Start a Cat Sitting Business: How a Fashion Traveller Built a Franchise in Preston

If you’re searching for how to start a cat sitting business in the UK or exploring cat sitting franchise opportunities, this story shows what’s possible when passion meets the right support.

After more than a decade working across London and travelling throughout Europe, one Preston professional has taken a very different path - swapping global fashion for a flexible, cat-focused business of her own.

Andrea Hardman, now owner of My Three Cats Preston, has launched a professional in-home cat sitting service in Preston and South Ribble, building a business around the animals she missed most while working away.

From Global Fashion Travel to Cat Sitting Business Owner

Andrea spent 12 years working as a visual merchandiser for major retail brands, travelling extensively and living a fast-paced lifestyle.

But no matter where she was, her thoughts were always back home.

“No matter where I was in the world, I was always thinking about them,” Andrea explains.

“You’re constantly wondering if they’re okay, if they’re eating properly, or if they’re missing you.”

While she had support from her daughter Amber, Andrea recognised something bigger - most cat owners don’t have that level of reassurance.

“That feeling of worry is what made me want to create something better.”

That idea became the foundation for her cat sitting business in Preston.

A Family-Run Cat Sitting Business in Preston and South Ribble

Now back in Lancashire, Andrea runs My Three Cats Preston alongside her daughter Amber - creating a trusted, family-run service for local cat owners.

They cover:

• Preston

• South Ribble

and surrounding Lancashire areas

Their approach is simple: cats stay at home, in their own environment, with one-to-one care tailored to them.

Andrea brings her eye for detail and professionalism, while Amber brings the brand to life online with their cats Ariel and Rosie - who are quickly becoming familiar faces for their followers.

For cat owners, that visibility builds trust. For Andrea, it’s helped grow a business rooted in both care and connection.

Why More People Are Starting Cat Sitting Businesses in the UK

Andrea’s story reflects a wider shift.

More people are now looking for flexible business opportunities, meaningful work with animals and alternatives to traditional 9–5 careers.

At the same time, demand for in-home cat care is growing as owners look for better options than catteries.

Cats are territorial by nature. Keeping them at home reduces stress and supports their wellbeing - making cat sitting businesses an increasingly popular choice across the UK.

Thinking About Starting a Cat Sitting Business?

This is usually the point where people start wondering… could I actually do this?

If you:

• Love cats (obviously 😄)

• Want more flexibility in your work

• Are thinking about starting your own business

• Feel done with the 9–5

…it might be worth exploring properly.

👉 Download the Cat Boss Escape Plan

A simple guide to help you understand what’s involved, what you could earn, and whether it’s the right fit for you

Starting a Cat Sitting Franchise vs Going It Alone

One of the biggest challenges when starting a pet care business is knowing where to begin.

Instead of building everything from scratch, Andrea chose to launch as part of the My Three Cats franchise - giving her access to:

• Proven systems and processes

• Training in feline care and behaviour

• Ongoing business and marketing support

• Technology for bookings, updates, and client communication

This allowed her to focus on growing her business locally, while being backed by an established, award-winning brand.

A Business Built Around Cats and Lifestyle

For Andrea, this isn’t just a business - it’s a lifestyle shift.

“Coming back to Preston to build something with my daughter, while supporting local cat owners, feels like the perfect homecoming.”

Her journey is one that many people are now considering - stepping away from traditional careers to build something more flexible, more personal, and more aligned with what they actually care about.

Could You Start Your Own Cat Sitting Business?

If you’ve ever thought about working with cats, starting your own business, or creating a more flexible way of life — this could be closer than you think.

With the right support, systems, and model, building a cat sitting franchise in the UK doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch.

👉 Join the waiting list to find out more about starting your own My Three Cats franchise and be the first to hear when new territories become available.