Taking My Three Cats from side hustle to franchise and why Wendy Thomson Melling believes Cats Deserve More

When Wendy Thomson Melling started her cat sitting business back in 2017, it was to earn a bit of extra cash caring for creatures she loved.She didn't expect that in just a few years she'd be able to ditch her old career as an accountant and set up a franchise business caring for cats across the country.My Three Cats first started in Warrington, Cheshire, and now Wendy has 350 clients across Warrington, 18 sitters on the team, and FIVE franchisees already operating in Blackpool, Bury, Preston, Sidcup and Orpington and Lowton, Atherton and Leigh.We recorded this interview in March and in just two months, Wendy had two new franchisees come and join her.Wendy and I have known each other since the 1980s when we went to St Wildrid's Primary School in Grappenhall, and when she started My Three Cats we worked together on a press release.That was back in 2021 and it was the fastest story published - we had the call and her story was online the same day.We've worked together more closely for a few years now in Pets Get Visible, and watching everything she has done growing My Three Cats, then starting her Cats Deserve More and now franchising has been amazing.In this episode Wendy talks about what it was like leaving a secure job in accountancy to standing on stage at The Cat Show Live and all she's learned.Topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Episode intro and what to expect.1.53 - Sponsor message - Pets Get Visible.2.59 - Wendy intro.6.13 - Starting cat sitting after her divorce in 2017 to get some extra cash to take the kids on holiday.8.23 - How cat care has changed over the last 10 years.10.31 - The Cats Deserve More campaign Wendy started.15.17 - What the really fast growth has been like for Wendy.18.35 - Wendy's experience of the franchise process.20.35 - Behind the scenes of a franchise business.23.15 - Taking a leap of faith with a huge stand at The Cat Show Live and talking on stage.24.15 - Her first franchisee joining after her talk.27.06 - What it's like working with her daughter.29.49 - How coworking has helped Wendy focus and have a routine.31.53 - What's worked in terms of visibility for Wendy and the importance of showing your face as a pet care brand.33.18 - Having the confidence to pitch to the press.34.58 - Getting comfortable on social media.37.08 - Having a steady plan and putting the brakes on to avoid burnout.40.16 - Going back to The Cat Show Live in September 2026.43.12 - How to find out more about Wendy.Links mentioned in this episodeIf you’re a pet business owner looking for support, community, and confidence to put yourself out there, come and join us in Pets Get Visible at www.rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visibleFind out more about The Cat Show Live on September 12th 2026 here: https://thecatshowlive.co.uk/Want to connect with Wendy and My Three CatsWebsite: www.mythreecats.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-thomson-melling-143910211/Further listening/reading: Katie Gwilt from the Kat Lady on running a cat business you love!Victor Carpio on Dragons Den and creating a toothbrush for catsBleu Stessia’s mission to boost cat health with My Cat GrassClaire Harris from Pets2Places on franchising and pet travel safetyHow to write a press release for your pet businessShould you buy my pet business planner