Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-person! For a sneak peek, please visit our website to check out the current clowder!

If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today  to expedite the application process.

REMINDER: Through the entire month of August, you can adopt two cats for one adoption fee during the Clear the Shelters BOGO promotion.

The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for CatVideoFest – the world’s #1 cat video festival! Come early and stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways, HSLC merch and…fingers and paws crossed…CATS!  Also, Alamo will be donating a % of gross ticket sales to the Humane Society of Loudoun County!

Times and tickets: https://drafthouse.com/northern-virginia/show/catvideofest-2023

More about CatVideoFest: CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities to best serve cats in the area.

 

 

If you’ve been thinking about adopting, this is the purr-fect month to do so!  August 1-31, you can adopt two fur babies from the Humane Society of Loudoun County for just one adoption fee*! 

Review our adoptable animals here! Once you’re ready to apply, follow our relatively easy adoption process here!

Not interested in adopting right now? Help homeless animals in our community by making a donation today!

*Both cats must be placed in the same home upon adoption.

 

That’s right, there’s a whole month dedicated to the love of our furry feline companions. It is widely believed that cats domesticated themselves by recognizing the abundance and ease of catching prey near human agricultural developments. They essentially chose us, and we are better for it. 

Studies have shown that cat owners may experience better mental health than individuals without pets. Cats are great stress reducers. Just 15 to 30 minutes of quality time with a cat can calm your nerves and boost your mood. When you spend time with a cat, your production of serotonin (a chemical that boosts feelings of well-being) goes up, and your cortisol levels (a buildup from stress) go down. Adults and children alike report feeling happier and having more positive feelings if a cat is part of their family. How could you not feel better with a purring ball of fur curled up beside you? And, if you adopt from an animal rescue or shelter, you will feel extra warm and fuzzy that you just saved a precious little life. 

If the prospect of warm fuzzies isn’t enough, the Humane Society of Loudoun County has laid out five more reasons cats make great pets. 

5. They’re Fairly Self Sufficient

Remember, they chose us. Cats have remained fairly unchanged genetically, meaning they are still capable of living in the wild (but we do discourage allowing domestic cats to roam outside). Cats are still incredibly low maintenance, and very independent, and self-sufficient. Cats also groom themselves, so they don’t need frequent baths. We do, however, recommend they have their teeth and ears cleaned regularly. 

4. Small Space, No Problem

Cats are also perfect for apartments or city living. They don’t need a huge backyard or tons of space to play and explore. They are content with nosing their way through the nooks and crannies of your home. As long as you give them plenty to do and have toys available to keep them entertained, cats are happy. A living space and a basic feather toy might be all you need to make playtime a breeze.

Cats can often adapt easily to smaller living environments if you give them a lot of vertical space to move around in, such as cat trees and cat “shelves” that are mounted on the wall.

3. Housebreaking Made Easy

Cats are really good at learning potty training on their own. They like to have their own space and privacy so provide one litter box per cat, plus an additional box, and kitty litter, and they will be happy.

2. Shhhh

Worried that bringing a pet into your home might disrupt things? No worries! Cats are relatively quiet animals; they are almost always in stealth mode. Yes, they’ll meow every now and then, but you don’t have to worry about them barking or even making much noise when they walk. 

1. They Bring the Love

The main reason people become pet owners is because of an innate love or affinity for animals. Cats bring tons of love and joy into a household. They are wonderful pets and companions. 

If you want to take part in National Cat Lovers Month, please consider adopting through the Humane Society of Loudoun County. There are plenty of cats available for adoption so make sure you take the time to read through all the available information on our website in order to make a fully informed decision. Your future cat companion may be just a click away! 

Bonus Way to Celebrate National Cat Lovers Month:

FOSTER

While fostering is still a commitment, it is a more temporary way to help out an animal in need. Your individual attention will give a cat a boost of confidence until it finds its forever home. And if you are interested in fostering, consider fostering a senior cat, a special needs kitty, or an orphan kitten. Follow this link to learn more about fostering through the Humane Society of Loudoun County.

By Heather Nokes (aka Your Neighborhood Vet Assistant)

UPDATE: As of July 1, 2024, both Virginia and Maryland have outlawed declawing in most cases.

Scratching and clawing behavior is one of the reasons cats are often rehomed or not adopted. While declawing can seem like a viable solution, this controversial procedure actually creates more problems than it solves.

Why do cats scratch/claw?

• To “sharpen” their nails. Like any other animal, cats’ nails are constantly growing. This means that the outer husk of their nail dies off as the new nail emerges underneath. Often, cats scratch things in order to shed this husk. Not only does scratching “sharpen” the nail, it makes the cat feel better.
• To stretch their muscles. If you have ever witnessed a cat scratching or clawing something, you can attest to the fact that they often stretch out their front legs as far as they can go. Like the downward dog pose in yoga, this opens their body up and feels good.
• To mark their territory. When a cat scratches something, it leaves its scent behind on that object. Other cats can smell this and are warned of their trespassing. This is often comforting to the scratcher, especially the insecure ones, and makes them feel more at home.

What is declawing?

