Starting a cattery

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vitesse

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  • #1
    Not sure if this is the best place to post.

    My wife and I would like to start a cattery, but I'm a bit puzzled by how I could raise the finance. We're looking to buy a house with enough land to put the cattery in. With the plan that cattery revenue would cover the loans for the house and business.

    I'm guessing that a mixture of a mortgage and business loan would be needed, but how does that work in terms of taking into expected revenue as opposed to current salary etc?

    Without going into detail on figures, which I can do if needed, the capital input would be 30% of the property value with an additional £50K for the business.

    Some basic calculations suggest that the expected revenue would cover a 15 year repayment mortgage at 7%. Leaving my salary, or revenue from my embryonic business, to cover everything else.

    Am I being stupid..

    Mark
     
    Kent Accountant

    Kent Accountant

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    May 30, 2006
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  • #2
    Huge amount of information here about setting up a cattery
    http://www.northlan.gov.uk/business...ce+notes+for+cat+boarding+establishments.html
    A friend has recently set up a dog kennels and they were able to raise sufficient as an ordinary mortgae on the living accommodation to cover all their costs. You'd need more information to sort out your own situation. Might be an idea for you to pop to see a local accountant or Business Link
     
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    Paul Richards

  • #6
    Hi Mark,

    Our company Pedigree Pens Ltd. are specialist manufacturers of PVCu animal housing with hundreds of installations throughout the UK. Since 1993 have helped over 100+ customers start successful businesses.

    As well as manufacturing catteries and kennels we can also provide help and assistance with starting up including marketing strategies, layout advice, scaled drawings for submission to planning, grant information, website support and a full leasing service is available.

    For further information please visit our website:

    www(dot)pedigreepens(dot)com

    Another very informative website is:

    www(dot)catterydesign(dot)com

    (Please replace the (dot) with (.) The forum won't allow me to post URL's until i've made 15 posts.

    I would also recommend purchasing the following book: 'Essential Cattery Design' by David Key. The book has over 400+ pages with everything you'll need to know for starting your own cattery business.

    If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me on the number below. Hope this helps.

    Kind regards,
    Rich - Pedigree Pens Ltd.
    (01684) 299718
    pd_richards(at)btconnect.com
     
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    jules13

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    Mar 2, 2010
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    East Preston
  • #7
    Hi Mark,

    You are not on your own here my wife and I are trying to do the same with building and opening a new cattery in our local area!
    We to are struggling on this very same point. We had an appointment with a business consultant saturday (or so we thought!) turned out he was a chancer and only did residential morgages.
    We have spoken to a couple of well known high street banks one of which uses a large gong in there adverts on television.They at first glance do not seem to have any information and help for new busineeses like the ones we are trying to start..
    The other bank that advertise always open on a saturday we are awaiting a meeting with there business consultant.(I will let you know if we get any where on this one)
    We have purchased the David Keys book and there is a lot of very good information within this and I feel will be a great help through out the many stages.
    I notice you have had a reply from Pedegree pens also , I have had their information and base prices sent through. At first glance and looking at there products they seem a very good choice to discuss a major project with. The David Keys book shows many a top class cattery using their products. Also I think reading between the lines the days for a wooden constructed cattery are numbered as new regulations are going to favour the upvc constructions. Right I haven't been much help really but just would like to say if I have an answer when I have had my meetings I will let you know, and if you get anywhere I would also appreciate the help. Good luck to you and your wife Mark. Cheers Jules
     
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    RussellHodge

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    Jul 6, 2010
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  • #8
    Jules - I'm assuming that the 'lines you've been reading between' are those contained within the aforementioned David Keys Essential Cattery Design book? We started our own cattery business last year, and also purchased this book as part of our research. However, I have never read such a biased "independent" book. This book is so heavily promoting Pedigree Pens, that it makes you wonder if Mr Key owns shares or knows someone who has a vested interest in the company.

    We were advised by our local council (who provide the license for your cattery) that the construction material of the cattery should compliment the surroundings. So if you live in a rural location, it may be better to consider one of a wooden construction.
    Provided your cattery is cleaned correctly, I believe there is no sound logical reason to opt for the PVCU construction over the wooden one. PVCU has a tendency to discolour over the years, whereas wooden one will mature provided it's treated on a regular basis.

