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.