By Heather Nokes

“Kitten season” refers to the period from early spring to late fall when most kittens are born. This phenomenon is mostly due to warmer weather allowing stray or outdoor cats to venture out and begin procreating. Female cats become sexually mature as young as five months of age. In addition, because the gestation period for cats is only about two months long, they can have several litters in one year!

As kitten season ramps up, local shelters and rescues, like the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), are in dire need of kitten and cat fosters.

Why you should foster

Fostering kittens is a rewarding experience. As a foster, you save lives while enjoying all the adorable antics that make kittens irresistible. One of HSLC’s expert kitten fosters, Andi, has been fostering cats and kittens—over 130 in total—with her husband since 2012! She had this to say about her fostering experience:

“The best part [about fostering] is being able to watch them go from sickly to healthy or from angry/scared, hissy-spitties to lap-loving cuddlebugs.”

What to know before fostering

Andi states that while kitten fostering is fun, it can also be a lot of work. You must watch the little souls closely to ensure they stay safe. If something seems odd, do not be afraid to ask questions (HSLC has an awesome foster coordinator who can help!)  Be sure to love them unconditionally, and be happy to see them go to great homes.

What you need to foster

Kittens should be isolated from other pets in the home until vetted and given a clean bill of health. This is why setting up a “home base” for them is important. If they are young, a large dog crate will work; if older, an entire room would be a better fit.

Your home base should consist of:

• Clean, fresh bedding that is easy to change and wash.
• Soft surfaces that are not too high up, nothing that a kitten could get stuck in (trash can, boxes).
• A shallow litter box with a small amount of non-clumping litter.
• Shallow water and food dishes that are easy to clean.
• A healthy and safe environment for their foster kittens; any cleaning products should be removed from the kitten foster room.
• Small, soft toys that are not easily ingested or torn apart.

Kitten Veterinary care

The Humane Society of Loudoun County will pay for the veterinary care of its kittens. The first couple of vet visits often include deworming and/or flea treatment. If the kittens are healthy enough, vaccines and FeLV/FIV tests may be conducted. HSLC also spays/neuters around 4 months of age. More complicated reasons for a vet visit include diarrhea, dehydration and upper respiratory infections. For these conditions, medications may be sent home with the foster to give the kitten regularly. A healthy kitten is a happy kitten!

Saying goodbye

Saying goodbye may be the hardest part of fostering. It is important to remember that this is why you fostered, for a happy, healthy kitten to find a forever home!

Interested in giving cat or kitten fostering a try? Complete a no-obligation application today!

By Carly Sanders

It’s no secret that animals like food. Some animals really like food, and most dogs and cats fall under that category. When you’ve got a pet that’s quick to scarf down scraps and isn’t too picky about what they’re made of, it’s important to know what is and isn’t safe.

Even pets who aren’t big eaters can still be at risk. Some harmful compounds can enter their bloodstream through contact with their skin, so it’s important to be aware of all products that you bring into your home that your animals may have access to.

Here at the Humane Society of Loudoun County, we want to help owners keep their beloved pets safe. Knowing about potential dangers around the house is a big part of that. By now, most of us have heard that things like chocolate and grapes are not safe for dogs, and it’s pretty common knowledge amongst cat owners that lilies can be harmful to cats. But did you know about these five lesser-known hazards?

Raw bread dough

There’s nothing like home-baked bread. While most humans prefer it after coming out of the oven, our animals are often less discerning. Make sure to keep that pizza dough far away from your pets, as dough containing yeast can continue to expand in the stomach after swallowing. This can lead to stomach stretching, a condition that can be fatal in severe cases.

Not only that, but as yeast ferments, it produces alcohol which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Cooked bones

This one may seem surprising, but if you’re going to throw your dog (or cat!) a bone, make sure it’s a raw bone specifically meant for chewing. Cooked bones are more brittle than raw and can splinter more easily when broken by your pet’s teeth. When swallowed, sharp fragments can cause damage to the digestive tract.

