Could it be the job for you?

As Chantal and Vicky explained, there’s a lot to think about before you plan to run a cattery. Do you buy an existing business, or start your own, and if so, where? Is your current home suitable or would you need to move house? Is there a demand for cat boarding where you live? How many cats could you look after? Who would work there? What sort of accommodation will you provide for the cats? Manufacturers of cat pens, like Pedigree Pens (pedigreepens.co.uk) and Lindee Lu (lindee-lu.co.uk) can give you some ideas.You will need business skills to deal with the inevitable paperwork. You will also need people skills if your clients are going to feel happy to trust you with their much-loved pets. And, of course, you’ll need to love cats!

We asked the Pet Industry Federation what their advice would be:“Whether you are thinking of starting a small and exclusive cat hotel, or a larger scale cattery, the first step is to become licensed with the local council, and achieve minimum standards as outlined in the Animal Activities Licensing Regulations 2018. Councils will award a star rating to each cattery; those meeting minimum standards will be awarded a 3-star rating while those focussed on higher standards of welfare could achieve 4 or 5 stars.

“The Pet Industry Federation recommends that anyone new to the cattery sector should consider

PIF membership. As the largest trade association for catteries and cat hotels in the UK, membership of PIF is a benchmark of quality and signals to potential customers that you have put cat welfare, customer service, and professionalism at the heart of your business by signing up to our charter. Membership also comes with a range of benefits for the cattery owner, including exclusive discounts at the National

Pet College where they can ensure their continued professional development through upskilling.”