A. Flea products can be very toxic to young kittens. If you are unsure of his age, the safest way to de-flea his coat is to use a flea comb. It is time-consuming but safe. When he reaches eight weeks old, you can use flea products such as Advantage or Frontline. Rather than guess at his age, I would have him examined by a veterinarian for an age estimate, health check and his first set of vaccinations.

Q. I recently found a small stray kitten in downtown Oakland. I have had him in my home for a week now. The kitten has adapted well to my care and eats, drinks and plays regularly. He has even taken to the litter box and uses it on his own. He does, however, seem to have an unusually large belly for a small kitten. When I touch him, it feels tight and potentially bloated, but I'm not sure how large it should be. He seems to eat a lot but, then again, he was stray and starving. There is a no evidence of worms that I can see. His stomach growls often and he passes gas. Should a vet see him or is this normal for a stray kitten?

A. You should definitely have the kitten checked out for intestinal parasites (worms). Most kittens have one variety or another and you cannot usually see them in the stool. Make sure you take a fresh stool sample to your appointment for microscopic examination.

Kittens normally have a lot of gas, as their digestive tracts are still developing. You are correct that strays have an even more difficult time because they don't start out with good nutrition. Feed him the best kitten food you can and try to stick to one variety. Your veterinarian can help you decide whether he should be eating canned food or dry or both. Good luck with your little foundling.

Q. I have a 1-year-old Pomeranian mix. Someone who wanted a "smaller" dog gave her to my family. She supposedly has had her first round of shots, but I'm not completely sure as her previous owners do not have any documentation. Should I start her on her shots from scratch since there's no history to refer to?

A. An adult dog does not need a "series" of vaccinations like a puppy does. We give puppies three to four immunizations, three weeks apart. Because they still have antibodies from their mother that can interfere with the vaccine. Your dog, an adult, should be considered unvaccinated unless you can document otherwise. A distemper combination vaccine (DHPP or DHLPP) should be given followed by one booster three to four weeks apart. She should also receive a rabies vaccination (it is required by the state).

Q. I have an older cat, possibly 15-years-old. She prefers to use dirt even if I provide a litter box. At the same time, she can really only eat soft food and she also drinks a lot of water. Do you think she is dying? She only sleeps and never will go outside. I do not think she is in pain, but not sure what to do.

A. From what you describe, it sounds as though your cat has a medical problem. The combination of not using the litter box, not eating, getting sick when she does eat and drinking a lot of water are all signs of concern, especially in a cat of that age.

Many people think that cats just decline with age, withering away until they eventually die. But often they have a treatable medical problem. At the age of 15, some of the more common problems are kidney disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes. Sometimes something as simple as a diet change will help the progression of the disease. I would not accept that she is "coming to the end." Many cats can live well past 20 years. Remember that it's instinctual for cats to hide any signs of illness, because for their wild ancestors being weak or sick meant that they were going to become somebody's lunch. I've seen cats run over by cars and mauled by dogs that were acting perfectly normal. "No pain here, just leave me alone please." It's a cat's nature.

If your cat's quality of life is as poor as you describe, you should see your veterinarian for a thorough examination and tests. Make sure you describe all the signs (symptoms) that you have seen. Your veterinarian should be able to help you with the litter box issues as well.

Yes, it is going to cost you some money, but as her owner, you are the only one who can advocate for her. When she does pass on, you will find comfort in the fact that you helped her as much as you possibly could.