Today marks the beginning of Happy Cat Month, a time used to spread awareness about the importance of our felines happiness.

To celebrate the occasion we've spoken to the people in Kent that go above and beyond for their furry friends.

Billy Devitt runs Wisteria Cat Rescue in Walderslade and has been supporting cats and their owners since the first lockdown.

The 29-year-old Aldi manager said: "Cats are extremely amazing pets to have around.

"They interact very well with humans and have been known to save people from breakdowns and mental illness."

Billy says that cats react very well to play and the best toy for them can be the humble cardboard box!

He continued: "Cats should be celebrated every month but especially in September as that is when kitten season just finishes which brings many new lives into the world."

The work Billy and his team carry out at Wisteria Cat Rescue is important across the county and they ensure the safety and security of cats and kittens that desperately need help.

The team also run a system called trap, neuter and rehome. This is for cats that have become strays.

"As Kent's only registered community-based cat rescue we also support people in our communities that are struggling to feed their cats.

"We currently have 89 cats in our care and this can be a challenge with ongoing veterinary bills and other expenses so any help or donations would be greatly appreciated.

"Alternatively, if you're struggling and would like some advice support then please don't hesitate to email us." Billy added.

Thousands of us across the county own a cat and there have been several lovely stories shared about them on KentOnline.

Last month, Milly the cat celebrated her 22nd birthday, that's the equivalent of 104 in human years!

Milly, who is owned by Gillian and Graham Gunn of Badgers Mount, near Sevenoaks, marked the approaching milestone at Mark Nelson Vets in Westerham, where she is a popular patient with the practice staff.

The moggy was bought from a pet shop in Oxted, in October 1999. She was the only little kitten in the cage and her owner was told all her brothers and sisters had been sold but she was the runt of the litter.

Gillian said she believes Milly’s longevity is due to her happy disposition, a healthy diet and regular health checks at the vets.

These are all key and important things to keep your feline feeling purr-fect!

Many of our readers have also entered their beloved cats into our Kent Pets Tournament.

However, the tough doggy competition keeps knocking our kitty entries out of the tournament early!

If you think your cat has what it takes to end the age-old argument of cat vs dog then email details about your pet (such as pictures, name, breed, age and funny stories) to mcarr@thekmgroup.co.uk

For those who are absolutely cat crazy, there are even a few cat cafes around the county including Paws Cat Cafe in Angel Walk, Tonbridge.

Here you can enjoy some feline company whilst sipping on your afternoon tea.

You can also visit other cat cafes in Herne Bay and Canterbury.

If you'd like to support Billy and his team at Wisteria Cat Rescue click here.

To read more about Kent’s furry, flying and finned friends, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent