To help owners give their feline companions the best possible start, local vet Okeford Vets is sharing some practical guidance and little-known facts.

Many owners will be surprised to hear that vaccinations are important for indoor cats, as diseases such as cat flu and feline leukaemia can be contracted without coming into contact with other cats.

Okeford Vets’s family - CVS Vets - has released a new advice video featuring Regional Clinical Lead Amy Wheeler sharing answers to some of the most common questions asked by new cat owners.

Okeford Veterinary Centre Ltd
(Okeford Veterinary Centre Ltd)

In the short video, Amy shares practical advice to support a cat's health and wellbeing from an early age, covering everything from handling and nutrition to vaccinations and preventive healthcare.

Among the key messages is the importance of getting kittens used to gentle handling at home. Regularly checking paws, ears and teeth, while using positive reinforcement, can help make future grooming, health checks and veterinary visits less stressful for both pets and owners.

In the video, Amy also explains that female kittens can become pregnant from as young as four months old. Speaking to your local veterinary team early about neutering can help prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce associated behaviours, such as spraying, calling and roaming.

Maintaining a healthy weight is another important focus. Cats are well known for persuading owners they need extra food, but monitoring portion sizes and body condition from an early age can help reduce the risk of health issues like diabetes and arthritis later in life.

Amy also discusses the importance of vaccinations, even for indoor cats. Diseases such as cat flu can spread without direct contact between cats, making vaccination an important part of protecting feline health regardless of lifestyle.

Finally, Amy reminds owners that cats are experts at hiding signs of illness. Regular health checks at your local veterinary practice can help identify potential problems earlier, often before symptoms become obvious.

Steve Grills, Senior Clinical Director at Okeford Vets, said: "Becoming a cat owner is incredibly rewarding, and it's natural to have questions when bringing a kitten home for the first time. Simple steps taken early can have a lasting impact on a cat's health and welfare, and we’re here to support you at every stage of your cat’s life."

The practice encourages new pet owners to register with their local veterinary practice and take advantage of professional guidance tailored to their pet's individual needs.

The full video is available here. For more information, or to register your cat or kitten, visit Okeford Veterinary Centre, Okehampton | CVS Vets.