3040 Holland Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Friday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
*Receiving hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm (by appointment only)
Phone: (757) 427-0070
Email: info@vbspca.com
3040 Holland Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Surgery Drop-Off: 8:00am – 8:45am
Phone: (757) 427-0070 opt. 2
Fax: (757) 563-2368
Email: clinic@vbspca.com
Saturday, May 20th – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Monday, May 22nd – 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Wednesday, May 24th – 11:00am to 2:30pm
Saturday, May 27th – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Wednesday, May 31st – 11:00am to 2:30pm
Saturday, June 3rd – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Monday, June 5th – 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Wednesday, June 7th – 11:00am to 2:30pm
Saturday, June 10th – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Monday, June 12th – 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Wednesday, June 14th – 11:00am to 2:30pm
Saturday, June 17th – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Wednesday, June 21st – 11:00am to 2:30pm
Saturday, June 24th – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Monday, June 26th – 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Wednesday, June 28th – 11:00am to 2:30pm
*all above clinics are held at the VBSPCA Clinic at 3040 Holland Road
The Virginia Beach SPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN:54-6061532. Contact us at info@vbspca.com.
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Last Updated: July 23, 2018 by vbspcaadmin
How to Make your New Cat Comfortable at Home
It is common for adopters to move a little too quickly when introducing a new cat to a new home. However, it is important to keep in mind that a change in environment, even a positive one, can be overwhelming and stressful to a cat. Remember that all the new sights, smells, noises, and encounters are exaggerated by a cat’s heightened senses. Make sure to take things slow so that a positive change doesn’t become a negative experience. A gentle introduction will allow your new cat to establish a place in your home without being overwhelmed.
As soon as you bring your new cat home, set up a small space in a quiet area, like a bathroom or closet. This space will house your cat’s food, water, bed, and litter box while your cat is adjusting to the new environment. When cats rub their cheek on or knead and scratch an object, scent glands on the cheeks and paws help establish their presence. This builds up confidence in owning the space, so having a blanket, bed, and/or scratcher will help your new cat mingle their scent with yours, ultimately feeling more comfortable in the new home. Cats feel more secure around their own scent, so don’t be alarmed if you see your cat sitting or sleeping in the litter box instead of on a bed or blanket. With time, your cat will become more comfortable and confident and should no longer feel the need to hang out in the litter box. Please visit this space regularly while allowing your cat to have down time in-between. All cats can adjust differently, so respect however long it may take for your new cat to adjust and feel at home.
As your new family member relaxes, slowly give your cat more room to explore. If you don’t have any other animals, you can start by leaving the door open and moving your cat’s food bowl outside of the doorway. Making sure the food bowl is still within sight of the safe space, but a bit beyond the established comfort zone. Food gives cats a positive reward for stepping out of their safe space and allows them to explore on their own terms. Gradually bring out the other items as you did the food dish. Don’t be tempted to expand too quickly or force a faster adjustment by eliminating your cat’s comfort zone altogether. This will cause undue stress which could create negative associations with certain areas or inhabitants of the home.
If you have other animals in the home, DO NOT bring other pets into your new cat’s safe space. Your new cat needs to feel confident and secure before other animals invade the space your new cat is trying to establish. Scent swapping and positive associations with food are recommended techniques and should be done before any face-to-face introductions.
Category: VBSPCA News Tags: Cat, Home, New Cat, New Home
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