Cats' dreams come true here
In the new cat land at Gut Aiderbichl Ballermann Ranch
Lilly peers curiously out of her transport box. Cosy carpets lie on the floor, framed pictures adorn the walls and lace tablecloths cover the tables. A large, inviting wing chair particularly catches her eye. I wonder if it’s as comfortable as it looks?
From Vienna to Scholen - a move for life
Overnight, Lilly made the long journey from Vienna to Scholen in Lower Saxony, near Bremen. Her previous home was the Krone TIERECKE – a place that has been providing loving shelter for abandoned, old, sick and animal hoarding cats for over 25 years. But the old cat house is getting on in years and is bursting at the seams.
A new building, together with Gut Aiderbichl, is planned – larger and more modern. “We want to build a model cat house that reflects the latest findings in the field of animal welfare,” explains Maggie Entenfellner, presenter and committed animal rights activist.
The new cat country at the Ballermann Ranch
While the new project is being planned, the current residents of the Krone TIERECKE, 32 cats, are allowed to move to a new home.
On arrival, Lilly takes her first cautious steps out of the transport box. Her green eyes curiously scan her new territory: a cosy swing here, an inviting kitchen there. I wonder if there are treats there every day? And there – other cats! What Lilly is slowly and carefully exploring here is the new Gut Aiderbichl cat country at Ballermann Ranch.
A true cat paradise
There is room for around 40 animals here – forever. Because the new cat country is not an animal shelter. The residents stay in the new and lovingly furnished refuge until the end of their natural lives. Wicker armchairs, farmhouse cupboards, scratching posts and swings create a cosy atmosphere. André and Annette Engelhardt, founders of Ballermann Ranch and now also of Katzenland, have put their heart and soul into creating a true cat paradise.
Experts on four paws
The Engelhardts had active support to ensure that everything was really cat-friendly: the two tomcats Julian and Mao, who were taken over with the farm, kept a watchful eye on the construction and checked all the furniture for suitability.
Maggie Entenfellner is also delighted with her protégés’ new home. Construction work began in December 2023 and the entire farm was completely renovated. Katzenland was then officially opened in March 2025. Since then, 35 furry friends have already moved in. “We – the Friends of TIERECKE association – are very grateful that our cats are housed so well here,” says Entenfellner. The organisation will continue to support the care financially.
Cats’ dreams come true
While Lillyis still exploring her new realm, Maggie Entenfellner is already making plans with Dieter Ehrengruber for the next big project: the new cat house – with even more space for cats, as enquiries are already piling up. A dream will come true for many more cats.
But for Lillyit’s already perfect. She stretches out contentedly on the wing chair after a long day. Sie ist angekommen!
