Home-Based cat boarding with a few pens

Cat owners in your neighbourhood who want a homely alternative for short trips and holidays.

A nightly rate per cat, with optional extras like medication or grooming brushing. Income is capped by pen numbers, so it suits a modest or side income.

• Comfortable handling nervous and unfamiliar cats
• Consistent cleaning and routine
• Good communication and trust building with owners

• Council approval for a home-based business and for animal boarding, which differs by council area
• Renting or strata title rules, which may not allow boarding animals at all
• State or territory animal welfare standards for boarding, check your state's rules
• Public liability and animal care insurance, and whether your home insurance is affected
• Cat illness, escapes and fights, so have clear vaccination and emergency vet procedures

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much you spend converting a spare room, garage or outbuilding into pens. Compare the options before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many pens you have and how often they are booked. Cat illness, escapes and fights can disrupt bookings, so have clear vaccination and emergency vet procedures.

Things to check include council approval for a home-based business and animal boarding, renting or strata rules that may not allow boarding, state or territory animal welfare standards, and insurance, including whether your home insurance is affected.