| As I discuss in my article "Pets Are Big Business," | | | | photographers specialize in photographing, painting, |
| Americans are more eager than ever before to lavish | | | | and drawing children, an entrepreneur with a love of |
| their beloved "furry children" with products and | | | | cats could carve out a niche in providing a |
| services that were unavailable just a few years ago. | | | | photography service for cats. How about a mobile |
| Here's another trend that spells opportunity: a | | | | photography service? Most cats don't like to ride in |
| growing percentage of pets in America are cats. Yes, | | | | cars. |
| cats now outnumber dogs. This trend is driven by a | | | | --Cat-decorated stuff. A spinoff of the photography |
| number of factors: | | | | service could be a selection of items adorned with |
| --Americans have busier lifestyles, with fewer children | | | | the cats' pictures-mugs, bags, shirts, calendars, etc. |
| in the family, and pets fill the void (with cats | | | | --Cat treats for senior cats. Less-active cats have |
| increasingly being the pet of choice). | | | | special dietary needs; some senior cats have trouble |
| --More homes are empty of people during the day | | | | chewing. You can find (or create) a recipe, find molds |
| (and cats are better than dogs at being left alone). | | | | in cute, cat-related shapes, and start your own |
| --Landlords who once would've forbidden all pets are | | | | cat-goodie bakery. You can sell them online as well as |
| more likely to accept cats. | | | | to pet shops, boutiques, and veterinary offices. |
| --More pets are being kept indoors, and cats are | | | | --Cat day care or in-home visitation for people who |
| more adaptable to an indoor lifestyle. | | | | don't want to leave their cats alone, but don't want |
| --As the human population ages, more older people | | | | to remove them from their familiar surroundings |
| are looking for furry companionship, and cats are | | | | either. |
| easier for seniors to care for. | | | | --Cat wearables. Cats generally aren't as agreeable to |
| This is a trend with no end in sight, which presents | | | | wearing human-type clothing as dogs are, but many |
| an opportunity to put more emphasis on cat | | | | people buy fancy collars for their cats. Breakaway |
| products and services. Consider just a few | | | | collars and glow-in-the-dark tags are evidence of cat |
| possibilities: | | | | owners' concern for their pets' safety. |
| --Cat houses, trees, swings, and other elaborate cat | | | | --Cat breeding, if you're passionate about a particular |
| play equipment. Some people have a family room or | | | | breed of cats. Just be sure to learn everything you |
| game room with a large amount of space devoted | | | | can about breeding to make sure you raise healthy |
| to such things. An entrepreneur with handy skills | | | | cats. |
| could provide ready-made products and/or plans for | | | | And when you're ready to market your new "catty" |
| do-it-yourselfers. Good-quality cat toys will always be | | | | business, be sure to work with a copywriter who |
| in demand. | | | | shares your passion for cats. Best of success in your |
| --Cat photography and portraiture. Just as some | | | | cat-pampering purr-suits! |