Sorry, Dogs: Battersea Cats Home Gets Listed Status

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 110 months ago
Sorry, Dogs: Battersea Cats Home Gets Listed Status

Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Heritage who awarded the Listed Status, with Battersea staff outside Whittington Lodge

The rivalry between cats and dogs is a well documented phenomenon, and the cats at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home* have a new reason to gloat now, as it's just been announced that their former Cattery has been given Grade II listed building status.

Built in the early 1900s, Whittington Lodge — named after Dick Whittington — was designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, the same man responsible for the Portmeirion village in Wales (setting 0f cult 1960s TV show The Prisoner). It has now been identified at the first purpose built cattery in England — although these days the Italianate lodge is used as offices.

How will the new listed building status affect the future of Battersea? Will it inhibit potential renovation and improvement works on site? "The Lodge has survived two World Wars, so well before Whittington Lodge had listed status it was a treasured building here at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home," said a spokesperson. "It is factored in to any renovation plans we have at the Home, so we can protect the history of our wonderful former cattery."

Claire Horton, Chief Executive at Battersea, said "Listing accreditation for this wonderful architectural treasure further cements Battersea’s status as one of the intrinsic parts of the London landscape."

To celebrate the cattery getting listed status, and also because the internet is built upon photos of cats, we've put together a gallery of the felines currently living at Battersea who are looking for permanent homes. The website is updated daily, so keep an eye out for other moggies in need of love (dogs also available).

*It's not all bad news for the dogs. Their Victorian kennels are currently being upgraded.

Ali is a two year old male Domestic Medium-Haired cat who loves the great outdoors.
Ali is a two year old male Domestic Medium-Haired cat who loves the great outdoors.
Aside from having the best name of the bunch, 11 year old Buddy Holly is sadly back at Battersea for a second time, having been re-homed previously. He just wants a quiet retirement.
Aside from having the best name of the bunch, 11 year old Buddy Holly is sadly back at Battersea for a second time, having been re-homed previously. He just wants a quiet retirement.
Maude is a 10 year old Domestic Short-Hair cat who would fit into a home without children or other pets.
Maude is a 10 year old Domestic Short-Hair cat who would fit into a home without children or other pets.
Eight year old Oscar is a Domestic Short-Hair cat who loves having affection heaped upon him.
Eight year old Oscar is a Domestic Short-Hair cat who loves having affection heaped upon him.
Pepsi, a one year old Domestic Long-Hair cat will need regular grooming to keep his coat in tip-top condition.
Pepsi, a one year old Domestic Long-Hair cat will need regular grooming to keep his coat in tip-top condition.
One year old Scarlet sadly lost an eye, but she is still very affectionate and loves people-watching.
One year old Scarlet sadly lost an eye, but she is still very affectionate and loves people-watching.
Kitten Sushi is only five months old. He is deaf, so needs to be an indoor cat for his own safety -- but can go outdoors in enclosed spaces.
Kitten Sushi is only five months old. He is deaf, so needs to be an indoor cat for his own safety -- but can go outdoors in enclosed spaces.
Two year old TJ has led quite a sheltered life, so a new home with a garden would be great for letting him explore.
Two year old TJ has led quite a sheltered life, so a new home with a garden would be great for letting him explore.

Last Updated 14 January 2015