Expert: Shanti Zinzi - 11/7/2010

Question
Hello,
 I have been thinking and i want to start my own cat
kennel. I would like to know if you have any idea where i
could start because i have no clue what to do. I would like
to build a small building on my current property but i know
i need permission from the town hall in my town. I live in
the woods but on a main road. I know location might be an
issue but i would like to try. If you know anything about
starting a cat kennel i would love any information you can
give me. Thank You.

-Nathan

Answer
Hi Nathan,
I am not sure of your intent- a cat kennel to breed? Or are you an animal rights activist wanting to rescue and save animals from certain death at the local county animal shelters? Are you wanting to keep them for yourself? Or what exactly are you hoping to do?

Is your intent to breed? Because I am 100% against breeding and here is why - Over 4 million cats and dogs are killed in this country alone each year and breeders adding to the population is also part of the problem. There are people that help rescue  certain breeds (without populating them) that are in danger in each county's country and that is a noble endeavor.
Confinement is NOT a healthy thing for cats or any living being, but if it is SHORT AND TEMPORARY with lots of stimulation, affection, exercise, fresh air, proper food and water with and all of the necessary requirements which includes helping with feline instinctual needs and your intent is to help the animals killed each year by PLACING THEM IN GOOD, STABLE, LOVING HOMES FOR THE DURATION OF THEIR LIVES that would be match for their personality then I would get some  necessary training in cat behavior, feline health and diseases and go from there. Remember overcrowding brings rampant disease as well. Potential homes for each cat need to be interviewed and matched to the feline's behavior. For ex, you don't place a very shy, fearful feline in a house of toddlers.
A safe area with access to the grass, trees and sun can be built to help them with  boredom while they are being kenneled that keeps them away from danger. You should understand feline behavior and how to handle and work with skittish animals and learn of the dangers of over-vaccinating and giving proper care. I think annual vaccines are a western medicine monopoly oversight but vaccines do save lives and should be given at a certain age and titers should be tested later before vaccinating again. Consult a holistic vet because it will cost you a lot, to house, spay/neuter/feed and build an adequate place for them. Typical diets cause problems and these are friskies, whiskas, purina, fancy feast and all that garbage will cause health issues.

Also, you wouldn't place a bunch of kittens with the elderly who are unable to socialize the kittens properly with lots of handling or give proper exercise and care. Elderly might be better matched with an older lapcat. You also wouldn't place a very cat reactive cat in a home of inexperienced cat owners that own other cats.
If your intent is to help animals then I would volunteer my time at the local pound and see how you can help.
If your intention is to help save lives and properly rehome animals then talk with other local rescues and think about starting a 501c3 which is a non profit status to help these beasts. You would need to have a board in place.
Here is to helping animals that are so poorly neglected and abused and killed in this country and many if not all countries in the world. Here is to helping the 4 million cats and dogs that the US government kills every year. That figure does NOT include private practice euthanasia by the way. Here is to helping protect a sensitive creature that brings joy to our world.
Shanti