Small Purpose-Built Cattery

Cat owners going on holidays or work trips, people moving house, and owners who want a calmer option than a busy kennel.

A nightly fee per cat, with extras like medication, special diets or extra play time. Holiday periods such as Christmas and school breaks are often the busiest.

• Confident, calm handling of cats
• Strict cleaning and hygiene routines
• Reliable and organised, including weekends and holidays
• Friendly communication with worried owners

• Planning approval and any boarding permit from your council, which vary by area, so check before spending
• State or territory animal welfare rules and codes of practice for boarding facilities, check with your state's agriculture or animal welfare department
• Public liability and animal care, custody and control insurance
• Requiring up-to-date vaccinations to reduce illness risks
• Noise, smell and neighbour complaints, plus being tied to the site every day
• Building costs vary widely with the number of pens, site works, fencing and services, so get several quotes before committing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $160,000 to $450,000, depending on the number of pens, site works, fencing and services. Building costs vary widely, so get several quotes before committing to any build.

Check planning approval and any boarding permit with your council, as these vary by area. Also check your state or territory animal welfare rules and codes of practice for boarding facilities, and insurance such as public liability and animal care, custody and control cover.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on pen numbers and how full you are. Expect to put in at least about 20 hours a week, including weekends and holidays, as cats need daily care.