MATILDA – 17130

Spay/Neuter status: Yes

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

Basic Information:: Matilda is a 9 year old white and brown tabby cat who was surrendered by her owner due to behavior concerns. The owner stated he got Matilda from a friend when she was 8 weeks old.

Previously lived with:: Owner

How is this cat around strangers?: Owner stated that when around strangers she is shy and does not want to be bothered. If a strangers tried to pet her she will hiss and swat. Matilda does not care to play with adults.

How is this cat around children?: Owner stated that Matilda is fearful and aggressive toward children. If they approach her or try to pet her she will hiss and swat. Matilda does not play with children.

How is this cat around other cats?: Matilda has not spent time in the home around other cats so it is unknown how she will react.

How is this cat around dogs?: Matilda has not spent time in the home around dogs so it is unknown how she will react.

Behavior Notes: Owner stated that on the way to the ACC in the car she was quiet. The owner also stated that she does scratch on the furniture even though she has a scratching post made out of carpet. She has not been bathed in a long time nor had her nails trimmed so it is unknown how she will react. When being held or disturbed while she sleeps she will hiss and swat.

Bite history:: Matilda has no bite history but she has scratched a child in the past and drew blood.

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: No reported medical concerns.

For a New Family to Know: Owner described Matilda as independent. When at home she likes to be in her favorite spot. She has been kept indoors only and eats wet cat food. Matilda is used to an uncovered litter box with clumping litter.

KNOWN HISTORY:: KNOWN HISTORY: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 1 adult Behavior toward strangers: Shy avoids being touched. She displays distance increasing behaviors when approached by a stranger. Behavior toward children: Fearful and displays distance increasing behaviors when approached. Behavior toward cats: Unknown Behavior toward dogs: Unknown Bite or Scratch history: She has scratches at the owner’s grandchildren when they disturb her Litter box training: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Independent with a medium activity level

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:: Very sweet but a little tense and nervous. Easily handle able.

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 01/02/18 Lying in center of kennel, body neutral and ears forward. She tilts her ears as I reach towards her and tolerates petting along her head and body while raising her paw and batting at my arm slowly, claws unextended as her tail thrashes back and forth. Not interested in petting today. She does step forward for treats. Needs some time to adjust.

Cage Condition:: Cage is neat

Reaction to assessor:: Matilda was lying down near the back of the kennel with her paws folded and tail wrapped around her body.

Reaction when softly spoken to:: Matilda’s eyes dilated and she becomes focused on the assessor’s movements.

Reaction to cage door opening:: Matilda lip licks, then rises up and grumbles.

Reaction to touch:: Matilda’s ears bend flat and she slowly raises her paw up as a warning when the assessor gets close to her. She continues to grumble and currently doesn’t allow any handling.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Laid back

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Skittish,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful

Potential challenges comments:: Matilda has displayed fearful behavior during their stay in the care center and has displayed distance-increasing behavior with extended handling. Fear aggression can occur when a cat perceives a threat and may escalate if they cannot escape. A fearful cat will feel more relaxed when given options, so provide her with the chance to move closer, investigate, or interact with you. Be sure to offer incentive such as treats or play time whenever the cat makes a small positive step. Please speak to an adoption counselor for additional information on methods to desensitize your cat to their fear stimulus.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : New hope only

Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable

RECOMMENDATIONS:: None

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Matilda is displaying behaviors that preclude placement in the adoptions room and may require further investigation before placement in a home. She has tried to swat, 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.