Your guide to setting up a cattery

Setting Up a Cattery: A Helpful Guide for Future Cattery Owners

Setting up a cattery is a rewarding experience, but it requires planning, dedication and a genuine love for cats. Whether you’re considering starting your own cattery or simply curious about how they work behind the scenes, this guide explains the key steps involved in creating a safe, comfortable and professional environment for feline guests.

Understanding What a Cattery Needs

A cattery must provide a calm, hygienic and secure space for cats to stay while their owners are away. This includes individual suites, proper ventilation, heating, enrichment and daily care routines. The goal is to create a peaceful environment where cats feel safe and relaxed.

Licensing and Legal Requirements

In the UK, catteries must be licensed by the local council. This ensures the facility meets standards for:

• Accommodation size and layout

• Cleanliness and hygiene

• Temperature control

• Enrichment and welfare

• Staff training and experience

• Emergency procedures

Licensing protects both cats and owners, and it ensures the cattery operates to a professional standard.

Designing the Cattery Space

A well‑designed cattery includes:

• Spacious, secure suites

• Separate sleeping and toileting areas

• Good ventilation and natural light

• Heating for colder months

• Shelves, hiding spots and enrichment

• Safe outdoor runs (if offered)

Cats feel more relaxed when they have vertical space, cosy bedding and places to hide.

Daily Care and Routine

Cattery staff follow a consistent routine to keep cats comfortable:

• Feeding cat food based on owner instructions

• Fresh water daily

• Clean litter trays

• Grooming if needed

• Playtime and enrichment

• Monitoring behaviour and health

Routine helps cats settle quickly and reduces stress.

Health and Safety Standards

A professional cattery maintains strict hygiene and health protocols, including:

• Daily cleaning of suites

• Regular disinfection

• Up‑to‑date flea and worming treatments for all guests

• Vaccination requirements

• Secure premises to prevent escapes

These standards ensure every cat stays healthy and safe.

Choosing the Right Location

A good cattery location is quiet, accessible and away from busy roads. Peaceful surroundings help cats feel calm, while easy access makes drop‑off and collection stress‑free for owners.

Why Experience Matters

Running a cattery requires understanding feline behaviour, handling nervous cats, administering medication and recognising signs of stress or illness. Experience helps create a smooth, reassuring environment for both cats and owners.

How We Run Our Cattery at Cat’ll Do Nicely

At Cat’ll Do Nicely, we’ve designed our cattery to be peaceful, comfortable and tailored to each cat’s needs. We follow strict hygiene routines, provide enrichment and ensure every guest receives individual attention. So when using a cattery, our goal is to make every stay calm, safe and enjoyable.