• The declawing procedure is referred to as an onychectomy. Per Merriam-Webster, this procedure is the “surgical removal of a toenail or fingernail”. However, the surgery itself involves using either a sterile nail trimmer, surgical blade, or laser to literally cut through the bone of the third digit of the toe, which is the bone from which the claw grows.

Why is the procedure so harmful?

• It is very painful. Imagine getting the last digit of your toes or fingers cut off. It would be difficult for you to walk or use your hands and feet for a while after the procedure.
• It can cause complications, diminishing the cat’s quality of life. A cat without claws is unable to defend itself and may become a biter because they no longer have their claws for defense.
• In addition, even when the procedure is done with great precision, it can leave the cat with an altered way of walking which can lead to the development of arthritis.
• For several days after surgery, shredded newspaper is typically used in the litter box to prevent litter from irritating declawed feet. This unfamiliar litter substitute, accompanied by pain when scratching in the box, may lead cats to stop using the litter box.

What are the alternatives?

• If adopting a young cat or kitten and a scratching problem is noticed, it is important for the owner to train their cat where it is appropriate to scratch, and where it is not. Scratching posts, boards, and furniture are available for sale almost anywhere pet products are sold. Because clawing and scratching is a natural behavior, kittens and young cats that have access to the appropriate scratching tools will use them.
• There are some cats that will just scratch whatever they see first, whether it be a scratching post or your grandmother’s antique chair. There are products that are meant to deter or attract cats from scratching. For example, something as simple as sprinkling cat nip on the scratching post can entice the cat enough for them to scratch there. There is also tape that can be applied to vertical surfaces of furniture. This tape is meant to be safe on furniture but uncomfortable for the cat when they attempt to scratch.
• Nail Caps. Talk to your veterinarian or local pet store employee about nail caps. These are made to fit over your cat’s nails and stay on with glue. Often made of soft plastic, the cat cannot do as much, if any, damage when scratching with them on.
• Frequent Nail Trims. As stated before, cats’ nails are constantly growing. By trimming them every week or two, the cat will not feel the need to scratch as much.

Declawing is illegal in over 40 countries and counting. Several cities in the U.S. have banned declawing. And, last year, New York became the first state to ban the procedure except in rare cases when it is medically necessary. The American Medical Veterinary Association (AMVA) “discourages the declawing (onychectomy) of cats as an elective procedure and supports non-surgical alternatives to the procedure.” HSLC does not condone declawing and will refuse an adoption if the candidate plans to declaw.

By Heather Nokes

What day is it? Those of us who have been at home for weeks on end are having trouble keeping track. But you know what we are doing? Spending more time with our pets! This means paying more attention to them, their behaviors, and their health. Luckily, veterinary clinics and hospitals are deemed essential businesses. As a seasoned veterinary assistant, this author (see photo) and her colleagues want pet owners to know a few things in this uncertain time.

Our hospitals are just as busy, if not more so, than usual: With people having more free time on their hands, they are able to bring their pet in for routine visits. This is fantastic! However, some veterinary clinics and hospitals are reducing their business hours to protect their staff from exposure. And those hospitals that are running at a normal capacity are filling appointments quickly. It is also important to keep in mind that most of us are doing telemedicine and curbside service which often take up more time than normal office procedures.

We WANT to see your pet… if they are sick: Because of the above listed adjustments, your veterinary hospital may be prioritizing sick visits. This means routine vaccinations and preventative care exams are being put off for weeks or even months.

We act different when you are not around: When we take your pet from you, we understand that it can be nerve-wracking for both you and your fur baby. We take this into account and tend to baby your pet more than you would expect behind closed doors. Not many jobs allow you to use baby talk and cuddles but your veterinary staff is well versed. We do this because we genuinely care for animals and always treat our patients like our very own pets.

At this point, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19: According to the CDC, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. CDC is working with human and animal health partners to monitor this situation and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Of course, if you have concerns or questions about your pets in this uncertain time, your veterinary hospitals are more than happy to speak with you over the phone. And as always, in an emergency, take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic ASAP!

Do you want to get back out in the community after hunkering down at home for so long? Are you looking for a school, church or scout service project? Would you like to spend time with animals but can’t commit to a new pet right now? Volunteer at the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC)! Here are the top ten reasons to volunteer with us.

Save Animal Lives: Each one of our volunteers contributes to saving animal lives.

Boost Your Health: Volunteering has both physical and mental benefits.

Meet New People: Spend time with people who have similar interests as you.

Learn New Skills: Ready for a new challenge? We have plenty of opportunities to learn new skills from animal care to project management to grant writing.

Relieve Stress: Spending time with animals relieves stress and curbs loneliness.

Have Fun: Whether you find fun in volunteering with other people or enjoy the company of animals, you can find your fun with HSLC.

Find Your Purpose: Volunteer with HSLC to see if saving animals is your purpose.

Strengthen Your Resume: Get hands-on experience to boost your resume.

Connect with the Community: Help improve the lives of animals and people in our community.

Truly Make a Difference: We need you!

Learn more at our website including available positions or send an email to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@humaneloudoun.org.

