From Cause to Paws: The Cat Butler Expands to Hornchurch & Upminster

Introduction

After more than a decade working in animal welfare, Clare Rowley has taken an exciting step into business ownership by launching The Cat Butler Hornchurch, bringing premium home cat sitting services to Hornchurch,  Upminster, Bulphan and surrounding areas.

Her journey shows how a lifelong love of animals, combined with years of experience in cat welfare, led her to start her own professional cat care business.

From Charity Sector to Cat Sitting Business Owner

Clare has always been passionate about animals. From a young age, she was drawn to caring for pets and spent years volunteering and supporting local animal initiatives.

For the past 10 years, she worked with the RSPCA, first auditing care standards in rehoming centres and later managing partnerships with other charities. Although she loved the role, a period of change within the charity sector gave Clare the opportunity to reflect on what she wanted next. She decided it was time for a more hands-on role, working directly with animals while building something of her own.

A Lifelong Passion for Cats

Throughout her career, cats have always held a special place in Clare’s heart.  “I loved visiting the rehoming centres and meeting animals getting ready for their second chance. My favourite place was always the cattery, especially when there were kittens,” she said.

At home, Clare shares her life with two very different but equally loved cats. There’s Noah, her quiet 14-year-old black long-haired cat, and Olive, a lively 11-year-old ginger who lives up to every stereotype. Both were adopted from unwanted litters and are now very much pampered members of the family.

Living with cats of different personalities has given Clare a deep understanding of their individual needs, from shy and nervous behaviours to playful and confident traits.

Bringing The Cat Butler to Hornchurch and Upminster

After leaving the RSPCA, Clare knew she wanted to continue working with animals, but in a more personal and flexible way.

When she discovered The Cat Butler, the brand immediately stood out. Its focus on cat welfare, professionalism and community values aligned perfectly with her own experience and beliefs.

With the launch of The Cat Butler Hornchurch, Clare now offers trusted home cat sitting visits, allowing cats to stay comfortable in their own familiar surroundings while their owners are away. Visits include feeding, playtime, companionship and attentive care, ensuring every cat receives a personalised service tailored to their needs.

Providing Peace of Mind for Local Cat Owners

As both a cat owner and someone with extensive experience in animal welfare, Clare understands how important trust is when leaving a pet in someone else’s care.

Her goal is to build a service that local cat owners can rely on, time and time again. “I’ve lived in Hornchurch my whole life, so offering a trustworthy service to my own community means a lot to me,” she says.

Looking ahead, Clare is excited to combine her professional background with her passion for cats, while also continuing to support local charities and the wider community.

Looking for a Trusted Cat Sitter in Hornchurch and Upminster?

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

Learn more or make an enquiry here:  https://www.thecatbutler.co.uk/location/hornchurch/
Phone: 01708 691199
Email: hornchurch@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.