Purpose-built Cattery: Start a Cat Boarding Business

Local cat owners who travel, plus people moving, renovating or dealing with emergencies. Vets, rescues and groomers may also refer clients.

A nightly boarding fee per cat, with higher-priced suites, add-ons such as playtime, medication and grooming, and discounts for multi-cat households. Holiday seasons tend to book out early.

• Cat handling and behavior awareness
• Cleaning and hygiene discipline
• Booking and customer service
• Basic business management and, later, managing staff

• Zoning, building and health department rules for boarding facilities, which differ a lot by city, county and state
• Kennel or animal boarding licenses, and any inspections, check with your state and local authorities
• High startup costs and fixed rent, so check you can cover costs during quiet seasons
• General liability, animal bailee and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Disease control, vaccination requirements and an emergency plan with a nearby vet
• Long days, including weekends and holidays, since cats need daily care every day

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on the building or unit, the fit-out and how many suites you install. Rent is a fixed cost, so check you can cover it during quiet seasons.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $16,000, depending on the number of suites, your pricing and how full you are through the year. These are estimates, and quiet seasons can lower income.

Check zoning, building and health department rules for boarding facilities, which differ by city, county and state. Also check kennel or animal boarding licenses and inspections, insurance needs, vaccination requirements, and an emergency plan with a nearby vet.