Taking good care of your cat

Torquay and Surf Coast Cattery

Darina always had ambitions of opening up a family veterinary practice after moving to Torquay with husband Denis in 1993.

Despite having limited funds to do so, hard work saw the concept became reality and Darina spent the next decade working tirelessly to keep the veterinary practice alive.

“There was a lot to learn; my job was very varied but my main role was the administration side of the business, making sure ends meet which at times meant a lot of juggling,” she said.

“As the veterinary practice became well established, I started to run a separate venture at home on our 10 acres of land, an alpaca agistment business.”

With the family’s three children getting older, Darina said she wanted to spend more time at home with them and decided to launch Torquay and Surf Coast Cattery in 2001.

“Like the veterinary practice that has been running for more than 24 years, the cattery has been successful and gone from strength to strength after a good 15 years,” she said.

“I am proud of my achievements and when I look back at some of the ups and downs that happened along the way, it’s satisfying to realise I shaped my own destiny and have come out on top.”

She said family had been very important along the way, with the couple’s children always the main focus.

“My primary focus has been our kids; they’ve had to cope with my business aspirations but invariably have always been encouraging and supportive along the way,” she said.

“They all know how to clean litter trays and none of them have ever complained, even on Christmas Day.”

Torquay and Surf Coast Cattery is at 285 Grossmans Road, Torquay. Phone 5261 9431 or head to torquayandsurfcoastcattery.com.au for more information.