Bullet is a 1-year-old terrier who watches for the family that isn't coming back. Can you give him his loving forever home?

The veterinarians at the California Veterinary Medical Association have provided the answers to the following 10 questions your cat might be asking.

• My house is so warm, cozy, and safe, do I really need an annual exam? An annual exam is very important to look for problems that may have developed or just to make sure they are healthy. Generally, one year in a cat’s life is comparable to between five and seven in a human life. Think a lot can happen to a person in five years? Well a cat goes through that in one.

• When and what kind of vaccinations do I need? Do indoor cats need vaccinations? The vaccinations you need depend on exposure and your veterinarian’s recommendations. Kittens need a series of vaccinations between the ages of 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Historically, vaccinations have been given annually, though some veterinarians recommend an alternate schedule depending on the individual cat.

• Should cats be spayed or neutered and at what age? Cats should absolutely be spayed or neutered. Altered cats make much better pets and stay healthier. Veterinarians usually recommend neutering cats between the ages of 2.5 months and six months.

• What about heart worms, fleas and ticks? Can anything protect me from these pests? Unfortunately, cats are susceptible to heart worms, fleas, and ticks. Medications are available to protect cats from them all, as well as internal parasites.

• Can I take human medicines like aspirin or other anti-fever medicine, Imodium AD or other over-the-counter medicine designed for humans? No; if your human offers you his human medicine, turn up your nose and walk away. Animals should never be given human medications unless they are prescribed by a veterinarian. Cats are particularly sensitive to human medications, which can cause illness or death.

• How does my human choose the right diet for me? What if I become overweight? There are a lot of good diets on the market, but cat owners should stay away from brands without recognizable names. A variety of diets are available for cats’ different life stages and medical conditions, including diets to help control weight in cats that like to eat too much.

• Should my fur be brushed, and do I really need to take baths? Long-haired cats need frequent brushing to prevent mats that can become severe. You’ll be happy to know that cats don’t usually require baths — you keep yourselves pretty clean on your own.

• Are hairballs a common malady? What can my human do to prevent them? Hairballs can be common, especially in long-haired cats. Frequent brushing and increased fiber in the diet can help. There are hairball prevention diets commercially available.

• My human always complains that I have bad breath. I think it smells great. Bad breath is frequently an indication of gingivitis, a common problem in cats. Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, which can result in painful abscesses and loss of teeth. Cats should have their teeth examined at the annual examination and cleaned in the early stages of gingivitis.

• I love it inside, but sometimes I want to go out and roam around. Is that OK? Indoor cats have been shown to live longer and have fewer diseases and injuries. A window to look out from can give cats the best of both worlds.

— To adopt a dog or cat, visit the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter at 1701 U.S. 72 (behind Limestone Veterinary Clinic), check out our Facebook page or call us at 256-771-7889.