A PROPOSED cattery in a village near Taunton would make life less stressful for rescue and boarding felines staying there, the owners claim.

St Giles Animal Centre has applied for planning permission to build 20 new pens at its site in Newport Road, Wrantage.

Half of the pens would house pets while the others would be used for rescue animals, although there would be cross-over depending on demand.

A report accompanying the application submitted to Somerset West and Taunton Council says an existing block of 23 cat pens is "no longer fit for purpose".

It adds: "It has been refurbished a number of times and each time the pens are increased in size and the number of animals that can be accommodated has dropped.

"But this building is no longer a sustainable option."

The report says the old pens will not meet standards being imposed this month under new regulations.

A newer block of ten pens would be retained.

St Giles, which also has facilities for stray and boarding dogs, currently has limited space for cats and kittens due to the "inadequate accommodation".

The report says: "The old block is constructed from wood and difficult to clean and sterilise.

"It is also behind a row of rescue dog kennels and therefore a potentially noisy and stressful environment for cats."

It adds: "The new pens are larger, easier to clean and have more space for the cats and kittens to play and interact in, which is crucial for their welfare.

"They are also a significant distance from the dog kennels, achieving the quieter environment that cats often need, especially those requiring extra care and attention."