By Kailyn Carr
When it comes to things we like or love, we tend to live by the philosophy that if one is good, two is even better. Why stop at one piece of chocolate when you could have two? Same goes for cats. What could possibly be better than two best friends instead of one? Though adopting in pairs may not be for everyone, the pros—including twice the love—often outweigh the cons.
Benefits of Adopting in Pairs
Starting with kittens (we’ll get to adults in a moment), here are seven ways fur-babies benefit from a twosome according to the Kitten Lady, Hannah Shaw.
- Learn by Observation – Kittens learn by observation and will more quickly pick up skills like using the litter box or grooming if they have another kitten or cat to teach them.
- Focus Play Aggression – Having a friend means they can take out their play aggression on one another (instead of on you.) They’ll also teach each other good boundaries about biting and scratching.
- Entertain & Enrich – When your kitten has a buddy, they’ll always be entertained, active, and enriched. And a happy cat makes a happy home!
- Keep Out of Trouble – One mischievous kitten can be destructive if left alone, but two kittens tend to keep each other occupied and out of trouble.
- Easier Intro to Adult Cat – If you have an adult cat at home, two new kittens may be easier to introduce into your family than one. While one kitten may nag an older cat, two kittens will keep each other company while the older cat watches from a distance.
- Comfort in Friendship – Having a pal will help your kitten settle into a new home. Just like humans, kittens have an easier time feeling comfortable trying something new if they’ve got a friend to do it with them.
- Bonded Pair Adoption – It’s easier to adopt a bonded pair than it is to introduce a new cat later. Adopting a dynamic duo ensures that you’ll have a harmonious home for years to come!
Adopting in pairs also has a positive impact on animal rescue groups like the Humane Society of Loudoun County. By adopting two animals, you free up two slots in a foster home or shelter which allows the rescue to save two more lives.
Bonded Pairs
A bonded pair contains two cats that have a special relationship. While kittens often are bonded early in life with siblings, close relationships between cats can occur at any age. This is due to their natural instinct as social animals to form a pack. These bonds often develop between mother and offspring and even individuals with no familial relationship (true best friends!)
Once a bonded pair is observed, caretakers preserve the relationship by housing the cats together and encouraging an adoption into the same home. Maintaining the bond between two cats is essential. When apart, one or both cats can become stressed, anxious, or even depressed without the other around.
Spotlight on a Purr-fect Pair: Ripley and Winston
One of our pawsome fosters, Kelly, fondly recalls her experiences fostering (and eventually adopting) mama Ripley and her son Winston. Here is what she had to say:
“Winston was always very attached to his mom and we’re so glad we didn’t separate them. They are so funny together–they roughhouse all the time and run around the house chasing each other. It keeps Ripley active as she ages. Plus, if Winston was an only cat, he would constantly be making mischief for us. Having another cat gives him an outlet for his energy. Of course, it’s also comforting to know they have each other when we’re not home. I truly think they’re happier because they always have a buddy.”
If you are interested in adopting one or more cats, visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County’s current clowder of adoptable cats here. Once you find your next family member(s), be sure to complete an application to start the adoption process.
Each year, over 10 million pets are lost in the United States. However, many are found when the owners take swift and necessary action. Summer can be a particularly scary time for pets who don’t respond well to fireworks and other loud noises or find themselves in strange places due to family travel. For these reasons, July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. I caught up with one of the Humane Society of Loudoun County’s most active volunteers, Jennifer Reed, who shared some useful tips she has picked up from her years of experience getting pets home safe and sound.
In preventing lost pets, owners should make sure to keep their pet safely quartered in the home when there are loud noises nearby such as fireworks, construction, or thunder. These disturbances can send pets into ‘flight mode’ and activate survival tactics that cause them to run for their lives. When this happens, the pet will likely be in a frenzy and not respond to people calling their name.
If you lose a beloved pet, Jennifer suggests placing 100+ flyers within a 2-4 mile radius of the missing area as quickly as possible. Flyers should include only the most important and clearest information, especially a line of direct contact (such as a cell phone number). The flyers should lead with “LOST DOG/CAT” in bold and large letters, a recent photo of the pet and employ a simple, uncluttered design. If space allows, add “Do not chase or call out” and “Please report sightings right away”.
Another tool to use are Community Facebook groups where you can relay information about your lost pet and allow members of the community to share it and directly comment with any useful information. Jennifer also recommends reaching out to local shelters and informing them of the missing animal. You can make a report with the Loudon County Animal Services at 703-777-0406 or reach out to local animal tracking groups such as Dogs Finding Dogs or Full Tilt Tracking once the first steps to relocate the pet are taken.
