Celebrating 28 years at Wales Cat Centre!

I find it hard to believe that I have been the manager of Wales Cat Centre, formerly Bridgend Adoption Centre, for 28 years! This is almost half of my life, but the years have flown by.

Susan and Zeus

I am Susan, my first day as centre manager was the 6 April 1998. At the time, my children were 4 and 6 years old; they are now in their 30s, and my daughter has followed in my footsteps and is now working for Cats Protection too as the Midlands and Wales Lifeline Manager. Lifeline is a specialist cat fostering service for those fleeing domestic abuse.

I can still remember vividly seeing the advert for my role. I was previously working in the hospitality business and wanted to return to my first passion of working with animals. I threw the local newspaper, The Recorder, away and had a feeling there was a job in it for me. I retrieved the paper, and I had goose pimples as I saw my role advertised. I applied, and the rest is history.

I still remember my interview very vividly and having a tour around the centre, my eyes filled with tears as I saw all the cats waiting for their homes. I promised myself there and then that if I got the job, I would dedicate myself to helping as many cats as I could in the time I had in the job.

I was walking to the local shop when I had the phone call to say that I was successful in my application. My joy quickly turned to sadness when the HR person told me that there had been a fire in the centre the night before and asked me to go to the centre to see what I could do to help. It’s fair to say I haven’t looked back since. Sadly, one cat passed away in the fire and another two suffered from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was never established, but as a result a large section of the centre was decommissioned.

I often stop to reflect on my journey, not only over the last 28 years, but my personal journey, the centre, and the charity. When I first started working, there were no computers in use and everything was done with pen and paper. There were very few written policies, no mobiles, no social media, emails weren’t used, and the head office of the centre was in a large house in Horsham. Our centre raised funds to purchase a computer, leading us to be the first adoption centre to use one!

Wales Cat Centre opened its doors to the public in September 1994. Since opening, an astounding 38,200 cats have been rehomed, over 35,000 of them during my time as manager. I am very proud that, along with that, we have made such a difference to so many cats and people. There have been many memorable cats and kittens come through Wales Cat Centre, with some of them attracting local and national media attention.

The Prison Kittens

We were called by HMP Parc Prison after 6 new born kittens were found nestled in a truck. The mother cat was around but very elusive. For safety reasons, the kittens were brought back to the centre and bottle-fed by the team whilst a trap was set for the mum. 

Agatha's kittens were bottle fed by our team

Fortunately, the mum, named Agatha, wasn’t on the run for long and was happily reunited with her kittens. And no prizes for guessing, the kittens were called Jessica, Sherlock, Christie, Marple, Kojak, and Morse. This story was featured in local, national, and international media and was even mentioned on CNN News!

                            Agatha reunited with her kittens                                      Jessica, Sherlock, Christie, Marple, Kojak & Morse at 8 weeks old                                   

The Handbag Kittens

A family member was driving past the centre after closing hours and noticed a bag outside the gate. They thought a team member had forgotten it but were shocked to hear faint meows coming from the bag and saw a bundle of kittens when they unzipped it. They quickly brought the bag to me, and I was horrified to find 7 kittens inside, many of whom were flat due to heat exhaustion. 

Seven kittens suffering with heat exhaustion we abandoned inside this purple bag

I quickly rushed the kittens to the vets, and after emergency treatment and lots of TLC from the team, they all pulled through.

All seven kitten survived and were adopted

Donatella!

Donatella was handed in as a heavily pregnant stray; she was a very petite cat but with a huge abdomen. We thought she would have around 6 kittens, but imagine our shock when she gave birth to 11 kittens,10 alive and sadly 1 stillborn. Donatella did a great job of nursing her kittens, but 10 kittens were too many for her, so we supplemented them with bottle feeds. Eventually, we had to remove five of the kittens to be completely hand-reared as they weren’t thriving. Thankfully, all the kittens survived, and Donatella became a media star.

Donatella was heavily pregnant when she was handed in, she gave birth to 11 kittens

I am a passionate photographer and have used my photography skills to take thousands of pictures of cats and kittens through the years. My images have been used extensively by Cats Protection and have even appeared on the front of The Cat Magazine on a couple of occasions. There have been many successful fundraising campaigns using my images to raise money for the charity, with one raising over £400,000! My favourite and most rewarding images are before-and-after shots of cats admitted in poor condition into our care. These tell a story a thousand words can’t and are a hard-hitting visual of the difference we make to cats and kittens most in need.

