appetite no c/s/v/d reported water dish close to empty with large volume of urine in litterbox - asked support staff who say this has been ongoing with him and they have to clean the litterbox frequently O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge, corneas clear LUNG: Eupneic at distance MSK: Ambulatory x4, diffuse mild muscle wasting, underweight INT: Unkempt haircoat at distance CNS: Appropriate mentation Attempted but unable to perform cervical palpation due to P behavior A: Suspected PU/PD r/o hyperthyroidism (previously grey zone TT4 3.2 high normal) vs less likely other endocrinopathy vs CKD vs paraneoplastic vs other renal vs hepatopathy vs hypercalcemia vs other Muscle wasting / hyperactivity r/o hyperthyroidism vs other HX mammary tumors - unable to assess today dt behavior HX severe dental disease - unable to assess today dt behavior P: ADD Gabapentin 100mg PO BID TFN LVT to collect blood for thyroid panel (FT4 + TSH) to submit to IDEXX DVM recheck exam / eval BW / eval pathway 7/15
7/13/2026
Called IDEXX to confirm that thyroid panel 6 (3012) is correct even though it states CANINE. This is correct, can disregard where it says canine (this is because no specific test exists for feline TSH).
7/13/2026
Blood collected for thyroid panel to reference lab. // Completed.
7/15/2026
Recheck -Mammary masses and grey zone T4 noted at intake 2-3 months ago, CBC not performed at that time -Polydipsia recently reported on rounds board, thyroid panel pending -Weight stable S/O: BAR at front of kennel, eating well, no c/s/v/d noted; vocal for handling - growling and hissing, but used towel and able to examine, draw blood EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Amb x 4, healthy haircoat; two SQ masses palpated along ventral midline - one at level of umbilicus and the other at ventral thorax, neither obviously associated with mammary glands, do not palpate as firm as typical MGT - these are soft, SQ, multilobular CNS: Appropriate mentation CBC: Neutrophils 11.84 (H), monocytes 0.89 (H) CHEM: wnl T4: 2.8 A: Senior cat Polydipsia SQ masses along ventrum - ro MGT vs other Dental disease Grey zone T4 (lower than previous- 3.2) P: Pend thyroid panel Consider FNA/cytology vs mass removal/biopsy with placement. Could be done at time of dental. CTM while at QACC
7/16/2026
Thyroid panel wnl
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Upon intake staff was able to pet, collar, and scan but did not pick up or hold Motif due to FAS. He was transferred to a den and placed in kennel.
Date of Intake: 4/25/2026
Is this cat having litter box issues?: No
Basic Information:: DSH male white and ginger cat who was surrendered to ACC by the next-of-kin of his deceased owner
Previously lived with:: adults, other cat
How is this cat around strangers?: Warms up before two weeks and is curious, friendly and outgoing but may swat if boundaries are pushed too soon. Plays gently.
How is this cat around children?: No experience.
How is this cat around other cats?: Minimal experience but is tolerant.
How is this cat around dogs?: No experience.
Behavior Notes: Has not had nails trimmed, is unbothered when picked up or held, and will struggle or squirm when having his coat brushed or when he is placed in a carrier. Will nip or swat if pet for too long.
Bite history:: No history.
Energy level/descriptors:: Medium
For a New Family to Know: He is described as a friendly and affectioante lap cat who spends most of his time wandering around his home or sitting at an available windowsill. He is not very interested in play but enjoys scratching on carpet or fabric surfaces and snacking on Part Mix chicken treats. He likes to watch TV, relax with his people, and prefers contact on his own terms. He is accustomed to having access to three uncovered/automatic litterboxes with clumping litter located in the basement or living room of his home.
KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: adults, other cat Behavior toward strangers: Warms up before two weeks and is curious, friendly and outgoing but may swat if boundaries are pushed too soon. Plays gently. Behavior toward children: No experience. Behavior toward cats: Minimal experience but is tolerant. Behavior toward dogs: No experience. Bite or Scratch history: No Litter box training: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Medium Other notes: Has not had nails trimmed, is unbothered when picked up or held, and will struggle or squirm when having his coat brushed or when he is placed in a carrier. Will nip or swat if pet for too long. He is described as a friendly and affectionate lap cat who spends most of his time wandering around his home or sitting at an available windowsill. He is not very interested in play but enjoys scratching on carpet or fabric surfaces and snacking on Part Mix chicken treats. He likes to watch TV, relax with his people, and prefers contact on his own terms. He is accustomed to having access to three uncovered/automatic litterboxes with clumping litter located in the basement or living room of his home.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 5/1/26 FB79 Super cute curled up in the den asleep, motif wakes up when I greet him; he got started a bit and tensed up learning up and back. When I brought the tool in he pulled away but when I attempted again he was tolerant of pets on his cheek briefly before dodging and shifting his weight away from the tool. 6/14/26 vol. Motif is super friendly. He loved the Friskies treats offered to him. As I petted him, he rubbed his face all over my hands. He was calm and sweet. He also interacted with some potential adopters and he was very outgoing and responsive to them. I don’t think they adopted him today, but some lucky people or person surely will. He has the right attitude. 6/21/26 Vol. Motif was in his kennel. I gave him Squeeze Up and Friskies treats. He ate them all and thoroughly licked the tray to get every single bit. I petted him on the head and body as he stood up. He is very affectionate and loves to be petted. I gave him a few more treats and ended the interaction. 6/05/26 Vol Motif was walking back and forth between the two kennel compartments. He accepted all petting, as he rubbed his head against my hand. He also tried to push his way out of the door with his head. He liked his Squeeze Up and Temptations. He is friendly and outgoing.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Lively
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Calm,Sweet,Affectionate,Playful,Curious
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Overstimulation,New home adjustment period
Potential challenges comments:: Surrendering owner stated that Motif may swat if boundaries are pushed too soon. However, he plays gently.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 2
RECOMMENDATIONS:: No young children
Recommendations comments:: No children over age 13 due to overstimulation as per previous owner - at adoption counselor's discretion.
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Motiff was sitting upright in the front of his kennel as the assessor approached, body and face neutral with his ears forward, his pupils semi-dilated and his tail curled around his feet. He makes eye contact when spoken to and he leans forward to sniff the assessor's hand when offered through the kennel door. Motiff stood up as the kennel door opened and he tolerated two pets along his head and back before turning his head to sniff the assessor's hand again and retreating into his cat den with a low body and tail. Pick up was not attempted at this time. After the assessment ended, Motiff came out of his den and played with the catnip toy offered enthusiastically and with pizzaz. 5/05/26 FB61 Motif was lying in his cat den as the assessor approached, body and face relaxed with his head resting on his front paws. Motif raised his head when spoken to and he stepped out of his den to greet the assessor as the kennel door opened. Motif allowed petting along his head and body while leaning in, raising his tail and looking at the assessor with soft eyes. Motif remained calm when lifted and placed back down. 6/6/26 FB79 & 7/6/26 Handsome man Motif stands with his hair mid level as the assessor entered his kennel and greeted his; he leaned out with his ears forward and wide eyes to look around and head bunted the assessors hand when it was held out. He enjoyed all pets on his head with no reaction and when given cheek and chin rubs he leaned in for more. When the assessor pet up his back/body his tail started to rise as he leaned onto the assessor arms and body. Treats were placed down in front of him which he had no interest in but did allow the assessor to pick him up and place him back down with no issues as he continued to be curious leaning forward to look out the kennel as he accepted more pets. Motif interacts with the observer, appreciates attention, is easy to handle and tolerates all petting. May have the potential to become overstimulated as per previous owner (these behaviors were not observed by behavior staff). This cat is showing behavior appropriate for cat parents with either an average amount of cat experience, demonstrate a basic understanding of typical cat behavior. Potential adopters should be counseled on overstimulation and feline body language.
