Viper - *not Viewable In Shelter* - Maine Coon Cat

Shelter: BC SPCA - Victoria Animal ID: 483403 Birthdate: March 21, 2015 - Adult Spayed/Neutered: No Male Viper came into care through our Cruelty Investigations Department, after a rough start to life Viper is starting to make a turn around. Viper arrived at the Victoria Branch with many other cats from his home, while most have gone on to find new homes, Viper has taken a little longer to get comfortable. Viper is what we call an "under socialized cat", meaning he had limited exposure to humans when growing up and limited access to daily occurrences that a normal cat would have had. When placed in new situations or with new people he will react fearfully and take time and positive reinforcement to feel safe. Viper does come out when interested in people, he will strut around a bit before munching on some temptations, and returning to his hiding spot. Viper is not comfortable with petting at this point and needs physical contact to be on his own terms. Viper will need a home where he can have his own private room, this could be a spare bedroom, office, or extra living space that can be sealed off and filled with plenty of hiding spaces so he can feel safe as he adjusts to his forever home. His new guardians will need to be patient as they win over his affection and help him learn how to love and trust again. Viper could live in a home with another cat, which must be a female cat that is extremely social and friendly. Viper will learn how to interact with humans by watching other cats safely interact and copying their behaviour. To meet Viper you will need to chat with our behaviour staff first, this can be done by submitting an application for Viper and including a short paragraph detailing your experience with under-socialized cats, your timeline for Viper to adapt, and the space you have to offer for Viper. Please contact the branch at 250-388-7722 or via email at Victoria@spca.bc.ca for more information.