Woodrock Animal Rescue Opens New Spot for Cat-Lovers

Photo Credit: Woodrock Supplied

A new hangout for cats (and the people who can’t help but love them) has opened its doors at the Woodrock farm

Hennopsriver, South Africa (12 August 2025) – Earlier this year, floods tore through Woodrock Animal Rescue’s cattery, leaving it badly damaged and forcing the Woodrock Rescue team to make the heartbreaking call to move over 50 cats to safety. It was chaos, it was exhausting, but it also sparked a new beginning.

From that mess, something beautiful has bloomed. The Woodrock Mews.

Set on the Woodrock farm, The Mews, which opened its doors in late July, is now home to 35 cats and kittens (another 30 were rehomed), each with their own little story and all looking for a forever lap to curl up on. It isn’t just a safe place for them to live until they find their forever family, it’s a space where humans can slow down, relax and get their much-needed dose of cat therapy.

Yes, it’s a real thing. Cats can boost your mental wellness! Feline-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, lower blood pressure, and even help calm people with Alzheimer’s and autism, in some cases.

Anybody is welcome to pop in for their dose of cat therapy and a little cuddle. There’s space for guests to set up their laptops and work in the company of kitties, and the facility also plans on hosting cat yoga (yes, every bit as wholesome as it sounds).

It’s open to events, too – bridal and baby showers can only be made better by toe beans!

Inside, there’s a cosy kitten area, a special ICU for the most vulnerable rescues, and walls splashed with colour thanks to artist Desi, the same talent behind the iconic murals at the Woodrock Cat Café in Kyalami. She brought The Mews to life in just two days.

As Stella says: “We wanted the best. The Mews deserved nothing less. Our hearts are full. Our vision is alive. The Woodrock Mews is now open, it’s everything we dreamed of and more.”

The Mews is open daily from 9 am to 3 pm, and everyone is welcome. Kick back and relax, spend time with a potential adoptee, or just leave with your heart a little fuller than when you arrived.