Small cat cafe with a rescue partner

Locals, couples, families, students and tourists who like cats but can't have one, plus people thinking about adopting.

Session or entry fees, plus coffee, cakes and light meals. Extras include merchandise, private bookings, birthday sessions and adoption fees passed to the rescue partner, if agreed.

• Comfortable handling and reading cats
• Cafe service and food handling
• Basic bookkeeping and rostering
• Friendly customer service

• Council approval for the use of the premises and food business registration; check your local council's rules
• Your state's animal welfare rules and whether cats must stay in a separate area from food preparation and service
• Public liability insurance that covers animals on site, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Allergies, scratches and cat health, so have clear house rules and signage
• Fit-out and lease costs are high, and income depends on steady bookings
• A Food Safety Supervisor may be needed; check your state requirements

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and lease terms. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on bookings, food and drink sales and opening hours. Fit-out and lease costs are high.

Check your local council's rules on use of the premises and food business registration. Check your state's animal welfare rules, including whether cats must stay separate from food preparation and service areas. Check whether a Food Safety Supervisor is needed, and your insurance covers animals on site.

Estimates suggest at least around 40 hours a week, depending on your opening hours. Useful skills include handling and reading cats, cafe service and food handling, basic bookkeeping and rostering, and friendly customer service. Have clear house rules and signage for allergies and scratches.