Animal Profile

Calvin 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 his 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 Calvin 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 his plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. 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 am looking for a home with a patient person. I'm an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing. I would do best in a home with only adult humans. A volunteer writes: Acceptance can be such a gift. Unfortunately it can take some time, and maybe even a little bit of trial and error, to find the love and acceptance we may be seeking. Meet Calvin. This isn't his first time at the shelter, but sadly it doesn't make it any less confusing or any easier for him to find his way. Calvin is a gorgeous gray cat who wants to fit in but also wants to be true to himself, so he's looking for a family who finds joy in meeting someone where they are. Some cats like their space, but still want to be part of a family and some cats do things on their own time but would still really like some of yours. Please consider opening your heart and home to the very lovely Calvin.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 7.2 lbs

Vet Notes
Medical Notes

8/13/2023

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3-4 months old - based on weight and exam Is this an orphan kitten? Is the kitten eating on own? no Is the kitten suckling? Microchip noted on Intake? neg History: stray - litter of Subjective: BARH. No c/s/v/d. Not interested in canned food. Observed Behavior - in back of den tense and dilated pupils, able to get out of den but will flea, unable to hold in towel, needed net, trying to bite when restrained Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective T = P = 200 R = eup BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: unable to check inside mouth PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male, 2 sst MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally clean Wood's Lamp Exam: neg Assessment: Apparently healthy kitten Prognosis: good Plan: Routine kitten intake SURGERY: Okay for surgery

8/16/2023

Pre-Op Exam S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Apparently healthy P: Neuter, CTM while at BACC SURGERY: Okay for surgery

8/16/2023

Routine Feline Neuter Single incision over midline of scrotum, sharp dissection to exteriorize each testicle Self tie of spermatic cords Green linear tattoo placed Surgeon: 1438 Additional Note: Smooth recovery

9/13/2023

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4 months old Is this an orphan kitten? Is the kitten eating on own? yes Is the kitten suckling? Microchip noted on Intake? neg History: return adoption - litter of 2, DOH bite Subjective: BARH. No c/s/v/d. Observed Behavior - in back of den tense and dilated pupils, able to get out with towel Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective T = P = 200 R = eup BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: clean young adult dentitia coming in - still some baby teeth PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male neutered MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally clean Wood's Lamp Exam: neg Assessment: Apparently healthy kitten Prognosis: good Plan: Update FVRCP, flea prev and dewormer SURGERY: Already neutered 8/16

9/20/2023

DOH RELEASE On 9/20/2023 at approximately 9 AM, Calvin was examined. The patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurological signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at BACC.

10/3/2023

Diarrhea reported on rounds board. BAR in kennel, no c/s/v, appetite good. Start psyllium husk 1/2 scoop PO q24h, fortiflora 1 packet PO q24h x 5d until 10/7, panacur 50 mg/kg PO q24h x 3d until 10/5

10/7/2023

No diarrhea noted, CTM while at BACC.

8/21/2024

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-2y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned positive History: Abandoned in hotel room by foster parent. Bit MOP when being transferred into carrier. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Tense and growling with airplane ears. Makes a few attempt to dart under den door. Elected sedation for exam to decrease FAS and avoid another bite incident.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 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: clean adult dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male neutered 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 Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: updated intake tasks appropriate for rabies observation needs behavior assessment new home SURGERY: already neutered

8/30/2024

SO: Due for release from rabies observation BAR, crouched on top of den. Appears to be eating with good appetite. eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate, no neurological deficits appreciated A: apparently healthy P: recommend release from observation report findings to DOHMH

8/31/2024

Administered 1 mL SQ Rabies vaccine on RHL

11/24/2024

NH partner requesting gabapentin. Okay to approve 14 day course at 20 mg/kg via Chewy: Gabapentin 100 mg/mL: Give 0.7 ml PO q12h x14d

11/24/2024

[Dispensing Medication] Gabapentin is being dispensed to the client. In compliance with Bouy's Law, a written client information sheet was included with the prescription. The handout was downloaded from Plumb's™ and discloses all required information regarding the use of this drug, side effects and missed dose and handling instructions.

