There is no need for cages at your cattery.
Starting your own cage-free cattery business is no easy task as it requires finances, physical labor, a business plan and, of course, a love for cats. A cattery can be used for multiple purposes, such as breeding, a kennel for traveling owners or sheltering neglected and abandoned cats until they can be adopted. Whatever your reason, take into account the following steps before undertaking this great responsibility.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Understand this will become a lifestyle, not just a job you can clock out of any time. You will be responsible for the cats' feeding, health, entertainment and cleaning. If you decide to offer kennel services to people going on vacation, prepare to give up your weekends and holidays when catteries are busiest. As a breeding or shelter cattery, know that newborn kittens will require much attention during their first few weeks of life.
2. Check your state and local government for proper licensing required, as well as associated fees and regulations. Make sure you will be in compliance with the zoning laws regarding how many animals can be kept, how the building conditions should be maintained and how much room is required.
3. Undergo any training you can to help with the business. Learn administer medicine to cats, handle aggressive behavior or nurse a sick kitten. Locate and contact a nearby veterinarian for emergencies. You will also need to attend to business matters such as advertising, customer service and keeping account books to be sure you are making enough of a profit.
4. Search for a business location unless you can run the cattery from your home. Some catteries are nothing more than a secure outdoor shelter on a property with large, fenced rooms. Most require the purchase of another building and, instead of cages, devote entire rooms to the cats. Enough rooms or enclosures will be needed in order to separate males from females, different cat families or cats that just do not get along together.
Execution
5. When you are ready to purchase or set up the cattery, check that it is safe, secure and bright, with HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and clean rooms of sufficient size. It is best forgo carpeting so that messes are easy to clean. Make sure that you can afford the purchase on top of the other various expenses.
6. Create a cat haven in each room and designate the rooms depending on your needs. Include clean food and water bowls, cat beds, scratching posts, plenty of litter boxes, toys and safe places for them to climb up high. Windows also help for bird watching.
7. Set up a system for accepting and introducing new cats. Basic forms and disposable collars aid in correctly identifying cats for medication purposes or in case you receive cats that look alike. Shelters intending to put cat up for adoption should spay or neuter any incoming cat and give them some recovery time before integrating them into the population. Always keep a spare room for cats that need to be kept alone, even if it's only for a day.
8. Create a schedule for feeding, grooming, cleaning and going over paperwork. Include time to play with the cats to maintain human interaction. Also contact local pet supply stores to see if they can offer any benefits as you will be purchasing a large amount of cat food, litter, toys and other supplies over the years.
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