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Merle

Hello, my name is Merle. My animal id is #205470. I am a male black cat at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 1 months 3 weeks old.

I came into the shelter as a agency on 7/18/2024.

Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.

Pre-Screener Form

Merle 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.

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. 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 Merle 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. 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. I will flourish in a calm environment and a low-traffic home. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you. I would do best in a home with only adult humans.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 7.6 lbs

7/19/2024

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-2 years based on dentition + lack of prominent jowls Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Owner surrender via agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - growling, hissing-- opted to sedate to decrease FAS and ease of handling, sedated using 0.2 ml Dexmedetomidine (500mcg/ml) + 0.2 ml 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, clean/white PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL intact male, two scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4 (prior to sedation), skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities (prior to sedation) Rectal: Externally WNL Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment Apparently healthy Intact male Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks + exam Await behavior assessment Observe DOH hold Full reversal IM SURGERY: Okay for surgery

7/28/2024

On 07/28/2024 at approximately 10 am, I examined Merle 205470. He has appropriate mentation at this time with no neurologic signs present, and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at ACC.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

KNOWN HISTORY:: Merle was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on his behavior history in a home environment.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 7/28/24 Vol. Merle was in his feral den with his face visible through the opening. His face remained soft while I talked to him for a few minutes. 8.22.24 FB04 As staff was servicing kennel, Merle was lunging/attempting to strike. Also spitting, hissing and growling from inside den.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Timid,Independent

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

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Merle is a bold, timid, and independent cat. He was crouched down hiding in the den. When slow raising the den cover up to see into the den, Merle lunges at the den front door. He hisses and begins growling. After wait for a few seconds for him to calm down, he hisses again but then pokes his head out of the den side door to sniff treats offered on the scratcher tool. He eats the treat placed in front of him and then leans back and begins to growl when reaching close to pet. After making contact and touching his body, he bites on the tool and continues to growl. Pick up was not attempted in order to reduce stress. He pokes his head out to focus on the assessor when lowering the den cover at the end of the interaction. Merle 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 lunge, 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.