The History of Catz at Ashwood: Over 70 Years of Trusted Cat Boarding in Auckland
A Family-Owned Cattery with a Rich Legacy
Catz at Ashwood began in 1950 when David and Fay McCrum founded Ashwood Pet Hotel. Fay, a respected Persian cat breeder, initially cared for her clients’ cats while they were away. As word spread about her exceptional care, demand grew quickly. To meet this demand, David built spacious accommodations for their feline guests. Soon, the cattery became a trusted name in Auckland.
Over the years, the McCrum family’s dedication to feline care made Ashwood Pet Hotel a beloved establishment. Eventually, David took over the management of the cattery, allowing Fay to focus on breeding poodles. In 2002, after decades of service, the couple retired and passed the cattery to new owners.
A Passion Turned into a Lifelong Dream
In 2002, Carissa and Christian took over Catz at Ashwood and continued its tradition of exceptional feline care. Carissa’s love for animals began in childhood. Surrounded by goats, mice, and, of course, cats, she always knew she wanted to work with animals. She later seized an opportunity to work at a renowned Auckland cattery, which inspired her to run her own.
Christian’s passion for cats also started early. His mother often rescued stray cats, and their family once had seven. Before taking over the cattery, Christian worked at Jacks Toy Company, one of Auckland’s top toy stores. Their shared love for cats made Catz at Ashwood the perfect venture.
Restoring Catz at Ashwood: A Premier Cattery in Auckland
Transforming Catz at Ashwood into the premier cat boarding facility it is today took time and dedication. With renovations, thorough cleaning, and a fresh coat of paint, Carissa and Christian revitalized the space. They renamed it Catz at Ashwood Quality Boarding Cattery, honoring its legacy while embracing a new era of ownership.
The cattery quickly gained a loyal customer base thanks to positive word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals from local vet clinics. Today, Catz at Ashwood is recognized as one of Auckland’s most trusted and top-rated catteries.
A Unique Artistic Touch: Murals That Tell a Story
In 2009, renowned muralist Doug Ford transformed the cattery’s walls into a stunning native forest scene, featuring New Zealand birds, fish, and hidden frogs. Doug’s artwork can be found across Auckland, including at Cornwall Park and ASB Stadium.
During the Covid lockdowns, Christian added his own artistic flair. He painted a vibrant bird mural along the walkway and a striking tiger mural on the garage door. If you’re passing by, look out for the colorful tiger—it’s impossible to miss!
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