Today, I want to talk about my other business, which keeps the wolf from the door and occupies most of my time. In fact, I work in my business seven days a week, and if I need time off to recharge my batteries, I have to book a holiday well in advance so I don't inconvenience my customers too much.
Running a cattery is not a 9-5 business, so it's not for the faint-hearted. It requires constant attention, whether ordering supplies, feeding our feline guests, cleaning, building maintenance or keeping on top of our business paperwork. However, it does allow me to work from home, and more importantly, I get to spend time outdoors—my happy place in nature.
When I first set up my boarding cattery, I was unsure if anyone would bring their beloved cats to stay with me! It was a gamble, but as the years rolled by, I could see that maybe I'd found my niche—after all, I've been an animal lover my whole life with a particular love of the big cats. Given a choice, if I'd had sufficient funds, I would have set up an animal sanctuary rather than worked in an office for 50+ years.
But here's the thing, running a cattery is not just about cats; you must also enjoy being around people if you're going to care for their pets! I've discovered over the years that some pet owners are so anxious about leaving their pets behind (probably feeling guilty) that they offload all that anxiety on their pets.
Cats and owners can arrive at the cattery anxious or stressed. Hence, as I also use a cattery for my cats, I fully understand their feelings and struggles, and it's my mission to make sure they are comfortable and happy when they leave their cats with me and their pets are comfortably settled into their new holiday accommodation.
I'm often asked why I started my business. Apart from my passion for cats, I don't view my business as just a job but more of a vocation and a responsibility that I take seriously. Of course, it comes with rewards, such as seeing owners' faces when they are reunited with their cats at the end of their holiday.
Over the years, we've looked after a few long-term boarders. Their owners have either gone to set up home abroad and then have their cats shipped out to them, or they are on a long-term overseas work assignment.
Caring for cats that are housed in a cattery for extended periods presents certain challenges. It demands a thorough understanding of their needs, including interaction with humans, playtime, and grooming. To prevent boredom, we provide a variety of toys, climbing structures, and elevated platforms where they can relax and observe their environment.
Given the limited space in the cattery, it's difficult to keep long-term boarders amused for months at a time, so we switch units (and therefore views across the garden) and supply various cat play tunnels, feathers on wands, and other stimulating cat toys.
Since opening in 2008, our business has thrived. However, I've realised that being constantly busy is not always a good thing so in 2019, I changed our opening times, ensuring we close on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. This was a great decision, allowing us to take a proper break and helping to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
So, almost 16 years on, how do I feel about my 7-day-a-week business? Well, truth be told, I still enjoy it, and as an animal lover, I wish I had started this business when I was younger, fitter, and more energetic.
The plus side of being fully occupied in later life is that it gives you something pleasurable to focus on and keeps you active and social. Some of my customers have become good friends, and over the years, I have enjoyed seeing their young cats grow and develop, each with their unique feline personality.
Going forward, our little business, run solely by my business partner and me, will no doubt have to consider how we operate as we head into our senior years. But for now, the business is doing great, and we are proud of our five-star licence. This licence issued by Wiltshire Council is a result of our extremely hard work and commitment to our customers and their pets, and we are incredibly proud to provide the best care for our feline guests.
For further information on my cattery please visit www.riversidecathotel,com or email us at rch@riversidecathotel.com
Thank you for checking in, Pam x
Comments