Cattery Start-Up Guide | Complete Explanation from Cat Breeder Animal Handling License Registration to Facility Operations
"I want to start serious cat breeding," "I'd like to turn my breeding hobby into a business"—more and more prospective breeders are thinking this way. However, conducting cat breeding and sales as a business requires Class I Animal Handling Business (Sales) registration by law. Selling without registration constitutes a violation of the Animal Welfare and Management Law, making it essential to understand the legal procedures correctly before opening. This article provides a comprehensive explanation from an expert perspective covering registration requirements, facility standards, and operational procedures necessary for launching a cattery.
Conditions Requiring Animal Handling Business Registration
Under the Animal Welfare and Management Law, conducting cat breeding and sales as a business requires Class I Animal Handling Business (Sales) registration. The criteria for determining "as a business" are as follows:
- Selling to unspecified multiple parties
- Conducting sales on a continuous or repeated basis
- Operating for profit
Pure hobby-based transfers of one or two cats between individuals (free or cost-only) may fall outside the scope, but if you conduct continuous sales through SNS or marketplaces, the activity will likely be deemed "as a business." It is recommended to consult with the relevant local government office (prefectural or municipal) in advance.
Registration Requirements: Appointment of an Animal Handling Supervisor
The biggest hurdle for registration is the requirement to place an Animal Handling Supervisor. One of the following must be met:
Route A: Credential Holders
- Companion Animal Care Manager (Grade 1 or 2)
- Domestic Animal Manager (Grades 1–3)
- Veterinarian
- Companion Animal Nurse (national qualification)
- Other credential holders as specified in Ministry of the Environment ordinance
Route B: Practitioners with Work Experience
- Six months or more of practical experience (animal husbandry work) + one year or more of schooling in an animal-related field
- Or one year or more of practical experience + Companion Animal Care Manager qualification or equivalent
Since Route B requires "six months to one year or more of practical experience," those without experience should prioritize obtaining Route A credentials (Companion Animal Care Manager being the most common option).
Registration Application Process
The application should be submitted to the relevant department of the prefecture (or designated city) where the facility will be established (Animal Welfare Center, Public Health Division, etc.).
Application Flow
1. Pre-consultation (confirm facility plans at relevant office)
2. Document preparation and submission (registration application form, facility blueprints, supervisor credentials, regulations, etc.)
3. Facility inspection (on-site inspection by official)
4. Registration certificate issuance (typically 1–2 months after approval)
Main Documents Required for Application
- Class I Animal Handling Business Registration Application Form
- Facility layout diagram with dimensions and floor plan
- Animal Handling Supervisor credentials or work experience certification
- Animal Care and Management Rules (document describing proper husbandry and management methods)
- Registration fee (varies by prefecture, typically ¥15,000–¥25,000)
Cattery Facility Installation Standards
Facility standards vary in detail depending on prefectural ordinances and guidance, but the common major standards are as follows:
Housing Space
- Minimum floor area per cat: approximately 0.2–0.4 m² (adult cats)
- Cage height: 0.5 m or more
- When housing multiple cats in the same room, a structure that can manage stress and infection between individuals is necessary
Sanitation Management
- Materials and structure that allow daily removal and disinfection of waste
- Ventilation and air circulation equipment (to maintain ammonia concentration within safe levels)
- Drainage facilities that enable washing and disinfection
Temperature and Environment
- Cooling equipment to prevent high temperature and humidity in summer (optimal cat temperature 20–28°C)
- Insulation structure to protect from external temperatures
- Structure allowing natural light to enter or artificial lighting
Isolation Room Setup
An isolation room for new cats and cats with suspected infections is practically essential. The isolation period should be at least 14 days (ideally 30 days), and a room with an independent ventilation system is recommended.
Breeding Records and Document Management
Class I Animal Handling Business operators are required to maintain and keep records. Primary record contents are as follows:
Sales Ledger (retain for 3 years)
- Date of sale
- Type, sex, age, and characteristics of animals sold (breed, coat color, etc.)
- Name and address of buyer
- Selling price
Animal Care and Management Ledger
- Individual identification information (name, breed, date of birth, sex, microchip number)
- Vaccination records and deworming records
- Health check records
- Breeding records (parent cats, date of birth, number of kittens, weaning date, etc.)
Using software designed for breeders (such as BreezyBreezer or small animal management ledgers) to manage these digitally can significantly reduce the burden of record-keeping.
Regulations on Kitten Sales (8-Week Age Regulation)
Following the 2021 revision of the Animal Welfare and Management Law, transfer of kittens and puppies under 56 days (8 weeks) of age is prohibited.
This regulation ensures proper contact with the mother cat and littermates during the critical socialization period (weeks 2–7 of life). Early weaning is scientifically confirmed to increase risks of aggression, behavioral problems, and reduced immune function.
As a responsible breeder, confirm the following before transferring kittens after they reach 8 weeks of age:
- First vaccination completed by 8 weeks of age
- Deworming treatment completed (for roundworms, giardia, etc.)
- Weight confirmation (exceeding the breed standard minimum)
- Microchip implantation and registration completed
Ongoing Obligations After Opening
Registration is not a one-time process; renewal procedures occur every 5 years. Additionally, the following obligations continue:
- Annual mandatory continuing education for the Animal Handling Supervisor
- Self-inspection and recordkeeping of facilities
- Notification of changes (facility relocation, scale changes, supervisor changes, etc.)
- Risk of administrative guidance, improvement orders, or license revocation if violations occur
Summary
Operating a cattery is a fulfilling profession for those with deep affection and expertise for cats. However, fulfilling legal obligations—animal handling business registration, appointment of an animal handling supervisor, compliance with facility standards, and record management—provides the foundation for maintaining a long-term operation as a trusted breeder. If you are considering opening a cattery, we recommend first consulting with your local animal welfare center to accurately understand the necessary requirements before proceeding with your plans.