If your pet loves the smell of fried chicken as much as my dog does, make sure to pay special attention and don’t leave that bucket unguarded!

Essential oils

Sniffing that bottle of tea tree oil might improve your headache, but keep it away from your pets, please! Many common plant-based essential oils, including tea tree oil, are toxic to cats and dogs. Other examples include wintergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, pine oil, and pennyroyal oil. These oils are harmful to cats and dogs when eaten and when applied to the skin.

Effects vary depending on the type of oil and the amount ingested. Symptoms range from stomach upset in mild cases to seizures and liver failure in more severe cases. 

Rogaine

If you’re treating hair loss with the topical product Rogaine, take care to keep it away from anywhere your pets might like to hang out. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Exposure can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure for our four-legged friends.

Like with essential oils, Rogaine can affect your pet both through eating and through application to the skin. Many reported cases involve cats licking someone’s hand or head where the product was applied. Even small amounts can be harmful, with many reported cases involving only a few drops or licks worth of the product.

If you’re using any products containing minoxidil, be very careful to keep the product itself far away from your pets and take extra precautions to wash residue from your hands and any surfaces that they might come in contact with.

Xylitol

Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, is highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol is found in many sugar-free food products and chewing gums, but it can also turn up in household products such as vitamins and toothpaste.

When it comes to cats, research is less plentiful. Serious side effects appear to be less common in felines, but more studies are needed. For now, we recommend playing it safe by keeping the ingredient away from pets of all varieties.

As for dogs, it’s well documented that xylitol causes severe low blood sugar, even in small doses. Higher doses can cause acute liver failure. Make sure to check for the ingredient in any new products you bring into your home, and pay special attention to anything labeled sugar-free or reduced sugar.

If you have reason to believe that your pet has been affected by any of these hazards, contact your emergency vet immediately to seek treatment. Knowing what to look for is the first step in protecting your loved ones, animals included! Make sure to be aware of what you or others are bringing into your home, and take precautions to keep anything potentially harmful far out of your curious companions’ reach.

By Kathleen Silver

Giving your pet dental treats is a great way to remove some gunk from their teeth. But it’s not as effective as creating a home brushing routine AND scheduling regular professional dental cleanings. Even with dental treats, bacteria attach to our pet’s teeth over time. In fact, most pets by the age of 2 years have some periodontal disease, which affects the gums and roots of the pet’s teeth. 

The hard truth is that dental disease causes significant problems in pets. When even a few years of tartar, plaque, and bacteria have built up and caused inflammation and diseased roots and gums, your pet may already be experiencing chronic life-changing pain. And no responsible pet owner should wait until they see that their pet is in obvious distress or showing drastic behavioral changes before scheduling a dental cleaning.

Don’t Replace a Dental Cleaning with Products

Do you think you can avoid dental cleanings by using products that claim to clean a pet’s teeth? There are great products on the market that improve the smell of breath and help prevent plaque and tartar build-up. But these products do not claim to be a substitute for annual professional cleanings.

Professional dental cleanings range from $250 – $1000 per animal when performed by a general vet practitioner; higher with a board-certified veterinary dentist. Unfortunately, most pet insurance policies do not cover the cost of cleanings. And, they will not cover the cost of dental disease if a pet has not had regular cleanings, as this would be considered a pre-existing condition. So, as pet owners, we must consider dental care a personal routine and a cost associated with pet ownership.

Make Brushing a Routine

Make brushing your pet’s teeth an experience where you bond with your animal. For example, brushing routines work great after a walk or nap when your pet is most relaxed. And being patient is essential when teaching your pet new behavior patterns. It might not work on the first, second, or third try, but it’s necessary to keep at it and make it as enjoyable as possible for your pet. It could be a few weeks until your pet settles into the routine ultimately, so keep at it! 