As you wait for information to come in, create an action plan to implement once your pet is sighted. This plan should include establishing a feeding station and feeding routine to keep the pet in the area spotted so that trapping or catching the animal is possible. Be ready to monitor the feeding station with a surveillance camera like game cameras used by hunters. That way, you will know when and if the pet is still in the area and coming to eat.
Although all of these methods are effective and essential, the absolute best way to find a missing pet is to be ahead of the curve and get it microchipped when you adopt. Microchipping allows your veterinarian’s office to look up your pet’s unique ID number. Jennifer adds that you should also ensure that your personal information in the microchipping database remains up-to-date.
Lastly, if you find a missing pet, please bring it to a vet’s office to see if he/she is microchipped.
For showtimes, visit the Alamo website.
More about CatVideoStFest: 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, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.
For weeks, Zozo had been a mysterious visitor to one of HSLC’s community cat sites, captivating volunteers with her elusive nature. Over time, concerns grew that Zozo might be pregnant. So, the focus of the Zozo’s care shifted from feeding to trapping and transporting her to a veterinarian.
So, two dedicated volunteers embarked on a mission to capture Zozo so she could be examined. The task was not easy. Zozo evaded capture with the skill of a seasoned escape artist. Yet, the volunteers persisted until, finally, their patience and perseverance paid off.
In a Caring Foster Home
After her vet visit, Zozo was taken under the wing of one of HSLC’s most experienced fosters. It didn’t take long for her to realize that Zozo wasn’t just any stray cat—she was friendly, social, and clearly accustomed to human company. A feeling began to stir among the volunteers that Zozo might already have a family desperately searching for her.
Their suspicions were confirmed when the foster decided to scan Zozo for a microchip—a simple procedure that would potentially reunite her with her rightful owners. And there it was, a tiny chip confirming what they had hoped for: Zozo had a family, and they had been searching for her for eight agonizing months.
The Long-Awaited Reunion
The reunion that followed was nothing short of emotional. The once-worried faces of her family were now filled with smiles, so grateful that their furry friend had found her way back home.
The story of Zozo is a powerful reminder of the importance of microchipping. It was a small but mighty chip that made a world of difference, bridging the gap between lost and found, despair and elation. It is also a reminder of the critical role HSLC’s Community Cat Program plays in reuniting lost pets with their families.
If you would like to make a life-saving difference by becoming a cat trapper or colony caretaker, please complete a volunteer application today!
Did you know that dogs and cats do not sweat like humans? Their main sweat glands are located on their paw pads and are not very effective at cooling them off. With summer now upon us, it is important to understand how hot weather affects our pets and how we can help them stay cool.
First, keep your pets out of the heat. This may be difficult for dogs. Most love the outdoors so much, they may not ask to come inside, even when in distress. If unable to keep them in an air conditioned environment, be sure to provide cool shade or shelter for your pets. Clean, cool water should always be accessible to pets that spend time outdoors during summer months. Note that, effective July 1, 2020, a new Virginia law went into effect preventing tethering outside during extreme weather.
Take your dog on walks at dusk or dawn, when it is light enough to be seen by others, but still cool enough for a walk. Check the pavement you are walking on with the back of your hand. If your hand burns after a few seconds of contact, so will your dog’s foot. If it is too hot for you, it is much too hot for your pet.
To cool down, dogs will often pant to rid themselves of excess body heat. Panting is normal for most dogs but be aware of the signs of abnormal panting. Cats tolerate hot weather a little better than dogs but can suffer from heat stroke. They often choose lying in cooler areas, drinking cool water, and adjusting their body positions.
If you notice your pet is overheating, gradually reduce their body temperature. Use ice packs, cold towels, or apply cool (not cold) water to the head, neck and chest, let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes and move the pet into shade or air-conditioning. NEVER try to quickly cool a pet by dunking them in cold water. This can drop their body temperature too quickly and send them into shock.
Contact your vet immediately if your pet shows any of the following signs:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid pulse
- Vomiting
- Fever (the normal range in dogs is 101-102 degrees, cats is 99.5-102.5 degrees)
- Unsteadiness or a staggering gait
- A deep red or purple tongue
Lastly, never leave pets in a parked car. Even on cool days, such as 70 degrees, a car’s internal temperature will jump to 90 degrees in 10 minutes and over 110 degrees within an hour. At 85 degrees, the car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, continuing higher with more time. On 90 degree days, the car will quickly escalate to over 110 degrees. Cracking windows does not prevent a car from getting dangerously hot, even in cool temperatures.
