THE official opening of a new cattery at St Giles Animal Rescue was celebrated by the charity's trustees and supporters on Saturday, May 14.

The opening was blessed with excellent weather and was well-attended by people who helped found the new facility, including St Giles trustees and RSPCA volunteers.

The occasion was marked by the attendance of pet rescue ambassador Luna and her owner Grace Haskins, who runs the Bramble and Wild florist in Frome. 

St Giles chair of trustees Jan Brooks and centre director Jack Linnell helped make the official opening a day to remember. 

The new cattery will help the charity look after the rising number of cats it is taking into its care.

Jack said: “We are extremely proud of the new accommodation, which will give all our feline guests a lovely calm environment whilst they are with us.

“Sadly, we have seen an increase in strays and surrendered cats so this will help us help more of those in need.”

Somerset County Gazette: The new cattery contains 10 rescue pens and 10 boarding pens. Picture: St Giles Animal RescueThe new cattery contains 10 rescue pens and 10 boarding pens. Picture: St Giles Animal Rescue

The new pens are located by the on-site veterinary practice in a quiet area.

The penthouse-style cattery pens offer a roomy, comfortable space for cats to enjoy their stay whilst at the centre.

There are 10 rescue pens and 10 boarding pens approved at a five-star level with a cattery boarding licence. 

The Wrantage-based charity aims to relieve the suffering of animals, particularly dogs and cats, that need care and attention.

Somerset County Gazette: The official opening of the new cattery was blessed with excellent weather. Picture: St Giles Animal RescueThe official opening of the new cattery was blessed with excellent weather. Picture: St Giles Animal Rescue

It operates rescue centres and helps find new homes for rescued, abandoned or otherwise homeless animals.

St Giles Animal Rescue makes its rescued animals ready for adoption by treating and training them and preparing them for a better life.

St Giles Animal Rescue is dependent on the support of its sponsors and the public to help it cover the costs of veterinary, boarding, and food bills.  

In December, St Giles Animal Rescue was awarded over £5,000 from the Gannett Foundation (the County Gazette's publisher) after a reader vote during its Cash for Charity campaign.