Have you heard the term “baby steps” regarding training a pet? It’s no different for home dental cleaning. First, start teaching your pet by setting out the toothbrush and letting your pet taste toothpaste. Doing this lets your pet become familiar with the implements and not fear foreign objects. Then, start teaching your pet to be used to you touching their mouth. Do this when the pet is relaxed. Next, rub your pet’s teeth with your finger. Gradually, switch to putting toothpaste on your finger and then to putting the toothpaste on the toothbrush. 

The outside of your pet’s teeth (the side facing the cheek) is the only area to be concerned with brushing. You may not be able to do the whole mouth each time, but each brush stroke is a victory. And, use toothpaste for pets, not human toothpaste, as it has ingredients like detergents and fluoride that are not good for your pet’s overall well-being.

Save for Your Pet’s Future

It is not cheap to have a pet’s teeth cleaned. But it is necessary to be the best pet owner. Think of the cost now as an investment in the future to avoid higher veterinary costs later on. In addition, cleanings can identify other issues, such as broken teeth, misalignment of teeth, tumors or cysts, and abscesses. 

Do you have a rainy day, college fund, or vacation account? Consider keeping a separate (never touch) “Furever Friend” savings account. These days, some local credit unions and banks offer higher-interest savings accounts (with some restrictions and fees, so read the fine print) just for pet savings. Setting aside funds for your pet will help ensure they get the care they need to live a long healthy life.

By Oliver Bittenbender

Caring for any foster animal can be a very rewarding experience. We recently published a blog about the reasons to foster an adult cat (vs. kittens). But we wanted to follow up with a foster story to bring these benefits to life.

Jill’s Story

During the pandemic, Jill Belsky adopted two fully grown cats. In her words, “I loved that we could adopt cats that had a rough past and provide them with a fresh beginning.” Jill loved the cats so much that she wanted to welcome more into her home. But, with a human family to care for, she couldn’t take in and keep as many cats as she wanted.

So, Jill found a clever compromise, “I thought fostering could be a great way to enjoy being with more cats, while also providing a beneficial service for animals in need.” So, she signed up to be a foster caregiver with the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC). And, given that she already had a great experience with adult cats in her home, she was very open to fostering a mature cat like Briar Rose.

A Lot to Love

Briar Rose has made for a fantastic first-time foster experience. Having matured and mellowed out, she requires far less attention from her caretakers than kittens. As a standard best practice, Briar Rose was initially placed in a safe space–in this case, a spare room. This provided her with a chance to adjust to her new surroundings prior to being given free rein to explore the house. Before long, Briar Rose was snuggling right up to her new humans, showing how comfortable she was around them. She has also taken well to the other two cats, Robin and Edie.

Jill finds that each cat “offers such unique interests, personality traits and ways of sharing their love.” From stroking her soft fur to watching her pounce at string toys and scratching posts, the Belsky family has found a lot to love about Briar Rose. Bonding with the new cat has been a rewarding experience for the whole family.

Words of Encouragement

Jill encourages those on the fence about fostering to think about the long-term difference they could make in a cat’s life for a relatively short-term responsibility. Homeless cats depend on kind people to be the bridge from their past to a happy and healthy life in a forever home. And though it may seem daunting at first, caring for a cat can quickly become second nature. “Before you know it,” Jill says, “you’ll likely fall in love with the foster cat, and any concerns you originally had become negligible.” Plus, with the care and support of the many amazing volunteers at HSLC, a foster caregiver is never alone in their journey.

Learn more about fostering with HSLC and complete a no-obligation application today!

By Lauren Puckett

In 2023, Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) volunteers fostered 191 cats. Though some of these cats were kittens, there were plenty of adult cats who also needed foster families. Kittens are often in demand because they are so cute and cuddly, but adults come with their own benefits. Here are four reasons to foster an adult cat:

Less Demanding of Your Time

Kittens, especially young ones, need regular supervision. They are often underfoot and can cause humans to trip or stumble, potentially injuring all involved. Newborn kittens have stringent feeding requirements and need to be bottle-fed every two to six hours. This can be quite time consuming for the foster family. An adult cat, on the other hand, usually eats kibble on its own schedule.

