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

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 3/11/26 PRIOR ASSESSMENT Melbin is laying in the middle of his den, body tense, pupils dilated, and lip licking as the assessor approaches. When the den cover is lifted, he turns around, looking for an exit before huddling into the back corner of the den. Melbin is tolerant of all petting but remains tense as he is pet, tolerating the contact but not engaging. He is unable to be coaxed out of the den, so a full pickup is unable to be attempted but he is tolerant of light pressure applied to his sides and under his chest. Melbin remains tense and lip licks throughout the interaction. 3/13/26 Vol. Melbin was in the top cubby inside his litter box when I approached. When he first saw me, he meowed. After speaking to him softly, he poked his head forward to watch the activity in the room. He licked his lips once and turned his head away when I opened the cubby door. His whiskers were back and pupils dilated. He extended his head out of the side opening of the cubby to eat a wet treat offered in a tray. He then retreated back inside the cubby. He interacted with a peacock feather toy and allowed gentle face and body contact with the feather. While curled in the litter box, he leaned forward to sniff my hand and allowed light head petting on his forehead. I left him with the feather toy and a wet treat. 3/15/26 Vol. Resting in cubby behind litter box. Low growled and hissed when cubby door was opened, then turned to face the side wall and lip-licked. Leaned over to portal to sniff a cup of Temptations and squeeze-up and eagerly ate, but grumbled and hissed when I looked at him again. Came over to portal to eat more squeeze-up, then resumed grumbling. Did not show any interest in a feather toy. 2/19/26 Vol. Melbin could be growling within the condo cubby upon approach. When the privacy shield was lifted, he was found lying in the litter box, head facing the front. He hissed and lip licked, continuing to growl. Attempts to engage him with the feather in the main condo failed, and he continued to low growl and would not exit cubby. Still adjusting. 03/24/26 FB47 Melbin was in his den and appeared fairly calm when spoken to. He did not hiss or growl, so Fraidy Cat Club work was not performed. 03/31/26 FB47 He was in the den but looked out through the side door and hissed and growled. When he took a pause I marked.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Bold,Shy ,Timid,Skittish,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period

Potential challenges comments:: Melbin should be given a slow introduction to the home, one room at a time starting in a small room like a bathroom with food, litter and water because behaviors seen at the Care Center [skittish, flees, avoids handling, very shy and fearful] strongly suggest that he will hide if allowed. Interact with him in this room until he seems sufficiently confident that you feel you can introduce him to the next part of the home without running the risk that he will hide. Please speak to an adoption counselor for additional information on methods to help introduce your cat to the home.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Melbin has deteriorated since his first assessment and is now hiding in his cubby, hissing, swatting hard, and almost lunging. He appears very tense, with large pupils, sideways ears, and a tight body. Melbin 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 and 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.