For additional information on keeping your pets safe and comfortable during warm weather, please click on the following link: AMVA Warm weather pet safety
While we can’t promise a lasagna-eating orange cat, we will be bringing a lovely assortment of adorable cats for you to meet. We’ll also be offering HSLC merch in support of our life-saving mission!
For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.
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.
Any Marvel fan knows that Goose the “cat” steals every scene she’s in! So, we’ll be bringing some of our own scene-stealing kitties for you to meet. We’ll also be offering HSLC merch in support of our life-saving mission!
For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.
By Lauren Puckett
You’re looking for a new kitten. After weeks of searching, you find not one, but two – an adorable pair of baby black panthers named Maui and Ohana. Both boys are quite friendly with a wonderful purr, and you can’t wait to bring them home. The only thing that gives you pause are the adoption fees: $150 per kitten.
However, once you look into it, you realize these fees are actually a pretty good deal. The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) is paying to neuter, microchip, and vaccinate these kittens. The costs for these required services vary:
- $115 to $210 for vaccinations (Daily Paws)
- $100 to $400+ for neutering (MetLife Pet Insurance)
- $45 for microchipping (Daily Paws)
But even at the low end of those ranges, it adds up to $260 per kitten. And that’s just for the healthy animals. For older, sick or injured animals, additional services–including surgery–may cost thousands. It’s no wonder that HSLC paid an average of $1,063 per foster animal in 2022. However, as a completely volunteer-run, foster-based organization, we do not incur expenses to operate or staff a physical location.
So, when you adopt from HSLC or other rescues, remember that the adoption fee is only covering a fraction of the actual expenses incurred. The remaining costs are covered by donations from caring individuals, businesses and foundations that support animal rescue.
Like other rescues, HSLC typically has higher adoption fees than local shelters because we do not receive funding from county, state or federal governments. HSLC’s adoption fees are on par with other non-profit rescues in the area.
Moreover, we’ve been able to keep our adoption fees – $150 per cat and $300 per dog – consistent for more than five years. This is due to the generosity of the community and because our veterinary partners continue to offer discounted services to HSLC even when faced with increasing costs.
To discover the many ways you can support HSLC’s life-saving mission, please visit our donate page. And, to adopt your next family member, visit our adoption page.
By Lauren Puckett
For most of us, losing a pet is like losing a member of the family. The sense of loss can be profound. As you go through the stages of grief, here are four ways to help you cope with the loss of your beloved companion.
1. Acknowledge your grief
It’s important to be open to your emotions, rather than ignoring them. Don’t try to “be strong” or push your sad thoughts aside. Rather, allow yourself to cry and acknowledge the loss. Work through your feelings and embrace the memories of your beloved pet. Don’t question your grief or compare it to the experience of losing a friend or relative. The American Veterinary Medical Association explains, “Your grief is normal, and the relationship you shared with your special friend needs to be mourned.”
2. Reach out to others
Seek support from your family and friends, especially those who have lost a pet themselves. You may also want to consult with your doctor or therapist. Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States recommends these resources for coping with the loss of a pet:
- The Pet Compassion Careline, which provides 24/7 support with trained grief counselors
- Lap of Love, which provides grief courses and pet loss support groups
- Everlife Support Groups, a directory of pet loss support groups by state
3. Maintain your routine
During a difficult time, you may not feel like eating or sleeping, but it’s important to take care of yourself. “Letting yourself get run down physically can make you feel worse emotionally,” explains ASPCA Pet Insurance. Maintaining your normal routine will help. If you have other pets, this is especially important for their well-being, too. Make sure to feed and walk them as usual.
4. Memorialize your pet
Do something to remember your pet, such as holding a funeral. HelpGuide.org notes, “A funeral can help you and your family members openly express your feelings. Ignore people who think it’s inappropriate to hold a funeral for a pet, and do what feels right for you.” Other ideas to memorialize your pet include:
- Spread your pet’s ashes or keep them in a special place in your home.
- Incorporate your pet’s ashes into pet cremation jewelry (try Spirit Pieces or Perfect Memorials).
- Plant a tree or shrub in honor of your pet. You can even have a memorial stone engraved and place it at the base.
- Create a memory box with your pet’s collar or favorite things.
- Share photos and memories online via social media or a specialized website (the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement allows you to create one).
- Write a letter to your pet or the story of your last days together.
For immediate support, contact the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Pet Loss Support Hotline at 607-218-7457, Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. EST and Saturday and Sunday, 12-9 pm EST.