New Cattery

Battersea has traditionally been thought of as a rehoming centre for dogs, despite the fact it has proudly been caring for lost and abandoned cats since 1883. Now, over 125 years later, Battersea has unveiled a brand new cattery at its London site. 

The new building features 90 cat pens; each designed to provide residents with the space they need to display their natural behaviours. The large pens give them the opportunity to exercise, play and watch the world go by whilst frosted glass provides privacy from their feline neighbours. The new Cattery houses up to 150 cats and kittens who are settling into their new abode and starting to enjoy a cat’s eye view from their individual windows to the world outside.

Battersea’s Head of Cats, Kirsty Walker, has had input into the pens’ design from day one. ‘It has been really important to look at the facilities from the cats’ point of view – after all, they are the important ones’, Kirsty explains. ‘Housing cats in very small pens prevents them from moving around as freely as they would in a home environment and can lead to boredom and frustration and, in turn, health and behavioural problems.’

As well as helping to overcome behavioural problems the new pens will also reduce infection. Cat ‘flu, an airborne virus, is easily spread in a cattery environment where a large number of cats are living in close proximity, and so by introducing pens that are individually climate-controlled the risk will be reduced. The same technology also allows the temperature of each pen to be matched to the individual’s needs.

Battersea’s dedicated cat socialising volunteers will also benefit from the new and improved pens. Instead of squeezing an arm or two into small pens, forcing themselves into the cat’s personal space, cat socialisers will now be able to walk into the pens, stand upright, and allow the cats to come to them. Cat socialiser Catherine Cleary, says, “Being able to spend time with the cats on their own terms will be a huge improvement. Whether the cat wants a cuddle, to play or needs a little grooming, the new cattery will make it all more possible. The biggest benefits will be for nervous or anxious cats who need to get used to the presence of humans without feeling overly pressured or intimidated.”

As well as special new pens for the cats to live in, the new cattery has a whole host of other rooms that will help its feline residents. Each floor will have two socialising rooms decorated like a home environment: something many cats will have left behind. These familiar surroundings will help cats settle in when they arrive at Battersea as well as helping them to acclimatise before going to a new home.

There is also a special maternity area for mums and litters of kittens who are brought into, or born at, the Home. And an extension of our existing veterinary facilities will help our dedicated vets and nurses provide healthcare to old and young alike.

The new cattery will provide our cats with all they need to keep them happy and healthy - although the greatest service we can provide for them is the prospect of a loving and permanent new home.

We're very proud of the fact that Battersea's been taking in cats for over 125 years...