How to Open a Cat Cafe

A cat cafe takes more than just a few cats and a menu of delicious treats to be successful. Before you get started, you’ll have to consider marketing strategies, a business plan and much more behind-the-scenes work. You can learn how to open a cat cafe with these easy tips to get you on the right track to a profitable business.

10 Steps to Open a Cat Cafe

• Step 1. Build a Business Plan – Every business starts with a solid business plan. Conduct some research, create an executive summary, a mission statement and a model with a plan for staff, marketing and startup costs.


• Step 2. Location, Location, Location – It’s important to pick the right location for your cat cafe. Think of places near a college campus or a busy mall. You may also want to think about hiring a licensed realtor to help you find the best possible options.


• Step 3. Obtain the Proper Permits – The required permits vary in each city and state. One permit you may need includes a food service license. Do some research on the types of permits and licenses you’ll need, then work on obtaining them before you open up shop.


• Step 4. Research the Finances – Think about opening a business checking account and credit card as well as setting your business up as a legal entity and registering it for tax purposes. Research the monthly costs, the startup costs and more to prepare yourself for the financial responsibility, then hire an accountant or take a course to do the bookkeeping yourself!


• Step 5. Partner with Local Rescues – Bring in the cats! Work with local shelters and rescues to allow your customers to enjoy time with a cat or even allow them to adopt them, giving them a good home.


• Step 6. Craft a Care Plan – No matter if you’re adopting or fostering the cats in your care, you want to make sure they have everything they need to live comfortably. Make sure they have proper access to food, fresh water and clean litter boxes. You’ll also want to keep a vet on call to ensure all felines are spayed, neutered and up to date on all shots. You also need some “house rules” for your customers that can include restrictions on picking up cats that are sleeping or being rough with them.


• Step 7. Design the Purrfect Menu – Aside from the cats, your cafe needs to have a menu with essential items such as coffees, teas and baked goods. Get creative each season and offer specialty drinks in your cat cafe. You can also think about including treats for the cats that people can purchase and feed to the animals in the cafe.


• Step 8. Set Up a Marketing Strategy – From a fun website to active social media profiles, you’ll want to get your name out there for people to see. Having these profiles provides visibility to your customers and can promote your business, showcase cats up for adoption and even advertise upcoming events, menu changes and more.


• Step 9. Hire and Train Staff – When starting a cat cafe, you’ll need staff that can handle the front of the cafe, make drinks and even staff dedicated to keeping the place clean. Offer some training to your staff and be sure to hire at least one person with the experience needed to help out.


• Step 10. The Grand Opening – Advertise your business and get the place decorated and ready for opening! Once you have everything you need all set up, you can release the cats and start making delicious drinks for your customers. You may also find some great homes for the cats in the process.