EMPRESS

My story

EMPRESS (A2699600) is still quite fearful. She likes to perch up high in her kennel and look out the window. She will usually hiss if you open her kennel door. Sometimes, I have been able to deliver treats or catnip on her shelves with a long spoon, which she has shown interest in (sniffing) but not yet eaten in front of me. Sometimes, she smacks the long spoon if it is too close, but lately she has allowed the spoon closer to her without hitting it. And her body has tensed less when I’ve approached the kennel. I think she would benefit from regular visits where people just quietly speak to her outside her kennel a few times a day, using a considerate approach, and maybe deliver a treat or some catnip (either using a long spoon, or leaving it on a lower level). Basically, she needs brief, positive interactions with people where either something good happens or something “neutral”/not bad happens. She also has shown interest in tracking the red light of the laser toy. I think this could be used to help build her confidence, encouraging some hunting behavior, and providing some mental stimulation. It would also help if kennel staff could consider not placing a litter of kittens in the kennel below or beside her. She always seems to have one right below her, which means there are always a lot of groups of people hovering constantly around her kennel.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt EMPRESS, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.