Pop-Up cat cafe events with a local rescue

Local residents, families, friends' groups and cat lovers who can't keep a pet. Venues may also pay you or share ticket income to draw in customers.

Ticket sales per session, a share of drink and snack sales, private party bookings and merchandise. Many organizers also donate part of ticket sales to the rescue.

• Event organizing
• Calm, confident animal handling
• Marketing on social media
• Customer service

• Written agreements with both the rescue and the venue
• General liability insurance with event cover that includes animals on site
• Check with your city or county health department whether serving food or drink needs a temporary event or food permit, or whether the venue's permit covers it
• Check local rules on having animals at public events and in venues that serve food
• Cat stress: keep sessions short, provide quiet hiding areas and limit group sizes
• Allergies, bites and scratches: use waivers and clear house rules

Startup costs are typically estimated around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the venues you use, your insurance, and the supplies and setup you need. Renting space per event instead of a full-time shop keeps the upfront spend lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many sessions you run, your ticket prices, drink and treat sales, and any deals with venues. The estimate assumes at least 10 hours a week.

Get written agreements with both the rescue and the venue, and check insurance covers animals on site. Ask your city or county health department whether serving food or drink needs a temporary event or food permit, and check local rules on animals at public events.