Before and after pictures of a kitten admitted with cat flu

In 2011, I had the first of two cancer diagnoses. This was a very challenging time for me, but I decided to continue to work during and post-treatment. After I was given the all clear from my first cancer, I decided to embark on some challenges. The first of these was an attempt at a world record for the most people dressed as cats. Whilst we didn’t achieve a Guinness World Record, we had great fun on the day, and I will never forget filling Bridgend Town Centre with human cats.

Guinness world record attempt for the most people dressed as cat

Other challenges included 5k, 10k, and half marathon runs, skydiving, and several fire walks, the most recent of which was in October 2025 to celebrate being in remission from Multiple Myeloma, an incurable but treatable cancer. These challenges raised over £40,000 for Cats Protection and cancer charities.

Various challenges raised over £40K for Cats Protection and cancer charities

My blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the amazing people whom I have worked with through the years, some of whom are sadly no longer with us. Our team of volunteers and employees has changed over the years; some have been with the centre long before I started and some for only a matter of months. Many of those who have left Cats Protection keep their connection with us and come along to support our open days. Over the years, we have built a Cats Protection family and a large community around the centre, something which I am very proud to be a part of, and I will always be grateful for the love and support shown to me during my cancer battles.

Looking back over the years, I feel very privileged to be the manager of Wales Cat Centre. My role feels like a vocation, and after 28 years I still love my job as much as I did the day I started.

 

A Day in the Life at the Wales Cat Centre – By Gemma, Rehoming & Welfare Assistant

 I’m Gemma, one of the Rehoming & Welfare Assistants here at the Wales Cat Centre. I’ve been in this role for just over 10 years now, and before that I volunteered for almost a year. It often doesn’t feel like I’m working at all, since I get to look after and spend time with cats and kittens every day, something I’m incredibly passionate about and genuinely love doing.

Gemma with her dog Gizmo

I have one cat of my own called Cassie who I adopted from here when I first started. Thankfully, she isn’t a fan of other cats, otherwise I would definitely have taken another five home by now. I also have an elderly dog called Gizmo, he is a German Spitz cross Pomeranian, who my cat is a big fan of. They get along brilliantly, and they always give me a thorough sniff-down when I get home because they can smell all the other cats I’ve been caring for.

 

Cassie - Gemma's cat

Working in Admissions

My role varies day to day depending on which section I’m assigned to, but recently I’ve been working in the Admissions corridor, and it’s one of my favourite areas. This is where we look after all the new cats and kittens coming into our care.

Every cat admitted to the centre is settled into their own individual pen in the Admissions corridor. It’s a quiet space, away from the public, giving them time to adjust and settle before their veterinary health checks.

Gemma putting a newly arrived cat in it's pen

During an admission, we gather as much information as possible from the previous owner, then bring the cat to the Treatment Room for a health check and microchip scan. Once that’s done, they’re placed into their clean pen with a cosy bed, a hiding space, and access to a secure back run via a cat flap. After a settling period, they receive a thorough vet check which usually leads to treatments or procedures over the following week, neutering, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, and vaccinations. All cats receive these before going up for adoption (with the exception of second vaccinations, which are given 3–4 weeks after the first).

Gemma health checking a new arrival at the centre and scanning for a microchip

Some cats need additional treatments, ear medication for mites, tablets for skin issues, or occasionally something more serious. We recently had a cat who was found to have a pellet lodged behind its ear. Thankfully it hadn’t caused serious problems, but it did need to be removed at our local vet, Shepherds. Cats needing extra care stay in Admissions where it’s calmer and they can recover in peace.