Little or No Training Needed

While a kitten needs to learn to use its litter box, adult cats are almost always potty-trained and ready to go. This saves valuable time and effort – and messes – for the foster family. Kittens also need curtain climbing and scratch training while adult cats usually do not.

Calmer Temperaments

Kittens can be rambunctious and destructive, while adult cats are generally much more settled. They typically don’t have the same play or exercise requirements as younger cats and are less likely to get themselves into trouble.

Lifesaving Potential

Finally, there’s something very rewarding about giving an older animal a second chance at a happy life. The cat you foster will be grateful to you for opening your heart and home to them.

Because HSLC does not have a physical shelter, we can only save cats when we have a foster home to place them in. Amy Richards, HSLC’s Animal Care Director explains, “There are so many adult cats that need a soft place to land while they are between homes. In many cases we don’t know exactly what their personality is like. Fostering these cats gives them the opportunity to decompress and let us get to know them so we may better match them with their ideal furr-ever home.”

Are you ready to save a life? Learn more about fostering an adult cat on our website and complete a no-obligation application today!

By Joan Cassell

With the recent snowfall here in Loudoun County, this is a good opportunity to take a mid-season look at your pet’s cold weather needs.  If you think about it, your pets have the same basic requirements that you do:  shelter, safety, water and food.  So, whatever you do for yourself in winter, your pets will probably need something similar.

Outdoor Time

Like people, dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside when the temperature is below freezing. Although many pets have thicker fur during the winter months, it is a common misbelief that dogs and cats are more resistant to cold weather than people because of their fur.

Short periods of outside time is great for exercise and will keep your dog* from getting bored. If you have a pet with a short coat, there is no shortage of really adorable sweaters and jackets available. When selecting pet clothing, be sure it is safe, comfortable and made of non-toxic materials. Your fur baby should be able to walk, see, and hear clearly.

*The Humane Society of Loudoun County does not encourage allowing domestic cats outside unless they are leash trained or in a contained area like an enclosed porch.

Food and Water

Cold weather and heated homes, especially those without a humidifier, can make pets extra thirsty. So, keep your pets hydrated by ensuring their water bowl(s) are always full and readily accessible year-round.  If you have outdoor water bowls, check them daily to make sure the water hasn’t frozen.

Keeping warm uses more calories, so even short periods of outdoor play may require more food intake. If exercise does not increase significantly then you can maintain your pet’s regular food intake. If you have special concerns, as always, talk to your veterinarian.

Hazards

Ice and chemicals on the roads and sidewalks can damage paws. So, it is a good idea to moisturize your dog’s paws with petroleum jelly before heading out. And, be sure to clean those paws and legs after being outside. This will keep your pet from consuming harmful chemicals when they clean themselves. You may also want to consider pet booties to minimize contact with painful or poisonous substances like salt and ice melt crystals.

If your dogs are allowed to run off leash, always keep a very close eye on them to ensure they avoid frozen ponds, pools, lakes or other water sources.  Unsupervised dogs may venture out onto a frozen area unaware of the dangers and get stuck in a bad situation. When in doubt, avoid these hazards altogether or keep your dog on a leash.

Lastly, notice your surroundings when you get ready to move your car.  Sometimes stray and feral cats as well as other animals sleep in or under vehicles to stay warm. Before starting your car, honk the horn or bang on the hood to give any animals in or around your car a chance to escape.

Enjoy the outdoors with your pets for what is left of winter!

Looking for a cuddle buddy to snuggle with this winter? Consider fostering or adopting. 

For most folks who celebrate Christmas, the tree has been taken down and the decorations stored away for another year. But, we had one more story bursting with holiday joy that we couldn’t keep to ourselves!