11/25/2024

Foster Intake Exam Estimated age: 1 1/2 years Microchip noted on Intake? Not scanned History: Return from foster. Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - Sitting in den. Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: N/A H/L: Eupneic ABD: Not distended U/G: Male neutered MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment Apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: Gabapentin 100mg/ml 0.7 ml po bid indefinitely DOH B quarantine SURGERY: Already neutered

12/4/2024

SO: BAR, perched on top of den. Appears to be eating dry food with good appetite eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate, no neurological deficits appreciated at this time A: no clinical signs of rabies appreciated P: On 12/04/2024 at approximately 9:25 AM 179704 Calvin was examined. Patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurologic signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at MACC.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

upon intake: due to their high FAS they were not handled, they were transferred carrier to den.

Date of Intake: 9/10/2023

Is this cat having litter box issues?: Yes

If yes, Please elaborate:: They have access to 3 litterboxes that are cleaned daily and they will still pee and poop on the couch and on the walls and in any room of the house.

Basic Information:: They are approx. 5 month old altered kittens who were adopted 2 weeks ago and are being returned due to several bite incidents in the home

Previously lived with:: 2 adults 4 children

How is this cat around strangers?: They would actively avoid strangers, and hiss and growl at them.

How is this cat around children?: the owner would keep them separate from the children

How is this cat around other cats?: he lived with another 5 month old altered DSH and was tolerant of them

How is this cat around dogs?: they didn't spend time around dogs so behavior is unknown

Behavior Notes: They have never had their nails trimmed, and will hiss/growl, swat and nip/bite when you try to brush their coat, try to pick

Bite history:: they have bitten a person that has broken skin and drawn blood

Energy level/descriptors:: low

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: They are fearful and hides under the shelf and isn't interested in play and doesn't scratch on the scratching post. They eat wet and dry food and they try to escape the house, hide in fear, scratch the furniture and will scratch and bite people. They have access to at least 3 litterboxes in the bathroom and hallway that are uncovered and they use unscented, scented, clumping and non-clumping litter and they have litterbox accidents.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Calvin was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment. The most recent foster parent reported that she was never able to pet or touch Calvin Reported on 8/23/24 Calvin Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 2 Adults, 4 Children, 1 Kitten Behavior toward strangers: Actively avoids strangers and would hiss and growl at them Behavior toward children: kept separate from children Behavior toward cats: Lived with sibling Bite or Scratch history: Yes, more details in Potential challenges comments section below. Litter box training: Yes, had access to at least 3 litter boxes. Energy level/descriptors: Low Energy Other notes: They are fearful and hides under the shelf and isn't interested in play and doesn't scratch on the scratching post. They eat wet and dry food and they try to escape the house, hide in fear, scratch the furniture and will scratch and bite people. They have never had their nails trimmed, and will hiss/growl, swat and nip/bite when you try to brush their coat, try to pick them up.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 9/13/24 Vol. Stretched out on shelf but when I approached, he ran into cubby. Put squeeze treat bowl on shelf and Calvin came out to eat, low to the ground and quick Spotted scratcher tool and hissed, eyes round, ears sideways. Removed tool and Calvin finished eating. Refilled bowl (Calvin stayed out) and he ate and then ran into cubby, sitting erect. Refilled bowl and put squeeze treat on scratcher tool and brought to cubby entry - Calvin licked it off - he did this 2 times. Removed tool and waited with door open - Calvin eventually came out to the bowl to eat. Put some hard treats down - he finished the treat bowl, a few hard treats and went into cubby. Ended interaction. Calvin then came out and down to food bowl. 9/18/24 Vol. Calvin was resting on his side on shelf, with limbs spread away from body. When kennel door opened, his eyes became dilated and he darted into cubby. He cautiously came back out to play with a feather toy, keeping his body crouched low to the ground. He accepted squeeze up from scratcher tool, but leaned away from attempted petting. After interaction he continued playing with feather toy on his own, running and pouncing around kennel. 9/20/24 Vol. Stretched out on shelf when reading report but went into cubby when removed lock - eyes alert and ears forward. Put treat bowl on shelf, Calvin came out to eat but as soon as he saw tool he went back to cubby. Refilled bowl - he ate but left when saw tool approaching. Put treat on tool and approached cubby entry - he put his head out to eat, pulling back immediately after finishing. Opened cubby to try and approach with empty tool, Calvin went out to shelf, eyes and ears normal but avoiding all contact. Ended interaction 9/21/24 Vol. Is in litterbox when approached & opened door. Offered treats & sniffed. Soon ate a tiny bit when left nearby. Offered pieces of chicken on scratcher tool first , then scattered along the perch. Will slowly eat the pieces of chicken closer & closer to front but up to a certain point. There was a lot of noise of other kitty condo doors opening & closing in the background so she went back to the side compartment. Hissed with wide eyes when opening the side door. Once it's quiet again she went onto the other side of perch to eat more chicken. Hold the scratcher tool horizontal above perch instead of lifting vertical helps her tense up less often. 9/24/24 Vol. Sitting behind his litter box. Moved to other part of kennel when door was opened. Ate Squeeze-up from clicker. Not interested in laser or cat dancer. Gave him a toy mouse which he proceeded to bat around his kennel. 12/10/24 FB26 Walks away when opening kennel door. Avoids contact dodging the scratcher tool when attempting to pet. Ate offered treats when left alone.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

