KNOWN HISTORY:: Golden was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on his behavior history in a home environment. Upon intake, Golden was showing high FAS. He was licking his lips, huddled into a corner of the crate, and had dilated pupils. Whenever people entered the room, he would retreat. He did allow petting and collaring, but walked himself into his kennel.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: PRIOR ASSESSMENT 10-26-24 Inside his den out of sight, Golden has wide eyes, forward ears and his tail around him with his paws straightforward when the den cover is lifted for a better view. He gets startled when treats are tossed near his den opening and begins to look around and lip lick when the assessor speaks to him softly; he shines away from the scratcher tool when inserted into his den as he sits up and backs towards the corner. Now with dilated eyes, he continues to lick lip but allows pets on his head and down his body with no reaction. Pick up was not attempted at this time due to not being able to coax out of den and to limit FAS. PRIOR ASSESSMENT 02/04/25 FB47 Golden was lying quietly on top of the bed, almost subdued. Loud extended Penny on the cheek and head and along the side without really reacting, except closing his eyes slightly. After a couple minutes of this, he finally began to hiss, and his several times while remaining in place lying on his side. Possibly a bit depressed. 02/12/25 ACFR Golden was curled up and asleep in his cubby. With a slow approach, he accepted petting on his head for a small amount of time. Golden accepted the petting under his chin as well, however did not appreciate petting on the side of his body and hissed at the assessor. 2/15/25 Vol. Golden was in the main condo showing, making soft eye contact. He then walked slowly through the portal to lie down in his litter box, remaining calm while pet by hand, allowing pets all over his back, head and neck (not leaning in but remaining completely relaxed). After about 15 seconds, he got up and gave a quick hiss. Ended physical interaction but he continued blinking at sweet talk. 2/21/25 Vol. Golden was sleeping when I walked in room, she opened his eyes as I opened cage door and switched his position so he was sitting paws tucked, eyes normal, ears forward. Ignored squeeze treat bowl. Approached with hard treats on scratcher tool - she sniffed and ignored. Allowed head scratches with tool, eyes closing and opening slightly when stopped. Ignored movement and activity in the room. Gave scratches until Golden moved her head and with her paw gently pushed the tool away. She remained sitting. Let tool rest and started to remove - Golden lifted her paw slowly as if to stop tool if it approached. Waited a minute while sweet talking - removed tool and ended interaction. 2/22/25 Vol. Golden is curled up inside of an empty litter box. He ignores the assessor, but his tail is flicking. He remains immobile while being pet with the tool on his head, neck, shoulders and along his whole body, all the while flicking his tail. He rearranges himself, pulling his head in further, feigning sleep. In response to being pet by hand, he flicks his tail and ears perk up but remains curled up. 2/25/25 Vol. Sitting in his privacy den. Had no interest in Squeeze-ups or cat dancer. Never came out of den. Hissed when I tried to put a clean towel in the kennel.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,Other,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: The foster parent reported that Golden is very high energy and will play very rough often going after the foster's feet. They've attempted to redirect him with wand toys and play sessions throughout the day. He is also sensitive to loud sounds and has reacted to loud sounds by hissing and swatting the foster. The foster mentioned he chases his tail a lot.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to fearfulness, defensive aggression in shelter, rough play, and sensitivity to loud, sudden noise.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Golden is a bold, timid, and independent cat whose behavior has declined since the previous behavior assessment (see Enrichment Notes above for more details). He was curled up hiding in his den and begins growling upon approach. When spoken to and opening the door, he hisses and turns his head to the den side entrance. When reaching close to offer treats on the scratcher tool, he swats the tool hard with force and retreats his head and paw into the den. He briefly tolerates petting on the head; but when stroking his body, Golden nips at the tool. After slowly pulling the tool away and tidying up the linens in his kennel, he reaches his paw out to swat the tool again. Pick up was not attempted in order to reduce stress. Golden is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and/or may require further investigation before placement in a home. He has tried to swat, scratch, bite, 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.