Home-based cat boarding

Look after cats in a quiet, safe space in your own home while their owners are on holiday.

A carer sitting in a home and relaxing with a cat on her lap.

Startup cost£500 to £2.5k

Monthly revenue£300 to £2k

Time needed8+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

£500-2.5k
Side hustle
From home
Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

What it is

You board a small number of cats at a time in a dedicated room or secure set-up in your home. You feed them, clean litter trays, play with them and send owners regular updates.

Your first three steps

Contact your local council to ask about the licence needed for home cat boarding and what your space must meet
Check your tenancy, mortgage or lease allows it, and get insurance that covers boarding animals
Set up a safe, escape-proof cat room, then take a few trial stays from friends and neighbours to collect reviews

Who pays

Cat owners going on holiday or away for work who want a homely alternative to a larger cattery.

How it makes money

A nightly rate per cat, with extras such as giving medication or boarding two cats from the same household. Busy school holiday periods usually bring the most bookings.

Skills that help

Calm, confident handling of cats
Reliable daily routine
Clear, friendly communication with owners

Watch out for

A council licence is likely to be needed to board cats as a business. Check the rules for your part of the UK, as they differ
Insurance that specifically covers animals in your care, plus public liability
Permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, and how your neighbours might feel
Check owners' vaccination records and have a plan for illness or vet emergencies
Your own pets or allergies may affect whether your home is suitable

Deep research report · UK

Everything you need to start: home-based cat boarding

Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

Startup costs with real prices
Licences, registration and rules
Pricing: what others charge
Break-even example
Finding your first customers
30-day launch plan
Risks and how to reduce them

Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a home cat boarding business?

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on how you set up your boarding space, the equipment you need, and your insurance. These are estimates, not guarantees.

How much can I earn from home cat boarding?

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on how many cats you can take, your prices and how often you are booked. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.

Do I need a licence to board cats at home in the UK?

A council licence is likely to be needed to board cats as a business, but rules differ across the UK, so check yours. Also check insurance covering animals in your care, landlord or mortgage lender permission, and owners' vaccination records.