A Typical Day in Admissions

8am:

• Feed, medicate and clean every pen
• Place freshly sprayed Feliway-scented cloths in each pen to help de‑stress the cats
• Sweep and mop the area
• Wash and disinfect bowls and litter trays

Gemma cleaning Major's pen in admission

11am–3pm:

• Admit new cats arriving that day
• On quieter days, head to the Homing corridors to help reserve cats to the public
• Other tasks include:
• Writing up cat stories
• Taking photographs for our website
• Completing follow-up checks for recently adopted cats
• Helping on reception
• Collecting donations from our Tesco or Sainsbury’s food bins

Gemma doing admin work for newly arrived cats

3pm–5pm:

• Second round of feeding, medicating, and cleaning
• Deep‑clean pens where cats have moved to the Homing corridors
• Set up pens ready for the next new admissions

My Favourite Moments

One of my favourite parts of the day is around 4.30pm, once all the practical jobs are done. This is when I can spend quality time with the nervous cats or those who need a little extra TLC. Helping them come out of their shell, settle in, or simply feel safe is incredibly rewarding. It’s so easy to fall in love with almost all of them, and while we all have our favourites, I’m mostly just grateful to make their stay here a little less scary.

Another highlight is receiving updates from adopters once their cats have settled into their new homes. Seeing photos of long stay curled up on a sofa or a once nervous cats relaxed on a bed makes everything worthwhile. It’s a lovely reminder of why we do what we do, and it truly is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.

Cats happily settled in their forever homes

 

 

 

Helping Feral Cats in Maesteg: Rachel’s TNVR Journey

My name is Rachel, and I’m a Senior Rehoming & Welfare Assistant at the Cats Protection Wales Cat Centre. Alongside my work at the centre, I’ve proudly volunteered as part of the TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate & Return) team for over 10 years.

My journey with Cats Protection began through the lost and found cat community on social media. I’d been following the incredible work carried out by a local branch and quickly realised that this kind of support was desperately needed in my own area. It sparked something in me. I knew I wanted to help, and I knew I could make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens who had no one looking out for them.

Rachel -Senior Rehoming and Welfare Assistant

A decade on, and with the support of an amazing team, we’ve helped hundreds of feral and stray cats, giving them healthier, happier lives and preventing potentially thousands of kittens from being born outdoors into difficult and often dangerous conditions.

The Reality of TNVR Work

Being part of the TNVR team isn’t always easy. It can be physically and emotionally demanding, and it requires patience, flexibility and most importantly compassion. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

Nothing beats returning to a feral colony months or even years after we’ve completed a TNVR project and seeing the cats healthy, relaxed and thriving. Knowing that our work changed the course of their lives is the best feeling in the world.

TNVR'd feral cats at feeding time

 A Call for Help in Maesteg

In October 2025, we received a call from a lady in the Maesteg area of South Wales. She and her daughter had been regularly seeing at least five adult cats on their land. Then the kittens started to appear, six of them, often spotted dashing dangerously near the road. Understandably, this was incredibly distressing for the family.

These cats were feral, meaning they’d had little to no socialisation with humans and were very fearful of people. Trapping them safely required the use of humane cat traps and careful planning.

Laying the Groundwork

Before setting any traps, we carried out a full risk assessment to ensure the safety of both the cats and our volunteers. We also spent time in the community, knocking on doors, speaking with residents, identifying owned cats and ensuring everyone understood our plans and the benefits TNVR brings.

Behind the scenes, we worked to secure vet appointments, prepare for potential kittens needing space at the centre and ensure that the feeders had enough food and shelter for the cats in the meantime. Thanks to generous donations, we were able to provide outdoor cat shelters and support with feeding while the TNVR got underway.

Shelter was provided whilst TNVR plans were made

 Two Weeks, Eleven Cats Helped

Over the course of two weeks, we successfully trapped:

• 4 female feral cats
• 1 male feral cat
• 6 kittens (4 females, 2 males)

The adult cats were taken to our vets where they were:

• Health checked
• Neutered
• Vaccinated
• Treated for parasites
• Ear-tipped (a painless procedure done while under anaesthetic that marks a cat as neutered and part of a TNVR programme)

Once they recovered, all adult cats were returned to their familiar area where they can now live healthier, safer lives under the care of the family whose land they are on.

 Six Little Lives Transformed

The kittens who were young enough so socialise, arrived at our adoption centre just as the snow began to fall. After vet checks, flea and worm treatments, neutering, microchipping and lots of gentle socialisation by our experienced team, they were ready to start new lives.

All six kittens were quickly adopted into loving homes.

