Charlie visits Woodlands Cat Hotel in Holmeswood

WHEN I heard about a cat hotel in Holmeswood, I knew there was only one fella - or rather feline could take with me - my kitty Charlie.

Woodlands Cat Hotel based at Woodlands Animal Sanctuary on Sandy Lane has been open for 15 years and offers 24 hour care for tabbies while their owners are away.

Owner Jacqui McDerby, an avid cat lover from a young age, runs the hotel with her family including daughter Vickie.

Jacqui used to breed and show pedigree Siamese cats for a number of years before going into rescue work which led her to becoming coordinator of the Southport and District Branch of the Cats Protection for over 10 years.

She is now founder and trustee of Woodlands Animal Sanctuary.

The same love of cats prompted her to open Woodlands Cat Hotel to enable all cats to enjoy her high standard of love and attention whilst their owners are on holiday.

Vickie, 25, said: "My mum's been looking after cats and kittens for over 20 years. Cats that are ill or strays.

"The place just grew and grew and as well as cats people were bringing rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, goats and birds."

In 2005, Woodlands Animal Sanctury was officially registered as a charity and cares for unwanted and neglected farm animals, small domestic animals and species of native wildlife that, over the years, have been given to them to care for.

"We solely run on donations and that's where the cat hotel comes in we use the profits from it to put back into the sanctuary."

Charlie was given a guided tour of the hotel by Vickie and spent time in the spacious sleeping quarters alongside residents Rocky and Ellie.

Vickie added: "They are fully heated and each pen has a ladder giving access to the lower floor and their toilet.

"At the moment Rocky is staying with us and he has diabetes and must have insulin every day. We cater for all sorts of cats."

So what was Charlie's verdict? Woodlands Cat Hotel is a purrfect place to stay.

If you would like more information about the hotel or sanctuary or are interesting in volunteering your time visit www.animalsanctuary.org.uk or call 01704-823293.