You have just adopted an animal from the East Bay SPCA in Oakland. We want to be sure that your pet remains in good health.

Each animal that enters the adoption center is examined and vaccinated to protect him/her from deadly diseases. However, these do not instantly or completely protect the pet. In some cases, if the animal already has the disease, but is not showing any signs, the vaccination may bring it to the surface.

Even though your pet has been inoculated, we do not know if she has been incubating a disease before arrival at the shelter. In some cases, the animal might have had previous exposure to a disease, but is not symptomatic during its time with us— just as with humans, animals can catch a disease long before there are outward signs of the problem. It should also be noted that because of the large number of unwanted animals placed up for adoption in a shelter environment, an animal here is exposed to many other animals and many germs.

It is very important for you to monitor the health of your pet. At the first signs of illness, please call a veterinary clinic and arrange to have your veterinarian examine your pet. (If you don’t yet have a vet, or would like to try a new clinic, see our attached info on the free New Pet Health Check we offer new adopters at the Oakland SPCA Vet Clinic).

• Listlessness/depression
• Lack of Appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea/bloody stool
• Yellowish discharge from eyes and nose
• Sneezing/coughing
• Congested-sounding breathing

Fleas, earmites and tapeworms are the most common parasites usually associated with cats. If you notice signs of any of these, contact your veterinarian for treatment advice. Tapeworms are small white squiggly segments usually seen around the anus or in the cat’s feces. They can also look like dry, brown rice-like pieces sometimes found in the cat’s bedding. Earmites are tiny parasites that live in a cat’s ears. They are only visible under a microscope but they create a dark, waxy matter that looks similar to coffee grounds and can be seen in the ear canal. Fleas are small black parasites that bite and cause itching. Advantage® works best for fleas. Flea collars, powders and sprays are ineffective and are not recommended. DO NOT use any medication or flea-killing agent not recommended by your veterinarian.

Remember that baby animals are much more susceptible to diseases than older animals. They are relying on you to adhere to their vaccination schedule to develop the immunities they need to protect them. Kittens need a series of three booster shots until they’re fully vaccinated against the four most common cat illnesses. They also need a rabies shot at age 4 months and a blood test for feline leukemia and FIV at age six months. (The blood test is more accurate than the saliva test for feline leukemia that kittens are given at the shelter prior to six months of age). If they will be indoor-outdoor, they will also need a feline leukemia booster shot to protect them against this disease— they could be exposed to it outside.

Senior cats (animals age seven or older), also have special needs. If they’ve had some tartar buildup over the years, they might require regular dental cleaning. They may become stiff or arthritic as they age and may no longer be able to jump as high. They may also develop clouded vision, or not hear you as well when you call them. When you notice any of these symptoms, a vet check is probably in order. It’s important to give aging cats the care and support they need as they enter the twilight years of their lives.

For cats of any age, please keep all adoption records and let your veterinarian know what vaccinations and health care your pet has received. All of this information can be found on the adoption invoice received during the adoption. We can always print you an additional copy if you misplace your records.