Animal Profile

Pierre Despereaux 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. Medically Pierre Despereaux is recovering from an injury.

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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Due to the detailed behavior issues, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out the pre-screener form. This animal is not directly available for adoption through ACC and is only available by completing the pre-screener form.Adoption inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Pierre Despereaux 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. Medically Pierre Despereaux is recovering from an injury. What my friends at ACC say about me: My favorite pastime is being visually admired! Pet me with your eyes! A volunteer writes: Pierre Despereaux really doesn't ask for so much and I wish he would. We'd leap at the chance to learn just a little bit more. We know he loves to quietly nap using his toy as a pillow while he figures out how to best respond to whatever the day will bring. What Pierre Despereaux could really use is a soft place to land, but he seems to be doing his best to just get his bearings. The ground beneath Pierre Despereaux's paws has been unsteady for quite some time and a little patience could go a long way, even if he isn't sure how to ask for it. Pierre Despereaux came to us from a home with many other cats and hasn't been one for shelter life. We gently try to hand him treats and offer pets, but Pierre Despereaux has turned down almost all of our efforts. He was grateful for the treats I left in a dish for him and kept looking up at me to check where I was while he ate. We know that things aren't so bright right now but we know they will be soon.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 8.6 lbs

Medical Notes

9/19/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-5y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Owner surrender through field. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior -Hissing and striking at den door when approached. Elected sedation with 0.1ml dexmedetomidine 500mcg/ml, 0.1ml ketamine 100mg/ml, 0.1ml butorphanol 10mg/ml IM Evidence of Cruelty seen -no Evidence of Neglect seen-no Evidence of Trauma seen -no Objective T = P =wnl R =wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: adult dentition with minor tartar and staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact, 2 scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks neuter new home SURGERY: Okay for surgery

10/2/2025

Green nasal discharge and marked audible congestion heard while cage side during rounds S: QAR on top of den and hisses when I approach. Offered warmed up chicken but seemed disinterested O: EENT: Eyes clear, thick green nasal discharge noted RESP: Eupneic, but audible congestion noted MSI: Ambulatory x 4 CNS: Mentation appropriate/ alert A: Moderate URI P: Behavior limits ability to offer more supportive care Rx: Doxycycline 50mg/ml 0.8 ml PO SID x10d Nebulize w/ saline SID x3d Monitor

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 5. Red

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Highly fearful upon intake.

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

Basic Information:: The cat typically tries to hide all the time. Typically only come out when hungry or need to use litter box. Cats were outdoor cats before client brought them into her home

How is this cat around strangers?: Hides

How is this cat around children?: Never been around children

How is this cat around other cats?: Cat lives with 4 other cats in the home. Occasionally, they would fight but nothing needing medical attention.

How is this cat around dogs?: Has never been around dogs

Behavior Notes: Does not like being handled.

Bite history:: None

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium but mostly mellow

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

KNOWN HISTORY:: Pierre was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 9/29/25 FB73 Pierre is laying in the middle of the kennel, curled in on himself and trembling. When kennel door is approached and crunchy treats are offered, he begins to low growl, leaning his head forward with a tense body and staring at my hand. Did not show interest in crunchy treats. Attempted to offer squeeze up with the scratcher tool which he swats hard, hisses. He takes a step back and begins to drool heavily, keeping a paw held up, pupils very dilated, remaining tense, and continuing to tremble. Interaction ended to reduce FAS. 10/03/25 FB73 Pierre is sitting up in the middle of his kennel, watching me as I approach. (Should be noted that he is currently under the weather which may affect behavior presented). He does not show interest in treats offered and lifts a paw when a squeeze up on the scratcher tool is offered to him, not accepting the treat but also not escalating further. Treat is offered on a paper tray and left in his kennel for him. 10/6/25 FB47 Pierre Desperaux is still stressed and was lying on top of the den, appearing guarded. He backed up when the kennel door was opened, and when approached with treats using the scratcher tool, he hissed and swatted. 10/10/25 FB73 Pierre is laying on top of his den, observing me as I approach. Treats are offered through the bars, which he does not take. A squeeze up is offered with the scratcher tool, and he immediately hisses, spits, and swats at it twice with claws. Interaction is ended to reduce FAS.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period,Adult cat socialization

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Pierre Despereaux was inside the den upon approach, appearing alert with wide eyes. He hissed and struck at the assess-a-hand when contact was attempted through the side portal door. The assessment was ended to help reduce stress. Pierre Despereaux is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. He 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.