Kirkhill-based Copperfield Cattery, which has customers from Thurso to Elgin, on the market for more than £500k

A long-established family-run cattery is on the market for more than £500,000.

The owners of the Copperfield Cattery in Kirkhill, Inverness, are looking to sell up and semi-retire after running the business for 22 years.

Marie Waugh and Bob Pettitt found the cattery, which caters to felines from as far away as Elgin, by chance and knew instantly it was the place for them.

The pair built up the business from a small part-time cattery to a successful facility for up to 45 cats but are now looking to move closer to their children.

Marie explained that they moved to the property from Yorkshire with their young family to enjoy their favourite place - the Highlands.

The 57-year-old said: “We bought the cattery, which was purpose-built with the involvement of the SSPCA in 1980, when our children were small.

“We enjoyed being able to work while looking after our family. As our children became more independent, we were able to grow the business.”

The licenced cattery is located on a one acre rural countryside garden with a four double bedroom owners' accommodation and a garage.

There are flexible heated single, double, or triple cabins, including disabled cat provisions and blocks indoor with covered outdoor runs.

Marie, a mum-of-two, continued: “School holidays are the busiest - we call them ‘golden ticket weeks’ in reference to Willy Wonka.

“It’s very much repeat business through word of mouth. We have customers from as far back as 2003 who have returned with a succession of cats.

“People use the cattery for many reasons - mostly for holidays or visits, but also when having house repairs done or going into hospital.”

Financially, the business supports two full-time jobs.

The couple has developed elderly and disabled cat cabins in response to changes in cat care.

Marie explained: “With new veterinary treatments, cats are living longer - it's now not uncommon to have cats aged 18-plus staying with us.

“We've also introduced a self drop-off/collection system for customers travelling from far away. This allows them to drop off or collect their cat as their travel arrangements dictate, without disrupting family life.”

The cattery has customers from Thurso to Aviemore and Lewis to Elgin and is in a great location for the airport, A9, and railways.

There are almost 2000 customers on the database. Cattery places are at a premium caused by the closure of two catteries in the area over the last few years and bookings for peak periods are taken months in advance providing a significant level of financial certainty.

Marie, who is also a nan-of-two, said: “Our success is due to both us and the facilities - a friendly, caring, flexible, and accommodating service, plus an outdoor cattery with fresh air and heated cabins.

“We have bookings in the diary up to Christmas 2025. We expect the new owners to honour all bookings and ensure there are no gaps in service so our customers' long-standing plans are not disrupted. The buyers will take it on as a functioning cattery from day one, with existing customers and future bookings.”

The property is up for sale for £540,000. You can find out more here and here.

Marie added: “This is a lifestyle business, offering time during the day for yourself and your family.

“You can create your own opening times to suit. There is high demand for cattery spaces in the area, particularly during school holidays.

“After building it up, it was a tough decision, but it’s time for something new and to move closer to our children.

“We’ve met so many interesting people over the years - and cats, of course. Some have become family friends.

“Maybe Memoirs of Crazy Cat People will be our next venture!”

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