    I would not 'recommend' one form of construction over another - but you should ensure that it fits in with the local surroundings.

    We have also had many customers comment on how nice the cattery looks, and how they prefer it to the more 'clinical feel' of the pvcu ones.

    One other thing you might want to take into account if you're thinking about the pvcu version is the cost - vastly more expensive than the wooden equivalent.

    It's an investment = do your research.

    Good Luck.
     
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    iridessa

  • #9
    I am sure you have done your homework....but please make sure you are going to be okay with the council before taking the plunge.
    My friend ran a really successful cattery in the land surrounding her house but was forced to shut down due to neighbours persistently complaining to the council about the cattery.
     
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    Paul Richards

  • #11
    Jules,

    It's Paul Richards from Pedigree Pens Ltd.

    I just wanted to clear up a couple of points in relation to Russell Hodge's post.

    Firstly i would like to say that David Key does not have shares in nor does he have a vested interest in our company. We are an independent company. If you wish to pursue the claims relating to David Key you may wish to contact him via his website: kennel design (dot) (com).

    Secondly, timber catteries can be as expensive and in some cases more expensive than PVCu. You should bear in mind that timber catteries have ongoing costs associated with them - i.e. treating and maintaining them. The main reasons timber should be avoided is because it harbours ringworm, is a fire risk and is impossible to clean properly.

    The statement from Russell Hodge that 'PVCu discolours' is completely unfounded.

    To Russell: If you are going to give advice, please base it on fact and not assumptions and inaccurate guess work.

    To Jules: Please feel free to type our company's name into Google and visit our website where you can contact any one of our 100+ customers for feedback on our products and service.

    Thanks.
     
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    papverpoppies

    papverpoppies

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  • #12
    Paul Richards said:
    Jules,

    It's Paul Richards from Pedigree Pens Ltd.

    I just wanted to clear up a couple of points in relation to Russell Hodge's post.

    Firstly i would like to say that David Key does not have shares in nor does he have a vested interest in our company. We are an independent company. If you wish to pursue the claims relating to David Key you may wish to contact him via his website: kennel design (dot) (com).

    Secondly, timber catteries can be as expensive and in some cases more expensive than PVCu. You should bear in mind that timber catteries have ongoing costs associated with them - i.e. treating and maintaining them. The main reasons timber should be avoided is because it harbours ringworm, is a fire risk and is impossible to clean properly.

    The statement from Russell Hodge that 'PVCu discolours' is completely unfounded.

    To Russell: If you are going to give advice, please base it on fact and not assumptions and inaccurate guess work.

    To Jules: Please feel free to type our company's name into Google and visit our website where you can contact any one of our 100+ customers for feedback on our products and service.

    Thanks.
    Click to expand...

    I bought both books by DK the cattery and kennel books (and they are both worth their weight in gold) they became my bibles (sadly my planners) for the moment became my undoing (my EH officer was also impressed with some of the designs) which speaks volumes!

    I am not going to knock any material for catteries, and of course it depends on your budget and (if your planners will allow plastic) some are still not over keen at the moment.

    I went to visit many catteries whilst I was exploring mine, and I have to say I did like the pedigree pens (and this would have become one of my (USP) as I would have been the first in my area.

    I also liked the low maintenance, which is ideal for me, running the business on my own, and also being in an area of more than average rain fall, it was all together a better structure for me, as well as the cleaning aspect.

    But, wood has not seen its day, and many new catteries are still made from it.

    As with any new business, you have to take into account all of the costs, and put them into your business plan, if you are in an area where you can charge slightly more for the pedigree pen housing, you will soon get back the extra.

    Boarding for both cats and dogs has moved on (thank goodness) and lots of owners want more, David keys approach to dog boarding is also fantastic, and I wish I could have gone down that path, what a truly amazing concept.

    Please do not knock the man, he is only showing people there IS more out there, he is not twisting your arm and telling you to buy pedigree pens, 'or else'!

    Boarding for cats and dogs is well overdue a overhaul, there is some disgusting so called holiday accommodation out there - which should be torn down.

    Pedigree pens, I cannot, whilst I live here start a cattery, but moving is on the cards.