 A Brighter Future for a Feral Colony

Had we not intervened, there could have been eight females capable of having litters on the property this year alone leading to dozens more kittens being born outdoors.

Instead, the family now has peace of mind knowing the cats living on their land are healthy, happy and safe. Today, the returned cats can often be found sunbathing on the decking, enjoying their meals and living their best lives.

 

Week 8: Ready for their next chapter

 

Kitten Watch 2024: Caramel and her sweet kittens

It's Week 8! The kittens have spent their very important first 8 weeks of life together with their mum in the safe care of Wales Cat Centre, and they are now ready to be rehomed.

The kittens have grown again this week and they are starting to look like young cats. Their eyes are more green than blue; this will likely be their adult eye colour now. They are fully weaned and are far more active - ready to bring endless fun into their new homes as the little bundles of joy they are!

Costa showing off his beautiful long whiskers!

The kittens can use the cat flap and run up and down the ramp with ease. They are confident jumping on to boxes and on and off the shelf, and they are very happy playing together with their toys.

Chai and Coban up the ramp by the cat flap

Sweet Cinnamon giving it a go too!

The kittens will now be vaccinated to make sure they and any other cats they come into contact with are protected from nasty diseases. Two vaccines are usually needed – three to four weeks apart – to make sure kittens are well protected. A booster vaccine should also be given one year later, and again every year then to keep immunity levels high.

All of our cats leave our care either spayed/neutered and microchipped if they are old enough. If they are too young at the time of adoption, we will discuss with the new owner putting these important plans in place for their new family member. You can find out more about why spaying and neutering is so important on our website here: https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/neutering-and-vaccinations/neutering-your-cat

Caramel has also been spayed, so while she has been an amazing mum to her four sweet kittens, she will never have to experience the risks of pregnancy again. At the time of writing, Caramel has now been adopted, and she can look forward to a life of happiness and 'me time' with her new family. Here she is on her way home!

Caramel on her way to her new home!

The kittens have also all found new loving homes, and we are so happy for them all. Well done Caramel, Costa, Chai, Cinnamon and Coban, for this much deserved happy ending. Goodbye to you all, we will miss you so much!

From this...

To this!

Please note, these blog posts are not in real time, the kittens are a little bit older at the time of writing. However, we hope you enjoyed following along with their weekly development from day one. Thank you so much for being with them as they grew, changed and blossomed into lovely young cats with the support of their amazing mum, Caramel, and our dedicated team of cat care staff and volunteers here at Wales Cat Centre.

A special thanks to Trudy Hughes for taking the beautiful photos of Caramel and kittens throughout their time at Wales Cat Centre. Her photography has captured all cats' personalities so well and it's thanks to her that we have been able to share such cute and lovely insights into the little family. Thank you Trudy!

 

If you would like to donate towards the care for our cats, including those like Caramel and her kittens, you can do so on our website here. Anything you can give, big or small, can really make a difference. Thank you for being here for cats 💜

 

Thank you again for being part of Kitten Watch 2024 for Caramel and her sweet kittens 🐾

Week 7: Nearly ready to go!

     

Kitten Watch 2024: Caramel and her sweet kittens

At 7 weeks of age, the kittens are enjoying their last week or so with their siblings and mum, before they are ready to find their new homes in the big wide world at 8 weeks old!

All kittens together in their pen

This week we noticed the kittens have grown in height and length and are looking sleeker. Their eyes are becoming more bluish/green in colour - getting closer to their adult eye colours! They are eating and drinking on their own and are a bit more vocal. At this age, kittens are no longer dependent on their mum for milk although they still might want to suckle from her sometimes.

 

Costa and Cinnamon showing us their bluey-green eyes

Costa and Cinnamon love playing together and Chai is still having great fun chasing everyone's tails! The kittens now also have access to the back part of the pen through the cat flap to play in, and Costa is showing everyone how to get through there.

Cheeky Chai yawning after all that chasing!

Cuddly Coban having a little rest

Thank you for joining us for Week 7 of Kitten Watch! Next week will be an exciting week as the kittens will be 8 weeks old and ready for rehoming! Caramel will also be ready to go to her new home after doing such an amazing job as their mum!

Caramel resting in her bed after all that hard work - well done Caramel!

