Animal Profile

Ferguson 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. Ferguson is from a hoarding situation and is likely under socialized and has been very fearful in the shelter environment. He has begun to display defensive behaviors and is not currently open to handling or interaction. Although staff has made consistent attempts at positive association and socialization in the care center, he has not warmed up and remains very fearful. 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. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Ferguson 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. Ferguson is from a hoarding situation and is likely under socialized and has been very fearful in the shelter environment. He has begun to display defensive behaviors and is not currently open to handling or interaction. Although staff has made consistent attempts at positive association and socialization in the care center, he has not warmed up and remains very fearful. 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: 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 Hi, my name is Ferguson and the shelter has been a little overwhelming for me. I came from a home with many cats, who I've gotten along with well. Because I've lived in this home my entire life and have only been around one person, I have little experience with people and am hesitant of new experiences. I would enjoy living in a quiet home, preferably one with lots of vertical space so I have a place to perch and observe the room. I would also appreciate having experienced, patient adopter(s) who are willing to take things slow with me. I would benefit from socialization, using rewards whenever I make a small positive step like making eye contact, allowing petting, or sniffing your hand. I'd prefer to take things at my own pace and would appreciate some good old fashion TLC. If you can open your heart to adopt a cat like me, I'll hopefully have the confidence to come around to my new people, like you!

My medical notes are...

Weight: 10.2 lbs

Medical Notes

9/20/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~2-5 years based on dentition / condition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Owner surrender Subjective: Prior to sedation - BAR pink moist mm, CRT <2s Observed Behavior - Attempted removal from den, sprinted out was in towel but thrashed and ran away, when trying to net ran to wall and started climbing and jumping on window to get away from net, swatted when net got close - sedated once caught; 0.15ml (0.5mg/ml) dex, 0.15ml (10mg/ml) torb, 0.15ml (100mg/ml) ketamine IM - provided adequate sedation Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = WNL (sedated) R = WNL (sedated) BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted; raw area on nose (poss from interaction before sedation) Oral Exam: Clean dentition, missing lower incisors PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2s, Lungs clear, eupneic, negative ITC ABD: Soft, nonpainful, no masses palpated U/G: Male - intact, two symmetrical scrotal testicles MSI: Prior to sedation - Ambulatory x 4, full orthopedic exam not performed INT: Healthy hair coat, no masses noted, no ectoparasites seen CNS: Prior to sedation - Mentation appropriate, anisocoria, possible head tilt to the left; unable to perform neurologic exam due to behavior and sedation; reactive to light before sedation with normal accommodation Rectal: Normal externally Wood's Lamp Exam: Not performed Assessment: High FAS Anisocoria - unknown cause Prognosis: Good Plan: Antisedan 0.15mL IM for reversal --> P sternal prior to leaving exam room OK for appropriate intake tasks ADD Gabapentin 100mg PO BID TFN SURGERY: Okay for surgery

10/16/2026

Observed multiple episodes of defecation outside of LB r/o inappropriate elimination behaviorally vs. poor aim due to large size hung signage to place 2 litter boxes in kennel

10/19/2026

BAR, hissing. No respiratory symptoms Plan ctm

10/22/2026

Request to start gabapentin trial for in shelter FAS 100mg gabapentin PO BID indefinitely

11/5/2026

Doing well on gabapentin Continue gabapentin indefinitely in shelter

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

KNOWN HISTORY:: Ferguson was brought in with limited information on his behavior history in a home environment. Ferguson comes from a home with 30+ other cats.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 9/24/26 Vol. Ferguson is in loaf in his den. He is initially startled when the den cover blanket is lifted, then relaxes, with one ear and one set of whiskers slightly tilted, pupils dilated. No interest in the treat extended through the portal and remained stiff while pet with the tool, resting his chin on his paws. Scared, not defensive. 9/25/26 Vol. Ferguson was in a covered den. A tray of fish was placed outside the entrance. He sat in a stiff loaf looking through the den window. His head was held low. He did not sniff fish offered on a scratcher at the den entrance. He was left with food at the front of the kennel, along with a tray containing catnip, a small mouse toy, and dry treats. 9/29/26 Vol. Sitting in his privacy den when I approached kennel. Sniffed at Churu on clicker but didn’t eat. Had no interest in tuna or Temptation treats. Ignored laser toy. Never came out of his den. Fearful kitty. 10/4/26 Vol Ferguson was lying on his side in the top cubby. When I opened the cubby door, he backed up, got into crouch, and hissed. He swatted at my hand when I dropped a treat in the cubby. He stayed in crouch after I closed the cubby door and looked a little shaky; so, I didn’t linger in front of him. 10/14/26 Vol. Ferguson was lying in litter box in cubby. His head was ducked low, and his eyes were wide and dilated. He hissed when the kennel door opened. He leaned forward to sniff at crunchy treats on scratcher tool but did not eat. He briefly sniffed at a catnip mouse, then ducked his head again to hide his face, appearing very tense. 10/21/26 ACFR Ferguson was resting in his top cubby when the handler approached. As the handler tried to open the cubby door, Ferguson started to smack against the window and hiss continuously at the handler. Ferguson continued to grumble, swat, and growl as the handler tried to make contact.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Timid,Skittish,Independent

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

Potential challenges comments:: See relevant behavior flyers.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New Hope Only

RECOMMENDATIONS:: Adult only home

Recommendations comments:: Due to observed behavior, adult only home.

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: 9/22/26 Ferguson remained tightly crouched inside the den with his head lowered, appearing alert with wide eyes. He briefly tolerated petting along his head with the scratcher tool but began to low grumble while remaining in place. He showed no interest in the treats offered and maintained the same position throughout the assessment. 10/22/26 Ferguson is crouched in the back of his top cubby, ears back, pupils very dilated, and body tense as the assessor approaches. When the handler goes to slowly open the cubby door, Ferguson immediately begins hissing, lunging, and swatting hard at the cubby door. The assessor gives him some time to settle and soft talks him, but Ferguson remains tense and begins to low growl. When one more attempt at interaction is made, Ferguson again lunges forward and swats hard at the cubby door. The interaction is ended to reduce stress. Ferguson is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room. He 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.