Animal Profile

Leon 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. Leon is on the at-riisk 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. Leon 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 reported in the home and seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, adult only home. A volunteer writes: A note on Leon's condo says that a slow and soft approach would mean the world to him and that just really got to me. I brainstormed a bit before sitting down by Leon's condo and then explained that I love sloths and would he be interested in seeing my impression? And since he is an esteemed expert in the slower things in life, maybe he could evaluate my sloth? This seemed to pique Leon's curiosity and he quickly (mhm) leaned his head into my hand to show that he appreciated my efforts even though my execution was admittedly odd. While Leon didn't hop down from his cubby, but rather remained in his little creamsicle seal loaf to better observe Adoptions, I felt like I made a friend and think that you will too. Leon is very sweet and loves attention on his own terms, sharing his kind heart generously and gratefully. For someone going through a lot of big changes who also happens to get kind of scared by loud noises, the shelter hasn't really been the best fit. We know, however, that the right home will be.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 12.4375 lbs

Medical Notes

8/10/2024

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4 years per O hx, exam consistent Microchip noted on Intake? Y History: O surrender. On DOH hold. Subjective: Observed Behavior - Lunged and swatted when den cover lifted. Sedated for exam. Is there evidence of Cruelty? N Is there evidence of Neglect? N Is there evidence of Trauma? N Objective Sedated with 0.1 ml each dexdomitor 500 mcg/ml and butorphanol 10 mg/ml. Insufficient sedation so gave additional 0.05 ml dexdomitor and 0.1 ml ketamine 100 mg/ml. After, reversed with antisedan. BCS 6-7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild tartar, estimate grade 1-2/4 periodontal disease H/L: NSR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic; growling ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MN MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Assessment Overweight Prognosis: Good with weight loss Plan: Recommend 2-3 lb weight loss with placement SURGERY: Already neutered

8/14/2024

On 8/14/2024 at approximately 10:00 AM, Leon was examined. The patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurological signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at MACC. Hx: on DOH for biting/scratching a person BAR H eent- no nasal and no ocular discharge hl- clear and eupneic msi- ambulatory x 4; bcs- 5/9 neuro- no apparent deficits A) no apparent neuropathy present P) consider removing from DOH observation

8/15/2024

Rabies vx given RHL SQ

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake minimal handling was done due to being fearful and lip licking. He allowed all handling to be done.

Is this cat having litter box issues?: Yes

If yes, Please elaborate:: Leon will have litterbox issues due to incidents when he reacts to being fearful. He will pee on furniture and clothing. Leon will only do it after these incidents once.

Basic Information:: Leon is a 4-year-old DSH male neutered cat. His fur coat is orange. He was surrendered due to being too fearful.

Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 1 child

How is this cat around strangers?: Leon is curious tolerant, shy, timid, and will hide initially around strangers.

How is this cat around children?: Leon is tolerant shy, timid, and hides initially with children.

How is this cat around other cats?: Leon is curious of other cats.

How is this cat around dogs?: Has no experience with dogs.

Behavior Notes: Leon struggles and squirms when his nails are trimmed. When his fur coat is brushed, he struggles and snips. When you pick him up, he enjoys it and is unbothered, but at times can swat. When placed inside a carrier he struggles and stress meows.

Bite history:: Leon has bitten/scratched a person and it broke skin, but never has bitten/scratched another animal.

