PEBBLES – 16645

Is this cat having litter box issues?: No

Basic Information:: Pebbles is a brown ticked possible 6 years old cat, domestic short hair. The owner picked Pebbles from the street when she was just a kitten. The owner is surrendering Pebbles due to moving to a place that does not allow pets.

Previously lived with:: 3 adults

How is this cat around strangers?: When strangers come over pebble hides. She takes months to warm up to new people. She keeps her distance and growls when picked up.

How is this cat around children?: Pebbles has been introduced to children ages 1 and 2 years old. However Pebble keeps her distance and does not like to interact. She hides throughout most of the day.

How is this cat around other cats?: Pebbles lived with an altered female cat. Pebbles kept her distance and did not engage in play. Sometimes they would play roughly with each other. However they stay in different room of the house.

How is this cat around dogs?: Has never lived with dogs.

Behavior Notes: Pebbles is fearful and keeps her distance from new people. She struggles away and growls when bathed, trimming her nails or brushing her coat. She always uses her uncover litter box that she shares with another cat.

Bite history:: she has never had a bite history.

Energy level/descriptors:: high energy

Has this cat ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: n/a

For a New Family to Know: Pebble is described as shy and fearful. She keeps her distance. She comes out when she is hungry. She enjoys a diet of Purina dry cat food. Pebbles sometimes will play with string toys but is not really interested in playing.

KNOWN HISTORY:: Lived Indoors Previously lived with: 3 adults Behavior toward strangers: Hides and keeps her distance around them, may take months to warm up. Behavior toward children: Keeps her distance and does not like to interact Behavior toward cats: Kept her distance, sometimes will play roughly. Mostly stayed in a different room in the house. Behavior toward dogs: Unknown Bite or Scratch history: None Litter box training: Yes, uses an uncovered litter box Energy level/descriptors: Pebble is described as shy and fearful with a high activity level. Other notes: She keeps her distance, but will come out when she is hungry. Pebbles sometimes will play with string toys but is not really interested in playing

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:: Observed Behavior – hissing growling but easy to examine in net

ENRICHMENT NOTES:: 12/24/17 Lying in back of kennel with a flat, tense body. Eyes follow my movements and ears flatten. Begins to low growl and rapid breathe as I reach open the door and reach towards her. Not interested in treats today. Needs more time to adjust. 12/26/17 Low body posture in back of kennel. Makes eye contact and growls when spoken to, ears flattening. She tolerates petting along her head and body while lowering herself further and licking her lips, tail wrapping around her body. Not interested in treats today. Nervous, needs more time to adjust.

Cage Condition:: Cage is neat

Reaction to assessor:: Pebbles was lying down with a low body posture by the back, her ears slightly tilted to to the side.

Reaction when softly spoken to:: Pebbles looks at the assessor for a brief moment before she averts her gaze and lowers her head.

Reaction to cage door opening:: Pebbles becomes stiff and alert.

Reaction to touch:: Pebbles focuses on the assessor’s hand when extended and begins to growl. She sniffs it and attempts to shift away to avoid touch, but will allow gentle stroke. She continues to try and dodge touch, but tolerates petting and remains tense.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Moderate

VOCAL:: Quiet

CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Timid,Independent

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful

Potential challenges comments:: Pebbles 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: : Experienced, adult only

Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable

BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Pebbles tolerates attention and petting but may be fearful or stressed in the shelter, and may be intimidated by small children. She may be a little more independent, and may need time to warm up to her new home and family. Due to the behaviors seen in the care center, we feel that this cat will do best in an experienced, adult only home.