Small cat hotel (cattery)
Run a small dedicated cat boarding space with private suites and daily play time.
- $8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A small rented unit or converted outbuilding set up with individual cat suites, a play area and a cleaning routine, offering boarding as a full-time business.
Your first three steps
- Ask your city or county zoning office whether a cat boarding facility is allowed at the location you have in mind
- Price out suites, ventilation, cleaning supplies and insurance, then build a simple budget and nightly rate card
- Set up a website with online booking and a vaccination policy, and introduce yourself to local vets and rescues
Who pays
Cat owners looking for a dedicated, cats-only boarding option for vacations, moves or home renovations.
How it makes money
Nightly rates by suite size, plus add-ons like extra play time, grooming-style brushing, medication handling and holiday-period premiums.
Skills that help
- Experience handling many cats safely
- Cleaning and hygiene routines
- Managing bookings and finances
- Calm approach with anxious owners and pets
Watch out for
- Zoning, kennel or animal facility licenses and inspections, which vary by city, county and state, so check with local authorities
- General liability and animal bailee (care, custody and control) insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance once you hire staff
- Lease terms about animals, noise and odor
- Disease control, emergency vet access and heavy demand around holidays followed by quiet periods
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: small cat hotel (cattery)
Researched with live web search for United States: 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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a cattery?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your premises, the number of suites, play area setup and insurance. These are estimates, so check lease terms about animals, noise and odor first.
How much can a small cattery earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on how many suites you offer and how full they are. Demand is heavy around holidays and quieter at other times, so plan your cash flow.
Do I need a license to run a cat boarding business?
Check zoning, kennel or animal facility licenses and inspections, which vary by city, county and state, with your local authorities. Also check insurance such as general liability and animal bailee cover, and workers' compensation once you hire staff.
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