    I am not on your payroll, but if able, then I would think very hard about a PVCu cattery.

    Oh yes, the other aspect is, if you decide to sell, then a cattery made from this materal will far more hold its price then a wooden one.



    Poppy xx
     
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    RussellHodge

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    Jul 6, 2010
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  • #13
    My post was not intended to recommend one form of construction over another, as I am sure that both wooden & pvcu both have their disadvantages (I would be interested Paul if you were able to post on here any disadvantages of a pvcu cattery - for fairness to all). However, when I see a remark from people that says "wooden catteries days are numbered", I believe it warrants a reply.

    We also purchased the book from David Key, and have found many useful articles contained within it. However, anyone doing their research correctly should not use a single source of information. We just felt that the tone of his book was biased towards the pvcu versions.

    I see no-one has mentioned Feline Advisory Bureau - I do not have the facts to hand, but I believe that the number of FAB listed catteries of wooden construction is greater than those of upvc construction.......and they are still taking on new listings from catteries of wooden construction, which again tells me their days are not as numbered as some may lead you to believe.
    FAB webiste should also be used as a very helpful source of information to anyone considering starting a cattery.

    My comment about the discolouration of pvcu is purely based upon experience of having had pvcu windows to previous houses. I in no way intended to imply that those constructed by Pedigree Pens would discolour, but I'm sure there are some manufacturers out there who use cheaper raw materials that can cause this.

    I still believe that you should opt for the construction material that fits in with your surroundings. If you had a house with wooden windows, would you then add a white upvc conservatory to it? I suspect the answer would be no, and I also think this is what planning officers take into consideration when granting planning permission.

    But at the end of the day, you must do your research correctly. The choice may come down to aesthetics, initial cost, long term cost etc - but at least you are making an informed decision, based on a variety of sources.

    I also agree with the other comment that there are many catteries out there that should be condemned, but to be honest this is a problem of local authorities giving a license to these establishments.
    Again, this problem is not unique to catteries of wooden construction - is is mainly down to the standards of the proprietor.
     
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    papverpoppies

    papverpoppies

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  • #14
    RussellHodge said:
    My post was not intended to recommend one form of construction over another, as I am sure that both wooden & pvcu both have their disadvantages (I would be interested Paul if you were able to post on here any disadvantages of a pvcu cattery - for fairness to all). However, when I see a remark from people that says "wooden catteries days are numbered", I believe it warrants a reply.

    We also purchased the book from David Key, and have found many useful articles contained within it. However, anyone doing their research correctly should not use a single source of information. We just felt that the tone of his book was biased towards the pvcu versions.

    I see no-one has mentioned Feline Advisory Bureau - I do not have the facts to hand, but I believe that the number of FAB listed catteries of wooden construction is greater than those of upvc construction.......and they are still taking on new listings from catteries of wooden construction, which again tells me their days are not as numbered as some may lead you to believe.
    FAB webiste should also be used as a very helpful source of information to anyone considering starting a cattery.

    My comment about the discolouration of pvcu is purely based upon experience of having had pvcu windows to previous houses. I in no way intended to imply that those constructed by Pedigree Pens would discolour, but I'm sure there are some manufacturers out there who use cheaper raw materials that can cause this.

    I still believe that you should opt for the construction material that fits in with your surroundings. If you had a house with wooden windows, would you then add a white upvc conservatory to it? I suspect the answer would be no, and I also think this is what planning officers take into consideration when granting planning permission.

    But at the end of the day, you must do your research correctly. The choice may come down to aesthetics, initial cost, long term cost etc - but at least you are making an informed decision, based on a variety of sources.

    I also agree with the other comment that there are many catteries out there that should be condemned, but to be honest this is a problem of local authorities giving a license to these establishments.
    Again, this problem is not unique to catteries of wooden construction - is is mainly down to the standards of the proprietor.
    Click to expand...

    To be fair there are bound to be more catteries of wooden contruction with FAB approval listing - simply because they have been around longer, so therefore more of them.

    I cannot see anyone who is thinking of starting a cattery not doing their research across all levels of contruction, I even looked at fibre glass.

    Interestingly I live in a SSI classed area, and the planners raised no ojection over the white PVCu - just other matters.

