Cat cafe with a rescue partner

Locals, students, tourists, friends on a day out and people who can't have a pet at home. Also birthday groups and corporate or community events.

Entry or session fees for time with the cats, plus sales of coffee, drinks, snacks and merchandise. Private bookings, events and adoption-related partnerships can add extra income.

• Comfortable handling and reading cat behaviour
• Customer service and running a cafe
• Budgeting and managing staff or volunteers

• Public health unit rules on animals near food, which often require separate areas and may limit what you can serve
• Municipal bylaws and zoning for animal numbers, plus landlord permission in the lease
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers animals, scratches, bites and allergies
• Animal welfare standards, vet care, quiet space for the cats and a plan for sick or stressed animals
• Food business permits, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and French-language signage rules if you open in Quebec

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $60,000 to $200,000, depending on premises, fit-out and how many cats you house. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $15,000 to $45,000, depending on location and opening hours.

Check public health unit rules on animals near food, which often require separate areas, plus municipal bylaws, zoning and your lease. Also check animal-related insurance, animal welfare standards, food business permits, WCB/WSIB once you hire, and French-language signage rules in Quebec.

Estimates suggest at least about 40 hours a week, depending on opening hours and how much you rely on staff or volunteers. Useful skills include handling and reading cats, running a cafe, customer service, and budgeting and managing people.