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

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,Uncomfortable with pick up,Other,New home adjustment period,Adult cat socialization,Carrier aversion

Potential challenges comments:: We are unaware of what, if any, further modification steps were taken to try and address this behavior. However, at the care center he has been using the litter box. We cannot be sure whether this behavior will continue in a different home environment, but we recommend that potential adopters be comfortable with management and modification techniques for elimination outside the litter box should this behavior continue in a home environment. The bite/scratch incidents occurred when people had to handle and transfer Calvin into a carrier. We recommend using a large, thick, bath towel or blanket so safely pick up Calvin. In addition, adopters should use positive reinforcement such as treats and meal times to build a positive association with the carrier. Bite/scratch history: - On 9/10/23 at The person tried to use a towel to pick up and put Calvin in the carrier. While Calvin was swaddled, he bit the person on both of his hands and while he was half way out of the towel he scratched his right knee. The person was able to put Calvin in his carrier and he stated that the bites on the hands broke skin and the scratches broke skin and drew blood. - On 8/20/24, Calvin was recently abandoned by the foster parent in a hotel hiding in a pullout couch for two days. At 1 PM while transferring Calvin to another carrier, the person reached in to pick Calvin up and he bit her on the left hand between her thumb and index finder. - On 11/24/24 at 10:30am, the foster parent was attempting to place Calvin into a carrier. He forced his way out and bit her on the left hand, leaving a puncture wound. With the help of ACC field driver, the foster was able to get Calvin into the carrier without further incident.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to fearfulness, difficulty with handling, and bite/scratch history.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 8.28.24: Upon approach Calvin peeked out of his den portal to sniff the treats provided. He had sideways turned ears and was low-growling. After several servings on a high value treat on the scratch tool, the assessor attempting to pet him with it. At first he leaned back while low-growling and backed up in his den, wrapping his tail tightly around his body and lip-licking. Now being cornered he allowed brief petting on the head and cheeks. The assessor ended the interaction when he hissed to avoid escalation. 9/28/24: Calvin was resting inside his den upon approach. Alert with eyes wide, pupils dilated. He hisses when opening the cubby door. Paces from the ledge and back into the cubby avoiding contact. When placing offered treats he would scan the room and slowly engage to eat. Briefly allows petting with the scratcher tool then rushes into the cubby. However, continues to be wary with his surroundings and very limited with contact. 12.2.24: Calvin's behavior has been consistent with the previous evaluations. He was crouched down on top of the den curled up with his head and ears forward, focused on the assessor with a tense body and wide eyes. When spoken to and opening the door, he hisses and steps back. Calvin sniffs treats offered and allows brief petting on the body and head but hisses again. Pick up was not attempted in order to reduce stress. Calvin is an adult cat that may not have had many interactions with humans from an early age. He is very apprehensive of people, displays fearful behaviors, and he may attempt to avoid human contact. It is difficult to predict if he will respond to socialization but we recommend offering high value treats and food to help build a positive association to humans. Please be mindful that older cats will require more time and skill in order for them to be comfortable around people. According to the bite/scratch history, reports in his previous adopted and foster homes, and the observations in shelter, we conclude that Calvin's behavior has been consistent in a variety of environments; in other words, the next rescue or adoption home that Calvin is placed with should understand the expectations regarding his behavior and limitations with physical contact. Calvin 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 he does not tolerate handling or being transferred into a carrier. The behavior department feels that placement with a New Hope Partner is the best option at this time.