From Animal Welfare to the Cat’s Whiskers: A New Cat Butler Franchisee in Doncaster

Introduction

Tamsin Drysdale has spent most of her life caring for animals, from working as an RSPCA Inspector to fostering more than 150 kittens. Now, she has taken the next step by launching The Cat Butler Doncaster, offering professional home cat sitting services across Doncaster and surrounding areas.

Her journey feels like a natural progression, turning years of hands-on experience into a business built on trust, care and a deep understanding of cats.

From Forensic Science to Animal Welfare

Tamsin’s career path is far from typical.

Before dedicating nearly two decades to the RSPCA, she worked as a Forensic Scientist in the Home Office, bringing a completely different set of skills and experience to her work with animals.

For the past 18 and a half years, she has worked as an RSPCA Inspector, dealing directly with animal welfare cases and supporting animals from a wide range of backgrounds.

Alongside her professional work, Tamsin has fostered over 150 kittens, giving vulnerable cats a safe start in life, even though, as she admits, it’s never easy to say goodbye.

Reaching a milestone birthday prompted her to reflect on what came next. While she knew she wanted a change, she also knew animals would always be part of her life.

From Rescue to Everyday Care

Cats haven’t just been part of Tamsin’s career, they’ve been at the centre of her life.

Her experience spans everything from feral kittens to injured rescue cats, giving her a deep understanding of how important patience, routine and a calm environment are to a cat’s wellbeing.

“I know that cats are happiest in familiar surroundings, and I want to ensure they feel safe, relaxed and cared for while their owners are away,” she says.

At home, Tamsin shares her life with four cats, each with their own story.

Maisie and Spider both came from difficult beginnings and are now thriving, while Arthur and Angus, two brothers she fostered as kittens, quickly became permanent members of the family.

These experiences have shaped her approach, one that focuses on understanding each cat as an individual.

Why The Cat Butler

When Tamsin came across The Cat Butler, something immediately clicked.

After speaking with Sandra (founder and franchisor) and learning more about the franchise, she felt reassured that she would have the support needed to step into business ownership, something completely new to her.

The combination of structure, guidance and shared values made the decision feel like the right one.

“It was out of my comfort zone, but I felt supported every step of the way,” she explains.

For Tamsin, it wasn’t just about starting a business, it was about continuing to care for animals in a more personal, community-focused way.

Built on Trust, Care and Experience

With the launch of The Cat Butler Doncaster, Tamsin now offers home cat sitting visits designed to keep cats relaxed in their own familiar environment.

Visits include feeding, playtime, companionship and attentive care, all tailored to each cat’s needs.

But for Tamsin, it goes beyond the basics.

“For me, it’s not just about feeding and routine, it’s about building trust, forming connections and treating every cat as if they were my own,” she says.

Her goal is simple, to give local cat owners complete peace of mind, knowing their cats are safe, settled and genuinely cared for.

Looking ahead, she is excited to meet cat owners across Doncaster and continue doing what she loves most, working closely with animals every day.

Looking for a Trusted Cat Sitter in Doncaster?

If you live in Doncaster or nearby areas and need someone to care for your cat while you're away, Tamsin and The Cat Butler Doncaster team would love to help.

Learn more or make an enquiry here: The Cat Butler Doncaster
Phone: 01302 288026
Email: doncaster@thecatbutler.co.uk

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.