18/08/2026
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – PLEASE READ ❤️
After a lot of thought, we have made the difficult decision that as of 18th January 2027, we will be closing the boarding cattery at Marshland Ragdolls and Cattery.
We wanted to explain our reasons openly and honestly.
The simple truth is that the boarding side of the business hasn't been as busy as we had hoped. There are a number of catteries locally, and unfortunately we have found ourselves competing with businesses that are not necessarily operating under the same requirements that we are.
As a licensed boarding cattery, we have strict conditions that we must follow. Our local authority can inspect our premises, cats and paperwork to ensure that we continue to meet the required standards — and we completely support these requirements because they are there to protect the cats in our care.
One of the biggest challenges has been vaccinations. We can only accept cats whose vaccinations are up to date. This applies even to indoor cats. We know this has meant having to turn away some customers, but as a licensed cattery we cannot make exceptions.
Unfortunately, unlicensed boarding establishments may not follow the same requirements and may accept unvaccinated cats. This makes it very difficult for a licensed business to compete — but compromising the health and safety standards expected of us is simply not something we are prepared to do.
Temperature control has been another significant consideration.
There are requirements regarding maintaining suitable temperatures within boarding accommodation. During some of the extremely hot weather we've experienced, our indoor pens became very warm. Rather than take any risks with the cats in our care, we invested in air conditioning for every unit.
It was an additional expense, but the welfare of the cats staying with us has always come first.
Ultimately, we had a dream, we gave it everything we could, and unfortunately it hasn't worked out in the way we hoped. But we don't regret trying. If we'd never taken the chance, we would always have wondered "what if?"
And this certainly isn't the end of Marshland Ragdolls! ❤️
I am a qualified dog and cat groomer, so there are other avenues for me to explore, and we will continue breeding our beautiful Ragdolls as licensed breeders.
I'm also fairly certain our girls won't be too disappointed about the cattery closing — they'll suddenly have a rather impressive extension to their own home! 😂 They'll be able to enjoy the whole cattery, while we'll finally be able to open the windows and doors without panicking that our cats have made a bid for freedom!
The boarding cattery will remain open and honour our bookings until 18th January 2027, when our current licence is due for renewal.
Doug, the kids and I have genuinely loved meeting so many wonderful cats and their owners. ❤️
To everyone who has trusted us to look after your precious babies, thank you. It has meant more to us than you probably realise, and we are incredibly grateful for every booking, recommendation, message and bit of support we've received.
Our page and website will remain open for Marshland Ragdolls, so please stick around and continue to follow our crazy Ragdoll journey!
This isn't goodbye — it's just a change of direction. 🐾❤️
Thank you for everything.
Lesley & Doug
Marshland Ragdolls and Cattery
