Welcome to the West Volusia Humane Society in DeLand Florida

REQUIRED BY LAW - Must be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age or as soon as possible if older than six months.

BE PATIENT, CALL US - New pets may take days or weeks to settle in; not unusual for cat to hide under furniture for a while.
CONFINEMENT - Keep strickly indoors for at least 2 weeks; 3 or 4 is preferable. Be careful with doors, windows (cats can jump out of very high windows), loose screens, etc. Introduce to outdoors cautiously if at all.
CHILDREN - Supervise very closely - gentle handling, hold properly, no teasing or "hand wrestling", leave alone when sleeping, eating, using litter box.
TIME WITH YOU - Your cat needs to spend lots of time with you now and throughout its life - the more the better. PLEASE don't leave it outside all the time.

RABIES - First shot needed at approximately 4 months.
TAPEWORM - Contracted from fleas; small white squiggly segments around anus or dry, brown rice-like ones where cat sleeps. See vet.
EARMITES - Dark, waxy matter in ears, head shaking, kicking ears. See a vet.
FLEAS - Flea comb, powder. Flea collars not recommended. Flea allergy common - see vet.
TICKS, FOXTAILS, AND BURRS - Learn to recognize; check cat regularly.
GROOMING - Brush regularly; learn to clean eyes, ears. Clip nails as needed (have vet or groomer show you how the first time).
POISONS - Many common household cleaning agents, houseplants, outdoor plants and garden products are toxic to cats (see list). Call vet at once if poisoning suspected; save bottle or piece of plant.
FeLV. - (Feline Leukemia Virus). A series of vaccinations is now available from vets to protect cats from this major cat-killer; a blood test must be taken before shots are given. See your vet for more information.

DIET - Kittens: several small meals per day; cats: 2 meals per day. Some people leave dry kibbles out at all times if cat doesn't overeat. Feed high quality, low magnesium-ash dry kibble (a quality brand, from pet stores only, is recommended) and canned food, fresh water. No generic food. Not too much "moist meal" or fish.
LITTER TRAINING - Litter pan must be clean (especially of feces), away from food, in a quiet area. Call us if there is trouble.
EXERCISE - Cats benefit from regular play sessions and they require them if they are kept strictly indoors. Never play roughly with your cat.
SCRATCHING - Discourage with a squirt bottle or squirt gun, a loud clap, or by saying "No!" Offer acceptable scratching alternatives: logs, scratching post, etc. Keep claws trimmed. DO NOT DECLAW - IT'S VERY BAD FOR YOUR CAT. Call us if you have trouble.
OTHER BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS - Call us.

RETURNS - We expect every adoption to be permanent. When you adopt an animal from us, you take its life in your hands. If problems come up, call us! If problems cannot be worked out, and you cannot keep the cat, it should be returned to VCHS. The cat will be reevaluated at that time for health, temperament, and space available which will determine if it will be put back up for adoption.