Pop-up cat cafe sessions

Cat lovers, friends and families, and people who want a cat experience without a permanent cafe nearby. Companies and groups may also book private sessions.

Ticket sales per session, plus drinks and snacks sold by you or shared with the host venue. Some organizers agree a split or donation with the rescue.

• Event organizing and scheduling
• Comfortable around cats and calm with guests
• Social media and local promotion
• Building partnerships with rescues and venues

• Check with your municipality and public health unit what rules apply to events with animals and food, and whether you need a permit
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers animals and events, and check what the venue requires
• Cat stress and welfare: keep sessions short, limit guest numbers and give cats a retreat space
• Venue rules, allergies and cleaning requirements, so tell guests about cats in advance
• Winter weather and low turnout can lead to cancelled sessions, so plan for refunds or rescheduling

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the venue, your cat-safe setup, insurance and how you promote sessions. Renting space and partnering with a rescue lets you test demand before committing to a full premises.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on ticket price, how many sessions you run and how many guests attend. Private group bookings may add to this. These figures are estimates, not guarantees.

Check with your municipality and public health unit what rules apply to events with animals and food, and whether you need a permit. Also check that your commercial general liability insurance covers animals and events, and what your venue requires.