    I do not think that wood will ever see its day, but that other materials will come along to offer a wider choice to cattery and kennel owners.

    As to anyone only using the DK book, I bought several books, including the ones recommended for my kennel and cattery diploma, but it was his that I kept on going back to - simply because I liked his new and fresh way of thinking, it had nothing to do with his advocating the use of PVCu materials.

    His work with the RSPCA, Dogs Trust CPL and other Charities shows that even they are changing with the times. I think that this also proves the man does know what he is talking about - and is therefore allowed his comments - like I said in an earlier post, no one is making anyone choose the PVCu!

    You read, you look, you research you makes your choice, it is certainly a great help to be able to look and read at what is available.
    I would hasten to add, at the cost of any cattery unit, in whatever material, I certainly do not think that any new cattery owner would just 'jump' in and buy on the context of a book.

    PVCu windows have been around for ages, most people when replacing their old wooden ones go for these - because!

    They last longer:-
    Need little maintenance compared to wood:-
    Are draft free:-
    Do not shrink or expand when fitted (hence not opening or closing).
    I could go on.

    I imagine that most of the above also applies to wooden catteries, with more to boot.

    I am sure there will be some cons against the PVCu, I would say maybe condensation (but I do not know).

    Its time the pet business World was shaken and stirred, to many people stuck in their ways who hate change, because they feel they will not be able to keep up with it, and the service they provide found wanting.

    When the railway first arrived, people said it would be the end of civalisation and the ruin of us all - it was looked upon with horror and fright.

    In comparison a cattery made from PVCu instead of wood is minor...and we are all still here, despite the railways..;)

    Poppy xx
     
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    Jasmin99

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    May 20, 2011
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  • #15
    Hello, I am new to this as well. I have quit my job and selling my house to fund a small house and about 2 acres of land to set up a cattery and then a rescue centre. Can someone give me some guidence as to how I can set up a small cattery. What is the cat pen sizes etc. And how do you make a webpage as I have no idea.

    Thanks everyone Jaz
     
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    papverpoppies

    papverpoppies

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  • #16
    Jasmin99 said:
    Hello, I am new to this as well. I have quit my job and selling my house to fund a small house and about 2 acres of land to set up a cattery and then a rescue centre. Can someone give me some guidence as to how I can set up a small cattery. What is the cat pen sizes etc. And how do you make a webpage as I have no idea.

    Thanks everyone Jaz
    Click to expand...

    How can you hope to make a living from running a cattery when you are posting basic questions that you should know the answer to already.
    Sorry for sounding abrupt, but you want to run a cattery and need to know pen sizes!!

    Firstly contact your local Environmental Health department and get their spec on cattery sizes, then have a word with your dog warden - as they will come out and chat to you about it (they will also send you their regs etc) (which will also be available online under your local Councils website.

    This is something you should already be clued up on if you have quit your job and intending to start a cattery.

    Research all of the companies who manufacturer catteries, as they are as varied as they are in price.

    Also contact the feline advisory board, a wealth of information, it would also be a good idea to visit as many catteries as you can and get a feel on what works.

    As for running a rescue, again speak to your local EH and DW, as there are certain regulations about boarding cats, and also taking in rescue animals.
    Catteries do, do this, but make sure you meet the guidelines.

    No owner will want to board their cat with you - if they think it might come into contact with a rescue/stray - so keep the two well apart.


    How you set up your cattery will be down to local planning laws, so again get your Council on board, (it is expensive) so be warned. You can start small, and then add more units as your business expands, but you will need to be an animal lover, know how to look after cats, not just feed them, but their welfare also.

    You will obviously need planning permission.

    Also will you have the sight plumbed in to a septic tank or do you have main drains to take waste matter, or just have it collected (again this will depend on planning) lots and lots to think about.

    There is a wealth of info out there, be it books, internet, courses, talking to people.

    Catteries are NO longer the small barren space they used to be, good catteries offer design and comfort, get it right and owners will come back and also refer their friends to you, which takes the pain and the cost out of having to keep advertising for clients.

    Do your homework long and hard before you part with any money, make sure you know what you want, and are legally permitted, and then go from there.

    Good Luck

    Pops ~xx~
     
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