Bwlchgwyn Cattery has been named the winner of the Home from Home Boarding Cattery 2026 category at the prestigious Heroes of Industry Awards 2026, recognising more than two decades of dedication to exceptional feline care, trust, and client-focused service.
Established in 2004, the family-run cattery has built a strong reputation for providing a safe, comfortable, and genuinely caring environment for cats. Located in the village of Bwlchgwyn, just outside Wrexham, the cattery is easily accessible from North Wales, Cheshire, and Shropshire. It has also welcomed cats from much further afield, including Dubai, Spain, London, and Glasgow.
Licensed for up to 33 cats, the cattery offers well-designed semi-outdoor accommodation, combining heated indoor sleeping areas with spacious outdoor runs. Each unit includes viewing platforms, scratch posts, and seating areas to encourage natural behaviour and help cats feel at ease.

All units meet and exceed current guidance, with larger spaces available to suit different needs.
What sets Bwlchgwyn Cattery apart is its approach to care and the importance placed on understanding each individual cat. Speaking about their primary goal, Gemma Allen shared:
“Understanding what your client requires for their cat is essential. It is about mutual respect and not simply taking money when illness or holidays go wrong and bookings have to be cancelled.”
This mindset carries through to how the cattery views the future of the industry. Gemma believes standards should never stand still.
“You should never be content with standards as they are. Always approach your premises with the eyes of the client,” she explained.
She also highlighted the deeper connection involved in their work, with a strong focus on emotional as well as physical wellbeing.
“There is a mutual love of cats and an understanding of their mental needs as well as their physical needs. Cats spend hours viewing the world outside, they must not feel boxed in,” she said.
Continuous improvement remains central to daily operations. Alongside recording essential observations, the team encourages open discussion and shared ideas to enhance each cat’s stay. This reflective, hands-on approach helps maintain consistently high standards of care.
To ensure ongoing excellence, the cattery actively listens to client feedback and works closely with inspectors and veterinary professionals. The trust placed in the service continues to grow, with vets themselves choosing to board their own cats at the facility.
For those entering the industry, Gemma offers clear advice:
“Do not plan in terms of profit alone. Think first about how you can earn the respect and trust of your clients by understanding their cats’ needs. The profit will follow. You need to level with the clients’ standards.”
With strict health requirements in place, including full vaccinations and insurance cover, Bwlchgwyn Cattery ensures every cat is cared for in a safe and secure environment.
Winning at the Heroes of Industry Awards marks an important milestone for Bwlchgwyn Cattery. It reflects years of hard work, consistency, and a genuine commitment to both cats and their owners. The team remains focused on maintaining these high standards and continuing to provide a calm, trusted environment that truly feels like a home from home.
📧 info@cattery.org.uk
📞 01978 755584
🌐 www.cattery.org.uk
📍 44 Cefn Road
Bwlchgwyn, Wrexham
🏷️ LL11 5YE