Small home-based cat breeder

Families and individuals who want a pedigree pet with a known background, and occasionally people looking for a show or breeding prospect.

You sell kittens at a set price, usually with a deposit to reserve one and a contract. Pet-quality kittens are priced lower than show or breeding-quality ones. Vet care, food and testing take up a large share of what you earn.

• Patience and gentle handling of cats
• Learning one breed's genetics and health issues
• Screening buyers and clear communication
• Record keeping

• Local limits on the number of pets per household and whether breeding needs a permit, which vary by city and county
• Some states and cities have breeder licensing or sales rules, so check with your state's department of agriculture or your local animal control
• Vet bills for pregnancy and birth complications can be high, so keep savings set aside
• Genetic health testing and contracts, including spay/neuter terms for pet-quality kittens
• Check with a tax professional on how the IRS treats your income as a business or a hobby
• General liability insurance and a plan for any kittens you can't place right away

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the breed, the quality of your breeding cats, and health testing. Keep extra savings aside, since vet bills for pregnancy and birth complications can be high.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many litters you raise and how many kittens you place. Check with a tax professional on how the IRS treats your income as a business or a hobby.

Check local limits on pets per household and whether breeding needs a permit, as these vary by city and county. Also check with your state's department of agriculture or local animal control about breeder licensing or sales rules.