 

Please note, these blog posts are not in real time, the kittens are a little bit older at the time of writing. However, we hope you enjoy following along with their weekly development from day one. You will get to see how they grow, change and blossom into lovely young cats with the support of their amazing mum, Caramel, and our dedicated team of cat care staff and volunteers here at Wales Cat Centre.

 

If you would like to donate towards the care for our cats, including those like Caramel and her kittens, you can do so on our website here. Anything you can give, big or small, can really make a difference. Thank you for being here for cats 💜

 

See you next week for Kitten Watch: Week 8! 🐾

Week 6: Fun and games

    

Kitten Watch 2024: Caramel and her sweet kittens

This week Caramel is spending slightly longer intervals away from the kittens and seems to be enjoying some more time to herself, although she is always listening out for the kittens in the pen below. She has done such a good job looking after them as they were newborn and then weaning, we are so proud of her!

Caramel resting with her lovely knitted blanket

The kittens are a lot more active and lively this week. Their co-ordination has improved and they are able to catch and chase their toys a lot better. They love chasing and play fighting over their pink mouse toy!

Look at those little claws!

Play is very important for cats, particularly kittens, as it teaches them the skills needed for life and lessons about the world around them. Play is a great way for a cat to use up some of their energy, keep fit and healthy and keep their brain alert and active. The best games encourage cats to stalk, pounce, chase and bat objects with a paw in a safe way. This simulates hunting and releases feel-good hormones called endorphins in their brains.

Caramel's kittens are having great fun chasing after each other, climbing on the cat flap ledge and play fighting. However, once they have tired themselves out, they all cuddle up together for a cwtch and a snooze.

Chai and Coban playing on the ledge

Costa and Cinnamon snuggling together

Thank you for joining us for Week 6 of Kitten Watch! We will continue to follow the kittens' progress week by week on this blog, right up until they and their mum are ready to go to their forever homes.

 

Please note, these blog posts are not in real time, the kittens are a little bit older at the time of writing. However, we hope you enjoy following along with their weekly development from day one. You will get to see how they grow, change and blossom into lovely young cats with the support of their amazing mum, Caramel, and our dedicated team of cat care staff and volunteers here at Wales Cat Centre.

 

If you would like to donate towards the care for our cats, including those like Caramel and her kittens, you can do so on our website here. Anything you can give, big or small, can really make a difference. Thank you for being here for cats 💜

 

See you next week for Kitten Watch: Week 7! 🐾

Week 5: Getting more independent

   

Kitten Watch 2024: Caramel and her sweet kittens

At Week 5, the kittens are continuing their weaning process moving towards a diet of only solid food now, and they are making excellent progress! The kittens are monitored and weighed to ensure they are receiving enough nutrition and gaining weight.

All four kittens hanging out together

Caramel is spending short periods of time each day apart from the kittens to start the weaning process. This also gives her time to rest and the kittens to start gaining more independence.

Beautiful mum Caramel enjoying some peace and quiet

On one of the days we saw her resting in the top pen for an hour and the kittens were all playing in the pen below. They have all become more active and even shy little cuddly Coban was joining in!

Cuddly Coban and sweet Cinnamon enjoying playtime

They are all more interested in the toys this week. They are also exploring the cat flap from the inside of their pen and starting to look at what is happening in the corridor. True to her nature, cheeky Chai was more interested in chasing the other kittens' tails and jumping on them than in the toys.

It wasn't me: cheeky Chai

Cinnamon and Chai noticing the world outside the pen

Here's another special video for you, showing the kittens' playtime!

Thank you for joining us for Week 5 of Kitten Watch! We will continue to follow the kittens' progress week by week on this blog, right up until they and their mum are ready to go to their forever homes.

 

Please note, these blog posts are not in real time, the kittens are a little bit older at the time of writing. However, we hope you enjoy following along with their weekly development from day one. You will get to see how they grow, change and blossom into lovely young cats with the support of their amazing mum, Caramel, and our dedicated team of cat care staff and volunteers here at Wales Cat Centre.

 

If you would like to donate towards the care for our cats, including those like Caramel and her kittens, you can do so on our website here. Anything you can give, big or small, can really make a difference. Thank you for being here for cats 💜

 

See you next week for Kitten Watch: Week 6! 🐾