So read on & see what Appleyard has to offer. I am sure your cat would love to -

                 BE  AN  APPLEYARD  CAT

High Quality Accomodation

The cattery, which was built in 2005, is approved by Swale Borough Council and the Council’s Environmental Health Officer.  It is also inspected by the council's appointed vet. It has been designed to offer comfortable accommodation for your cat.  It was opened in May 2005.

Spacious accomodation for single cats or a family of cats is provided. The sleeping quarters, which are raised 900m from the ground, are heated and thermally insulated. They are large and made from white plastic-coated fibre glass. The ramps leading to the sleeping quarters are also made from plastic-coated fibre glass. The area below the sleeping quarters provides a discrete place for the litter tray. The runs have sneeze barriers either side, made from clear and opaque plastic sheets and a security corridor runs the length of the cattery for your cat’s safety.


The units overlook an inner courtyard, which has a large fountain and contains insect-attracting plants, so that your cat may be entertained by the sound of running water and wildlife. The cattery is alarmed and has low-lit security lighting.  Purpose made roman blinds have been made for the winter from durable plastic cladding. These can be rolled up when the weather is warm & lowered again, when the weather becomes inclement, so even on the chillier Summer night your cat will be guaranteed to be warm.

All of the sleeping units have a light & tube heater and for the older cat, or for the cat who likes heat,  snuggle pads are offered, which guarantee heat for up to 12 hours. Ideal for winter nights.

There are two, which can house seven or more cats each. We have also recently refurbished a section to make a a large unit for  two or more kittens or young, playful cats, which has a lovely view of our garden. The unit has a special three-tiered perch and special toys to amuse your cats. A bird bath is strategicaly perched in the garden by the unit to provide entertainment of the feathered variety. We do offer long-term accommodation, where visiting is allowed.

Appleyard Cattery has a large food preparation room, which has its own food and equipment storage cupboards, two sinks, a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge.

A Personal Service

 The cattery stocks most popular brands of wet and dry food (Felix, Arthurs, Whiskas, Kitekat and Go Cat).  It is recommended that you supply the food if your cat has a special diet, otherwise an extra cost will be incurred. Fresh water is supplied at all times. A child’s (washable) plastic chair is provided in each single unit or a plastic table in the triple and family units for your cat to perch on (cats like to be elevated). Ping pong balls are provided for playful cats as well as bedding. If your cat has a favourite toy or  you prefer to bring along your own bedding, this will  help to make he/she feel more at home. Medication provided by your vet can be given to your cat whilst boarding.

Grooming, lots of cuddles and attention will be offered whilst your cat stays here at Appleyard Cattery. All cats are groomed using a comb or brush (depending on your cat's fur)  after their breakfast and before each unit is cleaned out. Even if your cat is not used to being groomed on a daily basis, Nicole finds that most cats enjoy it. Grooming helps the cats feel more at ease, making it easier for the bond between the carer and the cats to develop.  

Hygiene A Priority

The cattery has been built according to Swale Borough Council's specificiations on good ventilation and natural light levels, so the units are well ventilated, preventing air stagnation and other related problems.

The units are cleaned out every morning. Each unit is provided with its out dustpan and brush and poop scoop. The poop scoops are washed and sterilised every day at an outside sink, which is not used to clean anything else. The cleaning process involves clearing and changing out the cat litter(s), brushing out the sleeping quarters and living quarters. A hand, battery-powered vacuum is used also when necessary. Since the sleeping quarters and ramps are made from plastic-coated fibre glass and the concrete floors are painted with special paint, the areas are easily cleaned with special cattery-safe, enzyme based disinfectant. Th enzymes continue  to break down any bacteria, even when dry. All bedding is vaccumed, brushed or changed if soiled,  every day. The dishes provided are stainless steel. These are changed after every meal and the water dishes every day. The dishes are washed at a high temperature in the cattery's dishwasher.

Once a unit is vacated it is cleaned thoroughly in readiness for the next boarder. Every part of the unit is vacuumed thorougly, then sterilised using the same enzyme based disinfectant and then allowed to air dry. Nicole uses an anti-bacterial hand gel after handling  each cat.

Quiet Rural Setting

Appleyard Cattery is set in a quiet rural area between the villages of Eastchurch and Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. The cattery is sheltered, secluded and secure.

 Open All Year

The cattery is open all year round. Opening hours for humans are 9am-12pm and 5-6pm. The cattery  accomodates, short stays, such as weekends and long-term-boarding, which may be several months. Before making a firm booking you are welcome to make an appointment to visit Appleyard Cattery to see what it has to offer and to discuss your cat’s requirements. A delivery/collection service  for the island is available for a nominal fee, according to distance. We contract out the service to a specialised company off the island, who are very reliable, reasonable and friendly.