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Leon is an indoors only cat. Inside his previous home he was friendly, affectionate, talkative, quiet, a couch potato, and a lap cat. He prefers contact on his own terms and likes to watch things from a far. He would spend most of his time where his people are, bedroom, living room, and at the window. Leon likes to play rough, chase his toys, fetches his toys, and chases bugs. Leon got interactive playtime 3-4 times a week. His favorite surfaces are rough rope, carpet, cardboard, and vertical/horizontal surfaces. In his previous home he had access to one unscented clumping clay litterbox. It was located in the bathroom and was covered. Leon eats wet food like Fancy feast. He likes Churu lick able and temptation treats. is previous owner's favorite thing about him is sassy, loving, loves to eat, and always want to be included.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 2 Adults, 1 child Behavior toward strangers: Leon is curious tolerant, shy, timid, and will hide initially around strangers. Behavior toward children: Leon is tolerant shy, timid, and hides initially with children. Behavior toward cats: Curious of other cats Behavior toward dogs: Unknown Bite or Scratch history: Leon has previous scratch incidents due to a startle response from loud noises, please see “Potential Challenges” section for more info. Litter box training: Partly, had access to one covered litterbox located in the bathroom with unscented clumping clay. Leon would have accidents after being startled by loud noises in the home (see potential challenges section) Energy level/descriptors: Medium Energy Level Other notes: Leon is an indoors only cat. Inside his previous home he was friendly, affectionate, talkative, quiet, a couch potato, and a lap cat. He prefers contact on his own terms and likes to watch things from a far. He would spend most of his time where his people are, bedroom, living room, and at the window. Leon likes to play rough, chase his toys, fetches his toys, and chases bugs. Leon got interactive playtime 3-4 times a week. His favorite surfaces are rough rope, carpet, cardboard, and vertical/horizontal surfaces. His previous owner's favorite thing about him is sassy, loving, loves to eat, and always want to be included. Leon struggles and squirms when his nails are trimmed. When his fur coat is brushed, he struggles and snips. When you pick him up, he enjoys it and is unbothered, but at times can swat. When placed inside a carrier he struggles and stress meows. Upon intake minimal handling was done due to being fearful and lip licking. He allowed all handling to be done.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 8/14/24 FB79 With his head poking out of his den, Leon has a neutral look with forward ears and almond eyes; he slight leans in to sniff the treats that i toss near him and begins to eat but quickly retreats when i try to bring my hand closer to in attempt to pet - i leave some treats as a snack for later and end the interaction. 8/23/24 FB1261 Vocalizing in front of kennel, ears forward, eats alert and tail curled around feet. He eats some squeezies through his cubby portal but when I open the kennel fully he tries to run out. He is tolerant of petting with the scratcher tool while lowering his body and leaning away. Not too thrilled by hands-on interaction at this time, but he is curious in his kennel and he enjoys trets and scent enrichment. 9/10/24 FB1261 On perch, curious with ears forward and tail curled around body. He leans forward and sniffs my hand/eats the treats offered but each time I attempt petting him he flinches and re-coils. He is not too keen on hands-on interaction at this time - may benefit from clicker training. Very handsome and orange.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Somewhat chatty

CHARACTER TYPE: : Social,Sweet,People oriented,Curious,Timid,Independent

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

Potential challenges comments:: Client stated on 8/4/2024 Leon was showing signs of being nervous, such as whale eyes and pinned back ears. Client stated her mother had dropped her wallet and Leon retaliated by scratching Kirsty's arms. The scratches had drawn blood, and the client got medical attention at University Hospital at Downstate. Client reported back in March a family member in the home had screamed when they saw a mouse, and Leon retaliated by scratching her arms again. Client again got medical attention from University Hospital at Downstate. Client stated for the first two years of his life he was in a loud and hostile environment. Due to his first few years of life like this he has become extremely fearful when he hears loud noises. Client reported Leon will have litterbox issues due to incidents when he reacts to being fearful. He will pee on furniture and clothing. Leon will only do it after these incidents once. It appears that due to the environment he spent his first couple years in, that may not have been secure or felt safe for Leon - he gets triggered by loud noises or yelling and has a startle response. Potential adopters should be thoroughly counselled on this and understand that it is not fully possible to identify exactly what sounds may act as triggers for him. He generally would do best in a lower traffic, calm home.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 3

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to the behavior seen in shelter and needing a longer time to warm up, the behavior team feels Leon would do best in an adult-only low traffic and quiet home where they would be able to acclimate in a calm environment.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: On approach, Leon is in his den and completely hidden from view. He cannot be coaxed out with treats or when spoken to softly. When the den cover is removed, he is sitting with a slightly tense face and body, ears forward and lip licks. He appears to be hyper vigilant and aware of the room. When the assessor slowly offers the scratcher tool out to him near the den opening, he leans forward to sniff and allows pets along his head and body, and slow blinks at times. When the assessor offers their hand out near the den opening, he again sniffs at it and appears to almost be interested in pets but is not ready. He eventually is able to be coaxed out of his den fully and he sits on top with a slightly tense face and body as he continues to look around the room, ears forward, and allows pets with the tool. Pick up is not attempted. Upon re-eval, Leon has warmed up to the shelter and is much more curious about his surroundings and vocalizes to solicit attention. When the assessor approaches, he is in his den and comes out on his own as he comes to the front. he remains very aware of the room and his surroundings. Although he does solicit attention and allows the assessor to pet his head and cheeks and leans slightly into the touch, his fur does twitch at times and he remains slightly aloof and tense. Due to Leon's bite/scratch history, the behavior team feels it is appropriate to keep him at a Level 3*. Leon 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 reported in the home and seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, adult only home.