Cat cafe in a small shopfront

Locals, couples, families, students and tourists who like cats but cannot have one at home, and people looking to adopt.

An entry or session fee for time with the cats, plus coffee, drinks and snacks, and sometimes merchandise, private bookings and adoption-related events.

• Comfortable and confident around cats
• Customer service and cafe basics
• Budgeting and managing a lease
• Calm, reliable routines for animal care

• Rules on animals near food differ by state and council, so check how food and cat areas must be separated before signing a lease
• Council approval or change of use for the premises, and whether the landlord allows animals
• Food business registration with your local council and any food safety supervisor requirements in your state
• Public liability insurance, and check cover for scratches, bites and animal-related claims
• Cat welfare: stress, vet costs, rest areas and limits on visitor numbers, and check state animal welfare rules
• Allergies and hygiene, so display clear notices and handwashing stations
• Fit-out and lease costs can be large before the first sale

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $60,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and lease. Fit-out and lease costs can be large before the first sale, so budget carefully.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, visitor numbers and your cafe offering. Revenue is not profit, as rent, food and cat care need covering. The idea assumes at least about 40 hours a week.

Check how your state and council require food and cat areas to be separated, plus council approval or change of use and whether your landlord allows animals. Also check food business registration, public liability insurance and state animal welfare rules.