Supportive Fostering Experience

Ladybelle had been rescued by the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) in the fall of 2022. Despite her beauty, Ladybelle had trouble finding her forever home due to some sassiness. Fortunately, she landed with a patient and loving foster family, the Burbages, who helped her mature into a sweet young ladycat.

And, in turn, the Burbage family had the support of HSLC’s Animal Care Team (ACT). Mom Nicole had this to say about ACT Director, Amy Richards, “You have been an angel throughout this whole experience! Whether we had questions about behavior, medical issues or general cat questions, you’ve always been there for us as we navigated through the fostering experiences. As far as the Burbage family is concerned, YOU ROCK!!!”

Extra Special Adoption

Now, the best “mews”. As a wonderful Christmas morning present, Nicole decided to surprise her children by officially adopting Ladybelle! Amy even created a special certificate to make the adoption extra official! After 15 months of fostering, Nicole feels that they finally have their happy ending. “We just love her to bits and pieces!”

Fostering to Adopt

Not all rescues allow fostering-to-adopt, but HSLC does. So, if you are thinking about adopting an animal, consider fostering first to see if they are a good fit for your household. Likewise, if you want to give fostering a try, don’t worry that you won’t be able to keep your foster cat or dog. Foster caregivers have the right of first refusal if they decide to add the foster animal to their family.

If you are new to fostering, you may find the following blogs helpful:

• Interview with a First-time Foster Mom
• How Do You Foster without Getting Attached? You Don’t.
• Pawsome Foster Stories

By Lauren Puckett

Did you know that performing an act of kindness actually ignites a chemical response in your brain? That’s the positive feeling you get when you do something for someone else, and it’s been coined the “helper’s high.” Beyond the momentary euphoria you enjoy, greater health and increased longevity have also been associated with this psychological state.

Here are four ways you can do a good deed (or two!) for the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) and get your own helper’s high in the new year!

DONATE

At HSLC, we are not funded by any county, state, or federal organizations. Our work is only made possible because of donors like you. Your tax-deductible donations make things like this possible:

• $20 provides two pet food kits for families in need, or two community cats enough kibble for a month
• $50 vaccinates an animal for rabies or provides five pet food kits for families in need
• $75 covers a sick exam for a foster animal
• $200 spays, vaccinates and microchips one community (feral) cat or provides 20 pet food kits for families in need
• $1,000 covers the average medical cost for a foster animal (in 2022).

In addition to providing financial support, you can donate an item or two from our various wish lists. In-kind donations from these lists help to lower our operating costs, freeing up funds to save more animals.

VOLUNTEER

As a volunteer-based organization with no paid staff, HSLC relies on volunteers to carry out our life-saving mission. We need many folks focused on animal care, of course, but we also need volunteers to cover the business side of the organization: finance, technology, fundraising, marketing, events and administration. Our immediate needs include Community Cat Caretakers in Ashburn, VA and volunteers to support our expanding dog foster program.

FOSTER

As a foster-based organization, we do not have a physical shelter. We can only save animals when we have a foster home to place them in. Foster families provide a healthy and safe environment for the animal. Fostering increases the animal’s chances of being adopted and helps them overcome the stress of being abandoned in a shelter. When you open your heart and home to an animal in need, you are giving them a second chance at life. Types of fostering include:

• Regular fostering
• Vacation fostering
• Emergency fostering
• Short-term fostering
• Special needs fostering

To become a foster, please complete an online application.

ADOPT

Each year, shelters and rescue groups take in millions of cats and dogs nationwide. “Moving” and “landlord issues” are the top reasons people give up their pets. This means organizations like HSLC have dozens of animals in their care who are anxiously waiting to meet their forever families. We hope that HSLC will be your first choice when choosing a companion animal. All pets adopted through HSLC come with the following benefits:

• Spaying or neutering at the appropriate age (even if it’s after adoption)
• Current on their vaccinations
• Microchipping
• A lifetime of post-adoption support
• Information about the animal’s behavior in a foster home environment

If you are interested in adopting, be sure to check out our available animals!

