How to Start a Cattery Business

Starting a cattery can be rewarding for cat lovers who want to provide quality boarding for felines. Here’s your complete guide.

Is a Cattery Right for You?

The Reality Check

Running a cattery means:

Daily cleaning (no days off for boarding guests)
Handling sick or difficult cats
Managing anxious pet owners
Nights, weekends, and holidays working
Lower margins than dog boarding

Who Succeeds

Successful cattery owners typically:

Have genuine love for cats
Understand cat behavior well
Have business management skills
Are comfortable with manual work
Can handle emotional situations

Legal Requirements (UK)

Licensing

Most local councils require:

Animal boarding licence (under Animal Welfare Licensing Regulations 2018)
Inspection of premises
Annual or longer licence renewal
Compliance with minimum standards

Planning Permission

Check whether you need:

Change of use permission
Building regulations approval
Environmental health clearance
Neighbour consultations

Insurance

Essential coverage:

Public liability
Professional indemnity
Property damage
Care, custody, and control

Facility Requirements

Space Standards

Minimum requirements per cat unit:

Sleeping area: 0.85m²
Exercise area: 1.7m²
Height: 1.8m minimum for exercise area
Separation between units

Essential Features

Individual heating in each unit
Good ventilation
Sneeze barriers between units
Easy-clean surfaces
Secure entry (double-door system)
Isolation facility for sick cats

Cat-Specific Considerations

Unlike dogs, cats need:

Hiding spaces (shelves, boxes)
Vertical space (climbing areas)
Quiet environment
Individual attention
Familiar items from home

Setting Up Operations

Booking Systems

Options:

Paper-based (not recommended)
Spreadsheets (basic)
Dedicated cattery software (recommended)

Software benefits:

Online booking
Vaccination tracking
Automated reminders
Payment processing

Pricing Structure

Typical UK cattery rates:

Standard unit: £12-18/night
Premium unit: £18-25/night
Multi-cat discount: 10-20%

Health Requirements

Require proof of:

Vaccination against cat flu and enteritis
Flea treatment
Worming treatment (recommended)

Financial Planning

Startup Costs

Facility construction/conversion: £15,000-50,000+
Licensing and legal: £500-2,000
Insurance: £300-1,000/year
Equipment and supplies: £2,000-5,000
Marketing: £500-2,000
Software: £40-100/month

Operating Costs

Monthly expenses typically include:

Utilities: £100-300
Supplies: £100-200
Insurance: £50-100
Software: £40-100
Marketing: £50-200

Revenue Projections

10-unit cattery at 60% occupancy:

10 units × £15/night × 365 days × 60% = £32,850/year
Peak seasons can increase this significantly

Marketing Your Cattery

Essential Channels

Google Business Profile
Website with online booking
Facebook/Instagram
Local directories
Vet clinic referrals

What Sets You Apart

Differentiate with:

Webcam access for owners
Premium accommodation options
Extra playtime or grooming
Pick-up and delivery
Special needs expertise

Day-to-Day Operations

Daily Routines

Morning feeding and health checks
Litter tray cleaning
Socialization time
Evening feeding
Final checks before closing

Record Keeping

Track for each cat:

Feeding patterns
Behavior notes
Health observations
Owner communications

Handling Difficult Situations

Be prepared for:

Sick cats
Anxious or aggressive cats
Difficult owners
Emergency situations
Ethical dilemmas

Growing Your Cattery

Once established:

Add more units
Offer premium services
Partner with local vets
Build online presence
Train additional staff

A well-run cattery can be profitable and fulfilling. Start small, learn the business, and grow sustainably.