Our story

Our Cattery

The Cottage Cattery is a purpose built 5* luxury cattery in Northern Ireland. We are situated just outside Newtownards Co.Down making the cattery perfect for easy access from Newtownards, Bangor, Holywood, Comber, Dundonald and Belfast although we have many customers that travel from much further. Set in peaceful countryside and overlooking landscaped gardens it lends itself to the purrrrrrfect holiday home and environment for your cats.


With over 30 years in animal care, owner Michelle McConnell is a qualified veterinary nurse with a Diploma in Cattery Management. The Cottage Cattery is approved, licensed and listed with the D.A.R.D and The Feline Advisory Bureau of which there are only 3 catteries currently listed in Ireland. (www.fabcats.org)


A lot of time and care is given by the dedicated and trained team to ensure that each individuals cats’ needs are catered for and we welcome new customers to come and view our facilities.


Since opening in 1992 our customer base has grown enormously due to the high standard of care, facilities and word of mouth recommendations from satisfied customers and the relocation of the cattery in Easter 2006 was extremely successful. We recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.


Make sure that your cat becomes a member of our ever extending family!!!!!!

Michelle McConnell RVN

Owner and Registered Veterinary Nurse

Michelle is a Registered Qualified Veterinary Nurse with a passion for the well-being & care of cats. She has over 30 years experience in animal care & has several cats of her own.

In 1994 Michelle was awarded runner up in Veterinary Nurse of The Year.


The cattery business was established in 1992 then relocated to its current site in 2006. She is also an occasional breeder of British Shorthairs.

Outside of the cattery Michelle spends most of her spare time with her two horses, competing when she can.

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