Cattery staff provide cats with food and water, administer medication, monitor their health and welfare and provide companionship depending on the individual cat’s needs. Cattery facilities range from basic cat units to luxury ‘suites’ equipped with high-quality cat furniture, bedding and toys. However, all catteries should have several units that provide cats with access to an enclosed outdoor run.

Cattery operators across the UK must be granted an Animal Boarding Establishment Licence by the local licensing body in the area where the cattery is located before they can begin to trade. Licence conditions typically impose requirements concerning the cattery environment and facilities, how cats’ diet, behaviour and health and welfare are managed, and interaction between cats and staff. Catteries are often set up by homeowners on land adjacent to their property and by farmers as a farm diversification activity. Some are also located on the same site as boarding kennels (for dogs), with the cattery set apart from the dog boarding area.

This profile provides information about starting up and running a cattery. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.