Cattery Licensing Requirements: What UK and US Breeders Need to Know
Licensing is one of the most confusing parts of starting a cattery, mainly because there’s no single national standard — rules differ by state, county, city, and country. This is a general overview of what to expect, but always verify with your specific local authority before assuming any of this applies exactly to you.
Quick Facts
| US Regulation Level | Varies by state and often county/city — no single federal cat-breeder license |
|---|---|
| UK Regulation | Licensing required under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 for breeders meeting certain thresholds |
| Common Trigger | Number of litters or breeding females per year (thresholds vary) |
| Typical Requirements | Facility inspection, health records, welfare standards |
| Renewal | Usually annual, with a repeat inspection |
| Cost Range | Often $50–$300+ depending on jurisdiction |
Why Licensing Rules Are So Inconsistent
In the US, animal breeding regulation is largely handled at the state and local level rather than federally, which means a breeder in one state might need a formal USDA license (typically for larger, wholesale-style operations) while someone in a neighboring state operating at a similar scale needs only a local business license, or nothing at all below a certain threshold. This patchwork is genuinely confusing, and it’s why “do I need a license” doesn’t have one universal answer.
US Licensing: What Typically Applies
A few general patterns show up across most US jurisdictions, though exact thresholds vary:
- USDA licensing: Generally required for breeders who sell wholesale (e.g., to pet stores or brokers) rather than direct to the public, and who exceed a certain number of breeding females
- State/local breeder permits: Many states or counties require a kennel/cattery permit once you exceed a set number of litters or animals per year, even for direct-to-buyer sales
- Business licensing: Separate from animal-specific licensing, most jurisdictions require a general business license if you’re selling kittens as an income-generating activity
- Zoning: Some residential zoning codes restrict the number of animals kept on a property, regardless of breeding status
Because thresholds and terminology vary so much, the most reliable first step is contacting your state’s department of agriculture or your county clerk’s office directly, rather than assuming rules from another state apply.
UK Licensing: What the Law Requires
In England, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 require a license from the local council for anyone breeding and selling a certain number of litters per year (the exact threshold has changed over time, so checking current guidance is essential). Licensed breeders are inspected and rated on a star system reflecting welfare standards, and license status is generally public information that buyers can check. Scotland and Wales have similar but separately administered frameworks.
What Inspections Typically Check
Regardless of jurisdiction, licensing inspections generally look at similar things:
- Cleanliness and appropriate housing conditions
- Adequate space per animal
- Access to veterinary care and up-to-date health records
- Proper socialization practices for kittens
- Record-keeping for litters, sales, and health testing
What Happens If You Skip Licensing
Operating above the legal threshold without a license can result in fines, forced closure, or in serious cases, animal welfare charges — but beyond the legal risk, unlicensed status is increasingly something buyers actively check for, especially with registries and breed clubs encouraging transparency. It can make it meaningfully harder to sell kittens to informed buyers, even where the legal risk itself is low.
FAQ
Do I need a license if I only have one litter a year?
Often not, but thresholds vary by jurisdiction — some areas set the bar at a specific number of litters or breeding females per year, so it’s worth checking your specific local requirement rather than assuming.
Is TICA or CFA registration the same as a legal license?
No. Registry membership (TICA, CFA, etc.) is about pedigree documentation and breed standards, not legal compliance — you may need both a registry membership and a local government license depending on where you operate.
How do I find my specific local requirements?
Start with your state’s department of agriculture (US) or your local council’s animal licensing page (UK) — county- and city-level rules can add additional requirements on top of state or national law.
This article is for general informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for legal advice. Licensing requirements change and vary significantly by location — always verify current rules with your local or national licensing authority before breeding.