By Liz Bresnahan

As an entirely foster-based organization, the number of animals the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) can accept is completely dependent on the number of foster homes we have.  Currently, HSLC has a very limited number of dog foster caregivers. But, Amy Richards would like to change that. As HSLC’s Animal Care Director, here is Amy’s vision for what an ideal dog foster program would look like.

Strength in Numbers

Amy understands how important it is to have a deep bench of fosters. Having an extensive foster network would ensure that a safe landing is always available when HSLC is asked to take in an animal in need. While long-term fosters are crucial, vacation fosters are also essential as they can step in and support whenever a long term foster is out of town or in case of an emergency. 

Transport

Sometimes dogs come to HSLC from out of the county and even out of state. In those cases, we need volunteers who are willing to drive to the dog, either at its original location or at a mid-way point if the other rescue/shelter can arrange a transport volunteer on their end.

Additional Help

Before a dog arrives in the foster home, Amy would like them to be assessed by one of HSLC’s vet partners, and/or a trainer or behaviorist if applicable. That way, Amy can pair the animal with a foster who is best able to  meet the dog’s specific needs and set the animal up for a successful adoption.

Resources

While HSLC covers all medical costs, it relies on the foster to provide food, crates, grooming supplies, etc. If the community donated these resources, this would allow the foster family to focus solely on taking care of their foster animal. Additionally, Amy would hope to have enough funding for training and boarding for the foster dogs when necessary.

Dog Foster Coordinator

As the dog foster program grows, Amy would foresee needing additional support to manage the details and day-to-day needs of the fosters and any emergencies that arise. As part of the coordinator role, this individual would also organize outings for the dogs, such as group walks and playdates, to help with socialization and train new foster caregivers.

At  HSLC, we hope that Amy’s vision of a comprehensive dog foster program can someday be a reality. It would allow us to be able to support more dogs like Tipper who was recently rescued. He is a senior dog who was surrendered by an elderly owner who could no longer care for him. When he came into HSLC’s care, it was clear that he needed significant grooming and medication to treat Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis. He’s all cleaned up now and anxiously waiting to find his forever home. Be sure to check out his bio! 

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a dog foster or feel inspired to contribute to HSLC’s foster program in other ways, please contact foster@humaneloudoun.org. 

By Lauren Puckett

In August 2021, Tracy Mathews was driving along one early morning in Purcellville when she thought she saw cats in the woods on the side of the road. Upon investigating further, the TNR and Animal Care Administrator for the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) found several cats hanging out in the bushes. Thankfully, Donna Drake, a former HSLC volunteer and board member, was able to humanely trap the kitties so they could be properly assessed. (For more backstory, read Destiny Can Win Again.)

Tracy took in three of the cats who were healthy and huddled together. Dubbed the Cats of Purrville, she gave the trio a safe landing in the feral kennel at her farm. There, she quickly determined that the cats were very shy but social, so likely adoptable. However, they did not show well at adoption events because they were so scared.

The Purr-fect Adopter Comes Along

Tracy fostered Morris, Myrna, and Felix, for 16 months before a potential adopter, Robin, came calling. During the meet-and-greet, the cats immediately went into hiding when Robin came into the room. But, she trusted that they would warm up to her. Robin originally came to meet just Morris and Myrna but decided that she couldn’t bear to leave Felix behind – so she adopted all three cats!

Perks of Adopting Cats in Pairs

“Having a bonded trio of adult cats adopted together is unheard of!” according to Tracy. She goes on to say, “Robin has made such a huge impact in their lives.” Since they have been adopted, the three cats have gained confidence and now rule the house. While they are still not lap cats, they are thriving in a loving home.

“Everything is going well,” Robin says. “Morris always desires attention and pets. Felix is coming along nicely and allows you to pet him. Myrna is emerging as the ring leader and at times it seems she tells the two boys what to do.”

Looking to adopt a pair of cats? Check out the available animals on the HSLC website.