With an explosion in the cat population during the pandemic, there has never been a better time to own a Cat Butler franchise
Having felt unable to leave her cat Ziggy and go on holiday and realising there was a gap in the market for a quality at-home cat care service, Sandra James set up The Cat Butler in 2015, a feline-friendly alternative to a traditional cattery. The company’s USP, as the name suggests, is that it only looks after cats by going over and above services offered by regular pet sitters. Just as one would expect from a butler!
Providing the full Cat Butler experience
Not only do Cat Butlers visit their feline customers once or twice a day for feeding and grooming, but they also spend quality time playing with them, giving them lots of fuss and attention.
The Cat Butlers also provide complimentary home care and security service. They do a light security check of the premises, take in post and deliveries and open and close curtains and blinds. They also switch lights on and off and water plants, which gives the home a ‘lived-in’ appearance while the client is away. The Butlers are also GPS-tracked and monitored by the head office – they check in when entering and leaving the client’s property, so the owners can rest assured their cat has been visited.
The Cat Butler service can be more affordable than a cattery for owners with more than one cat, as the Butlers charge a flat rate, starting at £13 per visit (depending on the area).
The franchise opportunity
“The cat population exploded during the pandemic as, understandably, people got cats for companionship,” Sandra explained. “Statistics tell us that there were 7.5 million cats in the UK in 2019/2020. That figure has now risen to 12 million cats, a 63 per cent increase and boy do we know it.”
“My franchisees and I are so busy we are having to turn people away every day as we simply can’t take on any more clients. We desperately need more Cat Butlers across the UK to join us, to share the load and build themselves a profitable and sustainable business, which could break even within six to 12 months, and that can eventually go on to sell for a decent price if they wish.”
The Cat Butler franchise is designed to be run as a management franchise – as the number of regular clients increases, the franchisee can take on self-employed cat carers to help with the service delivery.
The Cat Butler has been accredited by the British Franchise Association and is fully committed to upholding its standards of ethical franchising.
At a glance
Established:
2015
Number of franchised outlets:
2
Location of units:
Oxford and Bromley
Investment range:
£7,000 - £9,500 (depending on territory size)
Minimum required capital:
£7,000
Contact:
franchise@thecatbutler.co.uk
