Our History

The Ashford Garden Cattery is part of the RSPCA Ashford, Tenterden & District Branch, an independent charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats across Kent.

Our story began in 2003, when we opened our first charity shop to help raise much-needed funds for local animal welfare work. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able to take the next big step just a few years later.

In April 2006, the Ashford Cat Rehoming Centre — lovingly known as The Ashford Garden Cattery — officially opened its doors. The opening ceremony was led by our wonderful friend and branch president, the late Paul O’Grady, whose passion for animal welfare continues to inspire everything we do today.

Since then, we’ve helped over 5,000 cats find their forever homes, and supported hundreds more through our neutering, microchipping, and pet food bank schemes. Each year, our small team of staff and volunteers cares for around 200–300 cats, from abandoned kittens to senior strays, giving them the love, care, and second chance they deserve.

In 2022, we launched our Pet Food Bank to help local owners struggling through the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring no cat goes hungry. And in 2025, we expanded our mission further with the creation of our Small Animal Centre, offering support and rehoming for guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, and mice.

Every milestone we’ve reached has been made possible by our incredible volunteers, donors, and supporters. From raffles and open days to quiz nights and sponsorships, every penny raised helps us keep our doors open and our cats cared for.

At its heart, The Ashford Garden Cattery isn’t just a rehoming centre — it’s a family of animal lovers doing everything they can to make a difference.