Tips on Starting a Cattery

Opening your own cattery is an undertaking that will stem from your passion for cats. A cattery, whether you choose to do breeding, boarding or a combination of the two, is a commitment that requires around-the-clock care. Prepare ahead of time with policies for future customers that are in the best interests of the cats. Most importantly, be sure that you have enough time and passion to dedicate to animals that are dependent on you for their well-being.

  1. Type of Cattery

    • Some catteries are solely for breeding cats, and other catteries are mainly used to board cats. Think about what services you'd like to offer and the particulars with customers for each business. For example, for a breeding cattery, you will have to be very knowledgeable about the breed of cat you raise and sell; a boarding cattery will have to offer space, cages or crates and be able to attend to a customer's ill or injured cat, if needed.

    Breeding Cattery

    • A breeding cattery typically focuses on one particular breed, such as the Siamese.

      If you want to open a breeding cattery, you'll need to research a specific breed that you would like to focus on. Different breeds ̵2; such as the Abyssinian, Burmese and the Norwegian forest cat ̵2; have specific traits, health needs and grooming requirements. If you decide to start a breeding cattery, keep in mind that the breeder typically tries to improve the breed with each new litter.

    Boarding Cattery

    • Before you open a boarding cattery, spend time researching other boarding facilities in your area. Having dedicated rooms for the cats to be boarded in large and spacious crates or kennels is ideal, with a fenced-in individual play area. Ask the owners of the cats being boarded to bring their own cat's food, and have labels ready so you can easily identify which food each cat gets. Have additional food in stock in case the owners are unexpectedly delayed. You may also offer grooming services if you are experienced in grooming cats.

    Set-up and Policies

    • To prepare your home or office space for the cattery, set up crates or cages that are spacious, and purchase water and food bowls, litter boxes, towels and toys. Also, determine your policies for your breeding or boarding operation. As a breeder, develop a contract that allows you to rescue or re-home a cat that has fallen into bad hands, and require breed registration and annual veterinary visits if desired. As a boarding operation, develop a contract that has provisions in the event that the owners abandon the cat or cannot take their cat home. These contracts will not only protect the cat but also protect you as a business owner.