KIRKHILL, Inverness — A well-established family-run cattery in the Highlands has been put on the market for £540,000, as its owners prepare for semi-retirement after more than two decades of business.
Copperfield Cattery, located in Kirkhill near Inverness, has been run by Marie Waugh and Bob Pettitt for 22 years. The couple, who moved from Yorkshire to the Highlands with their young family, say it’s time to downsize and live closer to their children.
“We found the cattery by chance and knew right away it was the right place for us,” said Marie, 57. “We were able to raise our family while building a successful business.”
The purpose-built facility, originally developed in 1980 with input from the SSPCA, has grown from a small part-time operation into a busy boarding service with capacity for up to 45 cats. The licensed cattery sits on a one-acre countryside plot and includes a four-bedroom home and garage.
The business features heated single, double, and triple cabins—some designed for elderly and disabled cats—as well as covered outdoor runs. Demand for places is high, particularly during school holidays, which Marie refers to as “golden ticket weeks.”
With nearly 2,000 clients in its database, the cattery draws customers from across the region—from Thurso and Aviemore to Lewis and Elgin. Clients often return year after year, some dating back to 2003. Bookings are already scheduled through to Christmas 2025.
Marie attributes the cattery’s success to its flexible and caring service. “We’ve always aimed to be friendly and accommodating. The heated cabins and fresh air of the outdoor setup make a big difference,” she said.
The cattery also introduced a self-service drop-off and collection option, allowing customers with long journeys to manage their visits around travel plans.
The business currently supports two full-time jobs and offers a flexible lifestyle for the owners. “It’s a lifestyle business,” said Marie. “You can shape your day around the work. That’s been one of the biggest benefits.”
The couple hopes the new owners will continue running the cattery without interruption, honoring all current and future bookings.
Reflecting on their time at Copperfield, Marie added, “We’ve met so many lovely people—and cats—over the years. Some clients have become lifelong friends. Maybe writing Memoirs of Crazy Cat People will be our next chapter.”
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