.01
OUR STORY
The Birches is a small family run cattery, in the village of Irchester, situated in the east of Northamptonshire. Originally established in 2006 by the lovely Sue and Alan the Cattery is now owned and run by Lucy and Jenny who took over in January 2025 following Sue and Alan’s retirement. We have achieved 4 Star rating from the Borough Council of Wellingborough, which means we meet all the Higher Standards requirements of the DEFRA Regulations.
Lucy - Animals are my passion and to be able to run own business looking after them has always been my dream. As a teenager I went to Moulton College to study Equine Management and following on from this worked at different types of yards looking after a variety of animals from horses and ponies to cows, sheep and pigs. I also worked for the mounted police, exercising and caring for the police horses at Milton Keynes station. For the past 25 years I have, along with my Mum, run a business supplying school uniform. I have always had my own animals whether it be cats, dogs, horses, chickens or fish but I am very pleased to now be returning to caring for animals full time.
Jenny - Having previously worked in the building industry I decided during the COVID pandemic that a change was needed. I was fortunate enough to be able to return to education and turn my love of animals and biology into a career by studying for a degree in Veterinary Nursing. During my training I was also able to do voluntary work at some local animal charities which I very much enjoyed. The course finished in May 2024 and I started working at Swanspool Veterinary Clinic in June where, as originally a client myself, I had always hoped to work. I find the job extremely interesting and rewarding and thoroughly enjoy looking after the patients in my care. Although the day to day running of the cattery is predominantly undertaken by Lucy I am usually around to help in between my shifts and at weekends.
Our cattery consists of 14 luxury chalets, including our penthouse suite and garden suite, each with fully accessible interior and exterior sections. All chalets overlook the garden which attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the year. The cattery is fully heated during the colder months, in order to keep your cats toasty and warm. In addition it is air conditioned in the hotter months, to maintain a comfortable temperature all year round. Retractable blinds are fitted to the exterior areas of the cattery to provide extra shade on hot sunny days if needed.
We care for all cats as if they are our own. We stock a wide range of food in order to meet your cats individual needs. We also provide them with the highest quality kitty litter. We will gladly cater to specialist diets and can give medication when required.
It will be our pleasure to look after your cats. You can find all our contact details and opening hours here on our website.
We would highly recommend that you arrange to visit us and look around our facilities so that you can make an informed decision that the Birches Cattery is the right place for your cat to stay.
Every Sunday we post pictures and updates of our guests, our garden and our own four cats on our Facebook page.