The Humane Society of Loudoun County has an immediate and urgent need for the public’s help in finding homes for a group of endangered local community cats.  Because they are outdoor “working” cats and not suited for life indoors, ideal situations for these cats include breweries, wineries, nurseries, warehouses and larger residential properties with large garages, barns, or stables—where rodents can be plentiful and mousers are welcome.  All our barn cats are fixed, vaccinated and ready to lend a helping paw.  Humane Loudoun provides all the equipment, set-up, and advice for a successful transition.  All you need to provide is food, water and a big heart.  No adoption fee will be assessed but, as always, donations are appreciated.

Humane Loudoun’s “Critter Control” program is a form of organic pest control that can help keep rodents away from grain, food storage, etc.  They are a cleaner, more effective alternative than dangerous pesticides and they are on duty 24/7.  The adopting local businesses will enjoy their company from afar as well as having the satisfaction of giving them a much-needed home. If you currently have unspayed barn cats, you can also receive assistance in having them sterilized.

Humane Society of Loudoun County is an all-volunteer, no-kill, registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. If you own or manage property like those previously mentioned, and have permission for long-term placement of animals on the property, please contact the Humane Society of Loudoun County at helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org.  For more information visit our website.

Looking for that purrfect holiday project for your family, church group, school or office? If so, consider conducting a pet food drive for the Loudoun Pet Pantry (LLP).

All it takes for a pet to go hungry or be surrendered to a shelter is for their family to have an unexpected medical bill or a job loss. Therefore, in 2013, The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), Loudoun County Animal Services, and Loudoun Hunger Relief created the Loudoun Pet Pantry to help keep pets in their furever homes by providing food supplies to people in need.

And, the need is growing. Recently, HSLC doubled its food deliveries to better meet the increasing demand. So, we are in constant need of pet food donations.

As a result, we are hoping that compassionate folks across the community will help out by conducting their own pet food drives. You’ll find helpful ideas for getting started on our website.

No time for a food drive? Please consider dropping off a bag or two of dog or cat food at the many donation box locations across the county. Dry food must be unopened, unexpired, non-prescription adult food; we cannot use kitten, puppy, or senior food for the pet pantry. Because space is limited, we can only use bags of dry food between 4 and 8 pounds. However, we can use all sizes of canned food.

We also appreciate monetary donations as they allow us to fulfill any specific needs. And, if you donate through our website, please specify “Pet Pantry” in the dedication field.

Lastly, HSLC is looking for a new, donated or discounted, climate-controlled space for the growing Pet Pantry. Please contact helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org with any suggestions.

Anyone who has ever shared their home with kittens knows how unpredictable life can be. One or two kittens can turn your world upside down; so imagine juggling EIGHT of the little darlings

One of our intrepid fosters, Andi Apple-Robey, did just that. Eight little black kittens were rescued from a postal facility in Sterling in April. There were two litters, one about 7 weeks old and another 5 or 6 weeks old.

The “Clue” kittens are named after the characters from the board game, Clue. Andi used colored collars to tell the kittens apart and she started calling them by those colors. Clue is a murder mystery board game with suspects that have names like Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, etc., so it just seemed appropriate. Boddy is the name of the victim and Wadsworth is the butler.

Recently Andi had to handle some medical emergencies with kittens Mr. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Wadsworth.

The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) is dedicated to caring for all our animals as if they were our personal pets. This means providing the funds for whatever medical procedures are needed, sometimes causing budget overruns. But the safety and well-being of our animals are always our priority.

Here is how Andi explains what happened…

“About an hour after I brought the first of the kittens to be neutered (Messrs Peacock, Green and Boddy) home from Towne Animal Clinic, I was relaxing with some water and a snack of trail mix. Mr. Peacock stressed his incision, and was bleeding heavily (all over my kitchen!), so I immediately took him back to Towne.  They fixed him right up, and when I got him home, I found Wadsworth and Plum with their faces in the now empty bowl that had held my trail mix! Since the trail mix had both raisins and chocolate in it, I had to immediately gather them up and go back to the vet with them!  They tried to purge them, but the boys were stubborn and refused to vomit, and so they were transferred to The Life Center (TLC) ER for three days of IV fluids to try to flush their systems and prevent kidney damage (from the raisins, they weren’t as worried about the chocolate).

Since their blood work stayed stable during their time at TLC, Wadsworth and Plum were transferred BACK to Towne after just two days for Towne to perform their scheduled neuters and the third day of their IV fluid therapy. Once they were transferred and TLC was cleaning their cages, it was discovered Wadsworth likely had eaten part of his IV catheter. So not only did Towne have to finish his fluid therapy and perform his neuter, they had to X-ray him to see if he HAD eaten some of the hard plastic parts. Fortunately they didn’t find anything.”

We’re happy to report that the kittens are now healthy and happy. Only Mr Green is left waiting for his forever home.

Mr. Green is our adorable crossed eyed kitten. This challenges his eyesight but not his personality. He is a committed lap-cat and bed-time snuggler, with a little bit of a food thief thrown into the mix. He’ll sneak a piece of broccoli off your plate given half a chance! It’s a good thing he’s cute about it.  Learn more  on our adoption page.