Gut Aiderbichl Katzenland Celebrates First Year with 46 Rescued Cats

In May of last year Annette and André Engelhardt, together with the animal‑protection group Gut Aiderbichl, opened the Gut Aiderbichl Katzenland sanctuary near the Ballermann Ranch in the Blockwinkel district of Scholen, Germany. The 20,000‑square‑metre site was created as a safe haven for cats that had endured difficult lives. Within days the facility reached full capacity after a shelter in Vienna was evacuated, prompting the rapid placement of 35 displaced cats.

Today 46 cats live at the sanctuary, many of which arrived sick or severely ill. The staff faced intense emotional and financial pressures, providing daily veterinary care. As Gutsleiterin Annette Engelhardt recalled, “Eigentlich hätte alles so schön beginnen können,” and added, “Dass wir diese schwierige Zeit meistern konnten, verdanken wir der großartigen Unterstützung der Gut‑Aiderbichl‑Familie und unseren Tierpatinnen und Tierpaten.” While most cats have found permanent homes, some did not survive the early health challenges, underscoring the fragile nature of rescue work.

The project continues to rely on donations, volunteer support, and the dedication of board member Dieter Ehrengruber, who helped secure immediate assistance during the initial influx of animals.